It is well known that, to
them, except in certain particular bodies like the vapour of mercury
and argon, the molecule comprises several atoms, and that, in compound
bodies, the number of these atoms may even be fairly considerable. But
physicists rarely needed to have recourse to the consideration of
these atoms. They spoke of them to explain certain particularities of
the propagation of sound, and to enunciate laws relating to specific
heats; but, in general, they stopped at the consideration of the
molecule.
The present theories carry the division much further. I shall not
dwell now on these theories, since, in order to thoroughly understand
them, many other facts must be examined. But to avoid all confusion,
it remains understood that, contrary, no doubt, to etymology, but in
conformity with present custom, I shall continue in what follows to
call atoms those particles of matter which have till now been spoken
of; these atoms being themselves, according to modern views,
singularly complex edifices formed of elements, of which we shall have
occasion to indicate the nature later.
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