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DISSERTATION ON THE ATMOSPHERE CONSIDERED IN ITS 
CHEMICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND METEOROLOGICAL RE- 
LATIONS. 
By Mr. R. West Pearson. 
PRIMEVAL CONSTITUTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE. 
Cicero sagely remarked that 66 to be ignorant of what has 
been done before our time, is ever to remain in a state of 
childhood.” In accordance with the spirit of this observa- 
tion, we deem it expedient, before entering into a minute 
analysis of the existing air, to trace very briefly the chemical 
history and constitution of the atmosphere, during the ages 
which elapsed ere light dawned upon man. 
We advisedly employ the expression, “very briefly,” since 
the full elucidation would tax finite mind, but a limit is 
desirable, and to be striven for even amidst the illimitable. 
The physical sciences have been long employed and with 
much success, to translate the hieroglyphics of nature as to 
the phases of matter : we believe chemistry may be induced 
to contribute her quota likewise. 
We grant that chemical science deals not with cosmical 
myths, and that chemists are not prone to wander far under 
fancy’s guidance, to the exclusion of sound judgment. But 
we are persuaded that facts abound, from which true induc- 
tion may glean a tale that will garnish a chapter concerning 
great and memorable epochs in the history of the world. 
Chemistry teaches that every form of matter hitherto sub- 
jected to tests, is made up of certain ultimate parts, being, 
chemically indivisible, known as elements. The sixty elements 
are stable things, though they assume varied shapes, and often 
seem to undergo chamelion-like metamorphoses. Combi- 
nations vary infinitely, but individual elements abide con- 
stantly the same; uninfluenced by time they will, doubtless, 
endure during its entire evolution. Now one characteristic 
attribute of the all-wise Creator, undoubtedly, is economy. 
All the elements of power are used, but none abused. 
Quality and quantity appear alike, with determined relation 
to weight, measure, and number. The many and beautiful 
operations constituting the perpetual magic of nature, are 
wrought by the simplest means, and, we have reason to 
believe, a priori , that precisely the same elements which form 
the scene of this times world, were active in and effected 
past revolutions of matter. But more positive evidence may 
be found although ages have rolled away, and the face of 
nature has been changed. A feeling, akin to that which 
