Researches in the Theory and Calculus of Operations. 303 



into etherial mildness, where finally arose man the unique 

 admirator and ultimately the successful metrologist of the 

 ever-glorious universe. 



31. With a genial temperature ranging between 40° and 

 130°, when the waters ceased simmering, and the lighter 

 metalloid elements oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, chlorine, 

 carbon, sulphur, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, etc. sub- 

 sided into a transitory repose upon the surface occupied by 

 the heavier metallic bases ; with such retrospective condi- 

 tions a new production could arise, consisting of compound 

 substances capable to act the part of simple elements in the 

 opening drama of the sublunary world. Under a former 

 higher temperature, water in vapor (oxide of hydrogen) 

 had been abundantly formed by the combustion of the 

 positive element hydrogen in the negative element oxygen, 

 and now covers all but the granitic hills and the upheaved 

 mountain chains and scattered volcanic peaks. Under the 

 affinity of the same all- devouring element oxygen, the then 

 plentiful carbonic element (plumbago, graphite) soon blazed 

 forth into carbonic acid (oxide of carbon), suffusing the air 

 with the smoky pabulum thereafter transformed into vege- 

 table substance, or otherwise combining directly with cal- 

 cium into limestone, the prospective base of molluscous 

 shells and animal bones (carbonate of lime); silicium took 

 the form of sandstone (oxide of silicon); aluminium turned 

 to clay (silicate of alumina); iron passed into magnetic 

 oxide, etc. etc. These, and an indefinite number besides of 

 mineral compounds of more or less complexity, make up 

 the mineralogist's catalogue of specimens and the jeweller's 

 invoice of gems and precious stones. Excluding these last 

 mentioned fixtures, to the former scanty list of less stable 

 compounds must we look for the origination of the deter- 

 minate forms and specific qualifications which adhere to 

 and govern in the growth and development of the multi- 

 farious living denizens who people and cumber and con- 

 taminate the air, water, and soil of the terraqueous globe. 



