Jaganmohanlal Pandita Sadhuwad Granth

Author(s): Sudarshanlal Jain
Publisher: Jaganmohanlal Shastri Sadhuwad Samiti Jabalpur

Page 390

Jain Theory of Skandhas or Molecules 289
Methods of Formation of Molecules or Skandhas
The formation of molecules takes place by combination or aggregation of atoms according to the theory of Bonding proposed by the Jainas and discuased elsewhere 18 When small number of atoms combine, they form sense-imperceptible molecules. When many atoms or molecules combine, they form gross molecules. It is stated in literature that combination takes place by three methods19:
(i) By division or dissociation of molecules of bigger size to smaller ones.
(ii) By association or sharing of atoms together.
(iii) By a mixed process of association and dissociation.
The dissociation may take place by internal or external causes as in radioactivity or process of ionisation. We also know today that it may also take place thermally, by application of pressure or bombardment. It is said that these methods are akin to the three types of valency or bonding of current science subject to certain modified version of traditional opinions.
Umaswami and Pujyapad20 have pointed out that sense-perceptible molecules are formed by the mixed method of association and dissociation. The latter has illustrated this point by saying that a fine molecule may be split and its parts may combine with other bigger molecules to form a gross molecule. However, Shastri has raised a point whether Umaswami's aphorism should mean a mixed process or two individual processes. Grammatically, the dual number in the aphorism should mean two processes rather than a single one, otherwise, there should be singular number in the aphorism. There must be some specific aim in this composition the commentarians have not elaborated. However, it is quite common to have visible molecules by combination of atoms or fine skandhas. Shastri seems to be right to seek how division as a single process can yield gross molecules. There are, however, a number of examples today to prove this. Sulfur Dioxide or Carbon Dioxide are canonically invisible gases and they, on thermal or electrical decomposition, give solid visible sulfur or visible sulfur or carbon skandhas. Jain22 has exemplified these processes by formation of hydrochloric acid and ionisation of air representing combination and division respectively. Hence visible skandhas are formed bothways and the corresponding aphorism should mean two individual processes. However, examples of molecular formation by combination of the two processes are also available. Thus, aphorism concerned seems to be superfluous in view of aphorism "Bhed-Samghatebhyah Utpadyante". This point requires closer examination.
18. Jain, N. L; Chemical Theories of Jainas, Chymia, 11, 1, 1961, p. 11 19. Jain, G. R.; see ref. 13 p. 140
20. ibid. p. 146
21.
Shastri, JML; Jain Shastron main Vaigyanik Sanket, This vol., p. 228 22. See ref. 13 p. 146
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