Note 70 — Chapter I · ON WATER AND ITS COMPOUNDS

The above representation of solutions, &c., considering them as a particular state of definite compounds, excludes the independent existence of indefinite compounds; by this means that unity of chemical conception is obtained which cannot be arrived at by admitting the physico-mechanical conception of indefinite compounds. The gradual transition from typical solutions (as of gases in water, and of weak saline solutions) to sulphuric acid, and from it and its definite, but yet unstable and liquid, compounds, to clearly defined compounds, such as salts and their crystallo-hydrates, is so imperceptible, that in denying that solutions pertain to the number of definite but dissociating compounds, we risk denying the definiteness of the atomic composition of such substances as sulphuric acid or of molten crystallo-hydrates. I repeat, however, that for the present the theory of solutions cannot be considered as firmly established. The above opinion about them is nothing more than a hypothesis which endeavours to satisfy those comparatively limited data which we have for the present about solutions, and of those cases of their transition into definite compounds. By submitting solutions to the Daltonic conception of atomism, I hope that we may not only attain to a general harmonious chemical doctrine, but also that new motives for investigation and research will appear in the problem of solutions, which must either confirm the proposed theory or replace it by another fuller and truer one; and I for my part cannot consider this to be the case with any of the other present doctrines of solutions (note 49).