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of vibration, etc. And, in fact, such theory was about finally adopted as a working hypothesis until the discovery of the Corpuscle. Everything in Substance now seems to be moving back to the Corpuscle, as we shall see a little further on.

The following is a list of the principal Elements, known to Science, today: Aluminum. Of the above, Hydrogen is by far the lightest in weight; in fact it is used as a unit of Atomic Weight, its weight being marked “1” on the scale; Gold, 197; Lead, 207; Silver, 108; Oxygen, 16; Nitrogen, 14; Iron, 56.

The discovery of the Corpuscle, or Electron, rudely shattered the vortex-ring theory of the origin of the Atom, and now, instead of the Atom being regarded as a “vortex-ring” in that hypothetical, paradoxical absurdity, the Ether, it is believed to be composed of a vast number of tiny particles called Corpuscles, as we saw stated in our last chapter.

These Corpuscles seem to be the “last thing in Substance”—its last known state of refinement, and already it is being proclaimed as the long-sought for “Primal Matter,” or “Ultimate Substance.” Whether or not a still finer state of Substance will be discovered Science is unable to say, but thinks it unlikely.

But we must not overlook the old Occult Teaching indicating a state of Substance so fine that it is imperceptible, and only recognizable as apparently “free force”; its covering, or vehicle of Substance not being evident. This would seem to indicate a still further refinement of Substance, although perhaps the “Corpuscle” or “Electron” will answer to “fill the bill” in the case.

As to the Corpuscle being “Primal Substance,” it must be admitted that its advocates have presented a very strong case. One of their most important points is that although Molecules differ very materially from each other, according to their kinds; and while Atoms likewise manifest very plainly their “kind,” the Corpuscle seems to possess only one “kind” no matter from what form or “kind” of Substance it is thrown off.

Just think what this means. It means that the finest particles of Gold, Silver, Iron, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and all the rest of the Elements, are composed of identically the same material, and exhibit no differences in “kind.” The Elements are no longer “Simple.”

All Substance is One, at the last analysis! The Corpuscles seem to possess the same Mass—to carry the same charge of Electricity—to act precisely the same—irrespective of their source. No difference in size, mass or character, as in the case of the Atom —all are identical, save in the rate of their vibration at the time of observation, which is simply a matter of more or less Motion.

Space seems to be flooded with these tiny particles—these Units of Substance. They stream from the Sun; the Stars; and every body highly heated. Likewise they stream from the bodies of highly electrified Substance. Groups of these Corpuscles, absolutely identical in nature, size, mass, etc., constitute the Atoms of the Seventy-five Elements, the “kind” of Element seemingly being dependent upon the number and arrangement of the Corpuscles, and possibly by their rate of vibration.

Every Atom is like a great bee-hive with a swarm of Corpuscles vibrating, moving around each other, and upon their own centres. And, if by the action of intense heat, transmitted, or caused by interrupted Motion—or if by a strong Electric charge—some of these Corpuscles are detached from the Atoms (or possibly an Atom broken up), they fly off through Space at a marvellous speed of many thousand miles an hour.