Element, Chemical

The original forms of matter that cannot be separated into constituents by any known proce . They are about seventy in number. Some of the rarer ones are being added to or cancelled with the progre of chemical discovery. For their electric relations see Electro-chemical Equivalents--Electro-chemical Series. The elements in entering into combination satisfy chemical affinity and liberate energy, which may take the form of electric energy as in the galvanic battery, or of heat energy, as in the combustion of carbon or magnesium. Therefore an uncombined element is the seat of potential energy. (See Energy, Potential.) In combining the elements always combine in definite proportions. A series of numbers, one being proper to each element which denote the smallest common multipliers of these proportions, are called equivalents. Taking the theory of valency into consideration the product of the equivalents by the valencies gives the atomic weights. 237   STANDARD ELECTRICAL DICTIONARY.