From the many proofs of the non-contact of the atoms, even in the most solid parts of bodies; from the very great space obviously occupied by pores--the mass having often no more solidity than a heap of empty boxes, of which the apparently solid parts may still be as porous in a second degree and so on; and from the great readiness with which light passes in all directions through dense bodies, like glass, rock-crystal, diamond, &c., it has been argued that there is so exceedingly little of really solid matter even in the densest mass, that _the whole world_, if the atoms could be brought into absolute contact, _might be compressed into a nutshell_. We have as yet no means of determining exactly what relation this idea has to truth.--_Arnott._ 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._ MINUTE ATOMS OF THE ELEMENTS: DIVISIBILITY OF MATTER. So minute are the parts of the elementary bodies in their ultimate state of division, in which condition they are usually termed _atoms_, as to elude all our powers of inspection, even when aided by the most powerful microscopes. Who can see the particles of gold in a solution of that metal in _aqua regia_, or those of common salt when dissolved in water? Dr. Thomas Thomson has estimated the bulk of an ultimate particle or atom of lead as less than 1/888492000000000th of a cubic inch, and concludes that its weight cannot exceed the 1/310000000000th of a grain.