Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Atoms<br />
The atomic hypothesis of the Nyaya-Vaiseshika explains the<br />
properties of matter and the nature of atoms and molecules. The<br />
atom, in Sanskrit arm, is invisible and intangible, but is called<br />
paramanu when it assumes a state of tangibility. The<br />
paramanu, or the smallest possible dimension of an elementary<br />
particle, is generally calculated as between 1/1,000,000 and<br />
1/349,525 of an inch. Aggregations of atoms produce the<br />
molecule, or 'sthula bhutani', which produces the visible universe.<br />
Four kinds of atom arc distinguished in the Vaiseshika system, each<br />
possessing certain characteristic properties such as number,<br />
quantity, individuality, mass, gravity, fluidity, velocity, and<br />
certain potentials of sense stimuli. The four types correspond to the<br />
grosser matter of material phenomena: earth, water, fire and air.<br />
(The other, fifth, element, ether or space, is considered to be nonatomic<br />
in structure, serving only as a receptacle of sound.)<br />
Spherical in shape, atoms have a characteristically vibratory or<br />
rotary motion. Atoms have an inherent impulse to unite to form<br />
molecules, and as long as they are not subject to the influence of<br />
corpuscles of heat, atoms of the same elementary substance unite to<br />
form homogeneous binary molecules. Under the impulse of their<br />
basic tendency to unite into larger aggregates, binary molecules<br />
then combine to form ternary and quarternary molecules. In this<br />
way the variety of substances belonging to the same element class<br />
results from the molecular combination and configuration of<br />
atoms of that element. On the other hand, polybhautic compounds<br />
are formed by the union of atoms of heterogeneous substances<br />
belonging to the various classes of bhutas or gross matter.<br />
The atomic theory of the Jaina system offers an interesting<br />
hypothesis about the formation of chemical combinations.<br />
According to this theory (c. AD 40), mere contact between two<br />
atoms or molecules is not sufficient to produce a compound. Such<br />
composition is, rather, based on an interlinking which must<br />
precede the compound's formation. This interlinking can only<br />
take place between two particles of opposing character, though no<br />
linking is possible if the opposing qualities are feeble or defective.<br />
On the other hand, particles of homogeneous quality can only<br />
unite to form molecules if the strength and intensity of one particle<br />
is at least twice as great as the other's. This linking forms the basis of<br />
all qualitative transformations in atoms. This view is very like the<br />
dualistic hypothesis of chemical combination propounded by the<br />
Swedish chemist Berzelius.<br />
Payodhi-jala, the Primordial<br />
Waters. The force of the manifested<br />
universe, whether primordial water<br />
or primordial atoms, is the source of<br />
all being. Rajasthan, c. 18th<br />
century. Gouache on paper.<br />
107