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ATOMS AND MOLECULES
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manifestations (modifications) of matter. And those in which these modes are produced are forms of matter. Modifications of matter such as cutting, splitting, etc., described in the scriptures, are included by the particle 'ca' in the sutra.
The divisions of matter are mentioned next. अणवः स्कन्धाश्च
II 34 Anavaḥ skandhāśca
(25) 25. Atoms and molecules (are the two main divisions of matter).
That, which occupies one space-point and possesses the capacity to produce the modes of touch, taste, etc., is called an atom. Owing to the minuteness of its size, the atom is itself the 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.
Are these modes of matter, atoms and molecules, beginningless, or with a beginning? As these originate, these have a bėginning. In that case how are these formed ? First the
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