MATTER, SUBSTANCE, BODY. 
479 
become merged in the infinite variety which characterizes the development of 
bodies. And it is with the laws of the constitution and relations, of the reactions 
and comportment of bodies that the science of chemistry is alone concerned. 
Atom, Molecule , Particle. In close analogy with the triplet which we have 
been discussing, but at the opposite extreme on the scale of magnitude, is 
another triplet,—Atom, Molecule, and Particle or smallest part. With respect 
to the first two, their meaning is too well defined for any confusion to be possiole. 
The third might advantageously be reserved to denote the smallest parts of 
which compound, and perhaps even simple, bodies are composed. . lor, it io by 
no means to be taken for granted, that these ultimate parts are identical with 
molecules, since each such part may consist of a group of molecules, less or more 
numerous. Nor does it seem altogether beyond the reach of possibility, that a 
day may come, when we shall be in a position to demonstrate, though not per¬ 
haps to see, the ultimate particles of some, if not of all bodies. 
I cannot agree with Mr. Tilden, that the Atomic theory is employed simp y 
as a metaphor. True, that it must ever remain a theory, inasmuch as the actual 
physical existence or nature of these assumed atoms can never be demonstrated. 
But neither can the existence of space, nor the reality of body. An atomic 
theory is an absolutely indispensable hypothesis, without which a coherent and 
stable science of chemistry would be simply impossible. 
If it were necessary to support the opinions I have advanced respecting JMaaei 
by an appeal to authority, I might point to the fact, that among ail nation*, as 
soon as men began to philosophize, and to construct systems of cosmogony they 
have ever conceived the first element of creation such as I have depicie r it.'" 
The philosophies of Chaldea and Egypt, of Persia and India, are all founded, 
upon the conception of a negative and passive element, called sometimes - x g » 
or Darkness, sometimes Chaos, sometimes the principle of Evil; but always by 
some designation the opposite of light and activity.y , 
We meet with no reliable atomic theory of cosmogony, corresponding to the 
conception of Substance, till we come to the Greek schools, m which the subtle 
and restless intellect of that versatile race developed every phase of the cosmo¬ 
gonic idea, from the Matter taught by the Pythagorean Empedocles whose 
very words mmlit have been adopted in my sketch, to the atomic oubstance 
of the Ionic school, then to the distinct atoms of the Eleatic sect, till we are 
landed in the gross corporealism of the particles, erroneously called atoms, of 
the Epicurean system.£ 
* I mav he allowed to sny in a note, wliat would scarcely be permissible in the text of a 
•purely scientific journal, viz. that it would be remarkable, unless we were able to assign a 
valid reason for the fact, that the more profound philosophies, those which allied themselves 
the most closely with the religious idea, inevitably adopted pure matter as tae basis of tueir 
cosmogonies • and in proportion as systems receded from this basis, through atomic substance, 
atom«°and corpuscules, in like proportion the religious idea.became weakened and disappeared. 
And for this very sufficient reason. The reciprocal ideas of matter and of Intelligent omnipo¬ 
tence are so inextricably associated and so infinitely repellent, that to bold either firmly calls 
un and sustains the other in equal strength; just as the intensity of the electric fluid at one 
pole is balanced by a corresponding and co-ordmafe intensity at the antagonistic po e. 
Whereas, systems which commence their cosmogony with one or more ot the first great 
stages m the act of creation already completed, have, m proportion to the advanced stage 
nf oosmos-onic basis which they make their starting-point, less and less need ot a cieator 
to finish the work ; and therefore naturally issue in what is usually called materialism, but 
which would more appropriately be ^Splriilon spread 
T Wide on the wasteful deep ; with him enthroned 
Sat sable-vested Night, eldest of things, 
The consort of his reign ; and by them stood 
Orcus and Hades .”—-Paradise Lost, Bool'c II. 
I Rather of the later and degenerate Epicureans-a degeneracy, however, which was only 
