650 



SCIENCE 



[N. S. Vol. XXXIV. No. ! 



weight and the density differences brings the 

 elements much nearer the true position. It is 

 then inferred that the distance on the last 

 curve by which each element is separated from 

 its ideal position, taken with opposite sign, 



This brings into clear light the relative im- 

 portance of valence, atomic weight, density 

 and the ideal " position." The atomic 

 weights have had a primary value in placing 

 the elements nearly in that natural order. 



Fig. 5. Ecliptic Eelations. Eefractivity in detail. The large number on the right is the 

 coefficient of refraotivity. The small one on the left represents the factor to be multiplied into 

 the constant at the border to obtain this refractivity. 



would represent the value of the remaining 

 functions which influence the position of the 

 elements. We must perhaps go back to the 

 conditions of formation of the elements to 

 find these values reduced to zero. 



which has brought out their periodic or har- 

 monic relations, and the suggestion of a 

 " position " of ideal symmetry. It had some- 

 thing the value of a scaffolding to the com- 

 pleted building. 



