Foundations of the atomic theory : comprising papers and extracts by John Dalton, William Hyde Wollaston, M. D., and Thomas Thomson, M. D. (1802-1808).

Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Foundations of the atomic theory : comprising papers and extracts by John Dalton, William Hyde Wollaston, M. D., and Thomas Thomson, M. D. (1802-1808). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    oxygen, the atoms of which weigh 5 and 7 respectively; that nitric acid is a binary or ternary compound accord- ing as it is derived, and consists of one atom of azote and two of oxygen, together weighing 19; that nitrous oxide is a compound similar to nitric acid, and consists of one atom of oxygen and two of azote, weighing 17 ; that nitrous acid is a binary compound of nitric acid and nitrous gas, weighing 31 ; that oxynitric acid is a binary compound of nitric acid and oxygen, weighing 26 ; 4th. That carbonic oxide is a binary compound, consisting of one atom of charcoal, and one of oxygen, together weigh- ing nearly 12 ; that carbonic acid is a ternary compound (but sometimes binary) consisting of one atom of char- coal, and two of oxygen, weighing 19; &c. &c. In all these cases the weights are expressed in atoms of hydrogen, each of which is denoted by unity. In the sequel, the facts and experiments from which these conclusions are derived, will be detailed ; as well as a great variety of others from which are inferred the con- stitution and weight of the ultimate particles of the prin- cipal acids, the alkalis, the earths, the metals, the metallic oxides and sulphurets, the long train of neutral salts, and in short, all the chemical compounds which have hitherto obtained a tolerably good analysis. Several of the con- clusions will be supported by original experiments. From the novelty as well as importance of the ideas suggested in this chapter, it is deemed expedient to give plates, exhibiting the mode of combination in some of the more simple cases. A specimen of these accompanies this first part. The elements or atoms of such bodies as are conceived at present to be simple, are denoted by a small circle, with some distinctive mark; and the com- binations consist in the juxta-position of two or more of these; when three or more particles of elastic fluids are combined together in one, it is to be supposed that the