ABSTKACTS. 
85 
factors (atomic and molecular 'masses and rate of motion thereof and 
therein) will enable us to control the properties of matter. Unfortunately, 
such control, in the present state of our ignorance, is handicapped by nu- 
merous limitations. However, it is the province of science to undertake 
the removal of these limitations. 
Hearty all of the important researches directed toward the solution of 
the problem of the transmutation of matter have traveled along the line 
of dissociation at high temperatures; which, to my mind, means an ac- 
celerated motion within the masses. The new suggestion is, that we reverse 
the order, and study the properties of matter in the neighborhood of what 
has been called the absolute zero — which means a lower rate of motion. 
The difficulties in the way are great, indeed — so great that centuries of 
time may elapse before progress of a high order may he made. But it is 
incumbent upon us to “blaze the way,” and bequeath to others the greater 
results. 
Here the author entered into a mathematical discussion of the well 
known gas laws. Projecting them over liquids and solids, he showed how 
it would be necessary to change the constant in one case to a variable in 
the other, and presented the general formula: Y where x is a va- 
riable at present determinable, or constant, only in specific cases. He 
stated that this formula had a wider range of applicability and more 
nearly expressed the truth concerning the absolute zero; that it reached 
beyond the conclusions of Clement and Desormes. 
Continuing, he said: 
If the absolute zero were at — 273° C., this generation would have the 
glorious privilege of witnessing the most wonderful phenomena, produced 
at will by the art of man; and within the period of another century trans- 
mutation would become a demonstrable fact. Within the past two years 
the element hydrogen has been liquefied by Professor Olszewski, of Cra- 
cow, and observation places its boiling point at — 243.5° C. From calcu- 
lations made by the same observer. Helium would not be liquefied above 
— 264° C. So the approach of the absolute zero of Clement and De- 
sormes is near at hand, and we are at the threshold of some extremely im- 
portant discoveries. 
But evidence has accumulated tending to prove that — 273° C. as the 
real absolute zero (in the sense of perfect atomic rest) is no longer tena- 
ble, and many calculations seem to show the true zero- to be lower. The 
ultimate transmutation, then, will not occur at — 273° C.; but, when the 
lower temperatures are obtainable, we may look for the solution of the 
problem that engaged the attention of the alchemists “since time whereof 
the memory of man runneth not to the contrary.” 
It would lead me too far, and consume too much time, to bring before 
