History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c14.s1.28

c14.s1.28

The atomic theory of the Jainas (circa 40 A.D) is characterised by a very remarkable and interesting contribution to the subject of chemical combination. It relates to their analysis of atomic linking and the mutual attraction or repulsion of atoms in the formation of molecules. The Jaina system of philosophy holds that the different classes of elementary substances (*bhūtas*) are all made up of the same primordial atoms. Hence, the same kind of interatomic forces is involved in the formation of chemical compounds, as well as of molecules, from atoms