Chemical Formulæ of Mineral Compounds

Abstract

MR. TIBYRIÇÁ's formula, which amounts to the statement that M 2 is divisible by 8, may be interpreted in the following manner. Every atomic number of the elements from 2 (helium) to 21 (scandium) may be represented by the expression 2 + 8d + v, where d is an integer from 0 to 2 and v an integer from 0 to 4, equal to the valency of the element. This is supposed to be due to the arrangement of the electrons in layers; the first complete layer consisting of two, the second and third of eight electrons each; the valency being an excess above or a deficit below a complete layer. The elements with +v are often described as positive, those with v as negative. In any compound of two atoms in which the atomic number of one contains + v, and that of the other contains v, the total molecular number, M, will be 2 × 2 + 8(d + d), whered and d may be the same or different. Similarly, in a compound containing atoms, with the sum of the + valencies equal to that of the valencies, the total molecular number will be ×2 + 8(d+d+etc.), where (d+d+etc.) is an integer n. This is Mr. Tibyriçá formula. In minerals, which are compounds, consisting only of elements with numbers from 2 to 21, all combination is between elements with + valency (including for this purpose the tetrads) and those with valency, and their valencies are all satisfied. The only exception of which I am aware is carbon monoxide, which undoubtedly exists in a natural state.