4. On Vortex Atoms

Abstract

After noticing Helmholtz's admirable discovery of the law of vortex motion in a perfect liquid, that is, in a fluid perfectly destitute of viscosity (or fluid friction), the author said that this discovery inevitably suggests the idea that Helmholtz's rings are the only true atoms. For the only pretext seeming to justify the monstrous assumption of infinitely strong and infinitely rigid pieces of matter, the existence of which is asserted as a probable hypothesis by some of the greatest modern chemists in their rashly-worded introductory statements, is that urged by Lucretius and adopted by Newton; that it seems necessary to account for the unalterable distinguishing qualities of different kinds of matter. But Helmholtz has proved an absolutely unalterable quality in the motion of any portion of a perfect liquid, in which the peculiar motion which he calls “wirbel-bewegung” has been once created. Thus, any portion of a perfect liquid which has “wirbel-bewegung” has one recommendation of Lucretius' atoms—infinitely perennial specific quality. To generate or to destroy “wirbel-bewegung” in a perfect fluid can only be an act of creative power. Lucretius' atom does not explain any of the properties of matter without attributing them to the atom itself.