Atoms Quote by John Dalton
“Matter, though divisible in an extreme degree, is nevertheless not infinitely divisible. That is, there must be some point beyond which we cannot go in the division of matter. ... I have chosen the word “atom” to signify these ultimate particles.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A New System of Chemical Philosophy, 1808
Matter appears infinitely divisible, but there is a smallest indivisible unit called an atom.
In simple terms: Atoms are the smallest pieces of matter.
Key Takeaway
Accept that matter has a fundamental limit.
Themes
science
physics
philosophy
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- materials science
- nanotechnology
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
Atomic theory
reductionism
limits of division
Questions to Reflect On
- What implications does atomic theory have for modern technology?
- Can anything be truly indivisible?
A Different Perspective
The concept of indivisibility may be challenged by quantum fluctuations.
![“Matter is capable of infinite subdivision...All matter is in a state of perpetual activity [motion], whether the substance under consideration be inanimate or animated, visible or invisible...There is no dividing of matter and force into two distinct terms, as they both are ONE. FORCE is liberated…” quote by John Ernst Worrell Keely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4a5/john-ernst-worrell-keely-92158_activity_matter-is-capable-of-infinite-subdivisio_2420438.jpg)
![“[Decoding the human genome sequence] is the most significant undertaking that we have mounted so far in an organized way in all of science. I believe that reading our blueprints, cataloguing our own instruction book, will be judged by history as more significant than even splitting the atom or…” quote by Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c6/francis-collins-5281_atoms_decoding-the-human-genome-sequence-is-th_15604.jpg)
