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ON THE NATURE OF CHEMICAL ACTION.

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THE NATURE

OF

CHEMICAJL ACTION,

part in.

The different actions which result from the proper applicationof the bodies enumerated before, when either in a simple state,or when combined together, are founded on certain agencies in-herent in all matter. This we take for granted and consider as afact, without pretending to explain how bodies came to be pos-sessed of these agencies, or how they are capable of exerting it.

Philosophers therefore express the unknown causes which pro-duce the changes by the metaphors of ATTRACTION and RE-PULSION.

Before we attempt to give an explanation of these terms, weshall endeavour to exemplify what is understood by chemical ac-tion in general. We therefore flatter ourselves that the follow-ing simple facts intended for that purpose, will not be deemedfrivolous, our chief object being to advance in this place somepalpable, positive, and negative proofs which show, that when-ever chemical action takes place, the properties of bodies be-come altered, and their individuality destroyed.