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Verse 26
beginning, the middle and the end. It has been said so in the scriptures. “The atom is itself the beginning, the middle and the end. It cannot be perceived by the senses. Ascertain that which cannot be divided as the atom (an infinitesimal particle).” Molecules are collections of atoms, which in their gross state can be taken by the hand and handled. If action is present in a few instances, by synecdoche it can be extended to others in conventional acceptation. Hence the word ‘molecule' is applicable also to molecules consisting of two or more atoms, which cannot be handled etc. Though matter is of infinite varieties, still it is divided into two classes on the basis of atoms and molecules. The plural is used in the sutra in order to indicate the infinite varieties of matter included under these two classes of 'atoms' and 'molecules'. The two terms ‘atoms' and molecules' are mentioned separately, without being combined into a compound, in order to indicate the connection between this and the two previous sutras. The atoms are characterized by touch, taste, smell and colour. Molecules, on the other hand, are characterized by sound, union, fineness, grossness, shape, division, darkness, image, sunshine, moonlight as well as by touch, taste, smell and colour.
Jain, S.A., Reality, p. 153.
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