THE WORLD OF ATOMS.
The infinite groups of atoms flying through all time and space, in different directions and under different laws, have interchangeably tried and exhibited every possible mode of rencounter: sometimes repelled from each other by concussion; and sometimes adhering to each other from their own jagged or pointed construction, or from the casual interstices which two or more connected atoms must produce, and which may be just adapted to those of other figures,—as globular, oval, or square. Hence the origin of compound and visible bodies; hence the origin of large masses of matter; hence, eventually, the origin of the world.—Dr. Good’s Book of Nature.
The great Epicurus speculated on “the plastic nature” of atoms, and attributed to this nature the power they possess of arranging themselves into symmetric forms. Modern philosophers satisfy themselves with attraction; and reasoning from analogy, imagine that each atom has a polar system.—Hunt’s Poetry of Science.