Name for the Positive Nucleus

Abstract

A NAME is wanted for the fundamental unit of matter, which is also the unit of positive electricity as at present known. The name “electron” is best limited to the unit of negative electricity, about which a good deal is by this time known. Less is known about the positive unit, but it appears to be the brick of which all atoms are built up, electrons acting as cement. Nearly all the mass belongs to the positive unit, and the simplest atom—namely, hydrogen—appears to consist of one positive and one negative unit electric charge. The heaviest atom known has ninety-two such charges, and among the chemical elements are all intermediate grades. Prout's famous hypothesis that every element was a multiple of hydrogen is thus, with some modification, being confirmed, though the unnamed unit is not exactly an atom of hydrogen, but the nucleus, the main substance, of that atom.