i88i.;, 
Correspondence. 
305 
ments, therefore we should not seek in the elements for the pro- 
perties of a compound such as protoplasm. As the properties 
are not “ totally different,” but merely varied , the statement 
shows F. G. H. is ignorant of the properties of the elements ; 
and further, if we are not to examine the elements of protoplasm 
to discover its properties, we suppose neither are we to examine 
bricks and mortar to see whether a building is to be eredted 
durably or not. — I am, &c., 
And. Dewar. 
THE EVOLUTION OF THE CHEMICAL ELEMENTS. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science . 
Sir, — It has often been remarked as a curious fadt that elements 
closely allied in their properties are very commonly found to- 
gether in Nature, as is shown in the case of nickel and cobalt, 
of sulphur and selenium, and, above all, of the earths in 
Samarskite. I am not aware, however, that the bearing of this 
fadt upon the question of the origin of the elements has ever 
been taken into consideration. If the elements have existed as 
distindt bodies from all eternity, or have been separately created, 
what is the likelihood, according to the dodtrine of chances, that 
those most similar to each other should occur in close juxta- 
position ? Surely very small ! Nor can it well be contended 
that they have been brought together by the force of chemical 
affinity, which adts between the unlike rather than between the 
like. But if we suppose that the elements have been formed 
from some original material or materials, we can well expedt 
that bodies differing but little in their nature should be formed 
under the adtion of nearly identical circumstances, and should 
consequently occur together locally, just as is the case with 
organic forms. — I am, &c., 
Abnormal. 
Dr. R. Lewins, as the author of the work referred to (“Journal 
of Science,” April, p. 202) by Frank Fernseed, wishes to point 
out that his meaning has been misapprehended. He does not 
objedt to qualified men devoting their time to research so long as 
their powers admit, and is very far from proposing any restric- 
tions upon Science. 
