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COMBINATION OF ATOMS
a father, and from the point of his father he is a son. Similarly with regard to his other designations. In the same manner, substance is permanent from the point of view of general properties. From the point of its specific modes it is not permanent. Hence there is no contradiction. These two, the general and the particular, somehow, are different as well as identical. Thus these form the cause of worldly intercourse.
A question is raised. That which exists is governed by the doctrine of manifold points of view (relative pluralism). Therefore, it is proper that molecules are formed from matter by division and union. But there is this doubt. Are molecules of two atoms and so on formed by mere union, or is there any peculiarity? The reply is this. When there is union of atoms, these atoms are transformed by combination into one object which is a molecule. If it is so, why is it that certain atoms combine and certain others do not, though all of them are of the nature of matter? Though the atoms are not different as far as their nature as matter is concerned, combination is established on the basis of capacity derived from the effect of mutual differences among infinite modes.
स्निग्धरूक्षत्याद्वन्धः Snigdharūkşatvādbandhaḥ
(33) 33. Combination of atoms takes place by virtue of greasy (sticky) and dry (rough) properties associated with them.
Owing to internal and external causes, the greasy property (smoothness) is manifested.
Matter possessing it is called greasy. Similarly that which is dry is dry. The two are greasy and dry. Greasiness and dryness are the qualities. Greasiness is the mode characterized by oily (sticky) quality. The opposite of greasiness is dryness (roughness). Greasiness and dryness are the causes of combination of matter. These properties develop combination of two atoms etc. When there is combination of an intermingling nature between two atoms of greasy and dry properties, a molecule of two atoms is produced. In the same manner, the formation of molecules of numerable, innumerable and infinite space-points have to be understood. The greasy property
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