between the Atomic\ Weights. 405 
in exact proportion to the number of facts which accord with it. 
Moreover, the closeness of the connection is unimportant. Wheth- 
er the value of p be expressed by a single digit, or by a compli- 
cated algebraic formula, is evidently a matter of indifference so 
far as the confirmation of the law is concerned. 
THE NINE SERIES. THE SIX SERIES. 
p. Gr. __ 1 Sp. Gr. pre 
At. ‘ : At. W. 
Sp. Gr, = 8-++- n9. Sp. Gr. = 16 + 12. 
N SPECIFIC GRAVITIES. SPECIFIC GRAVITIES, % 
ames, Names disasaieal ining il 
pareay: Theoret. | Observed. Theoret. Observed. 
yge 5 xygen j 
Fluorine | 17 | Nitrogen 28 14 
Cyanogen 26 26 Phosphorus 64 64 
lovine = [© > 85. | "855 ‘| Arsenic | 148 150 
Bromine | 80 | 48 Antimony 256 
Todine |. 196 ve Bismuth 412 
I regret exceedingly that there are not stfficient data in the 
case of any of the other properties of the elements in the state of 
gas to allow comparison, as I feel confident that the law which 
governs their variation in the series might easily be discovered ; 
but [ look forward to the time when in the general formula 
pa+npb the value of p shall be known, not only for the proper- 
ties of the elements in their gaseous state, but for every property 
capable of numerical expression. 
In this memoir I have confined myself entirely to the elements, 
but it is evident that the classification here offered, and the nu- 
Merical law here explained, may be extended to all compounds. 
The elements of any one series, by combining, give rise to per- 
fectly parallel series of homologous binaries, some of which are 
given in the table. The binaries of those series which have the 
greatest common difference are generally acids; and of those 
Which have the smallest, they are generally bases. ‘These acids 
and bases unite together and form series of homologous salts. As 
It organic chemistry, many of the series are very incomplete ; but 
y are much more generally perfect than in that newer depart- 
Ment of the science, and almost every day fills up some gap. 
It will be seen, then, that not merely a plan has been given for 
classifying the elements, but one which will also embrace all 
inorganic compounds, and affiliate with the similar classification 
Which has already been established in organic chemistry. We 
have not attempted to develop such a classification, since to do it 
Would require a volume; nor is it necessary, as any one can de- 
Velop it for himself. 
‘That the atomic weights of the series of homologous com- 
Pounds follow the same numerical law as those of the elements 
Is easily shown. T'ake as an example the series of salts homolo- 
80us with KO, NO;, which may be expressed in general by 
Secon Serres, Vol. XVII, No. 51.— May, 1854. 52 
