A Fourth State of Matter | Nature

ABSTRACT MR. CROOKES has given us optical evidence of the existence of matter in a state of tenuity known hitherto only indirectly, and considers himself warranted in affirming the discovery

of a fourth or ultra-gaseous condition; yet it can scarcely be conceded that he has demonstrated the truth of his views, or that his recent exposition of them, has strengthened his position

or satisfied the doubts of the sceptical. It is simply a question of the use or misuse of certain specific terms, and it is difficult to follow the logic which justifies the creation of a

“fourth state” by the attribution of properties not differing essentially from those of matter in its normal condition. Before his contention be granted it should be proved that the

substance under experiment possesses properties exclusively and inalienably its own; as rigidly defined as those which distinguish the solid from the liquid, or the latter from the gaseous.

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support AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * London GEO. E. NEWTON Authors * GEO. E. NEWTON View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE NEWTON, G. A Fourth State of Matter. _Nature_ 22, 240 (1880). https://doi.org/10.1038/022240b0 Download

citation * Issue Date: 15 July 1880 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/022240b0 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Get shareable link

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