Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A hypothetical form of primal, undifferentiated matter from which, it has been imagined, by granulation or segregation of minute but definite masses may have been produced the atoms of the various chemical elements.
- noun An imagined supersensible, imponderable, indifferent, or primal substance, from which all forms of living matter are supposed to be derived by modification, differentiation, or specialization. Also called variously biod, biogen, zoëther, psychoplasm, etc.
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- noun (Chem. & Astron.) The hypothetical homogeneous cosmic material of the original universe, supposed to have been differentiated into what are recognized as distinct chemical elements.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun physics, chemistry, historical A hypothetical base
substance from which all chemicalelements were believed to have been made;subatomic particles .
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
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Examples
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The atomic theory refers all bodies to one homogeneous basic substance, which has been termed protyle (proto-hyle), from which, by means of a process loosely defined as differentiation, all the elements are derived.
Second Sight A study of Natural and Induced Clairvoyance 1864-1929 Sepharial 1896
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It was conjectured that all the elements might be composed of some one substance, for which a name, protyle, meaning first material, was coined.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2: Assizes-Browne 1840-1916 1913
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The primordial substance -- corresponding to the "protyle" of our Monists -- is composed of Five Elements, which are mystically identified with Five Buddhas, all of whom are really but different modes of the One.
Japan: an Attempt at Interpretation Lafcadio Hearn 1877
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Sir Norman Lockyer interprets the observed phenomena as indicating the successive combinations, in varying proportions, of a very few original ingredients; [663] but no definite sign of their existence is perceptible; "protyle" seems likely long to evade recognition; and the only intelligible underlying principle for the reasonings employed -- that of "one line, one element" -- implies a throng beyond counting of formative material units.
A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition 1874
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It is now some years since the late Sir William Crookes attempted to explain the periodicity of the properties of the elements on the theory that they have all been evolved by a conglomerating process from some primal stuff -- the protyle -- consisting of very small particles.
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In these corpuscules we have the one first material, or protyle.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2: Assizes-Browne 1840-1916 1913
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Recent discoveries have resuscitated this never quite abandoned theory; protyle seems to have been discovered, and the atom has ceased to hold its place as the ultimate division of matter.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2: Assizes-Browne 1840-1916 1913
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This seemed to conflict with the accepted definition of the atom, as protyle indicated something anterior to or preceding it.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2: Assizes-Browne 1840-1916 1913
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Prescott, then, believes that the elements are merely progressive variations of an original substance or base called 'protyle,' from which everything is derived.
The Poisoned Pen 1908
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Prescott, then, believes that the elements are merely progressive variations of an original substance or base called 'protyle,' from which everything is derived.
DGB commented on the word protyle
The Ethers are not yet understood, though science has accepted that they exist.
The understanding of Protyle will grow, with the knowledge gained, through scientific investigation
From AAB, The fourth ether is even now being investigated by scientists, and much that they predicate concerning ether,the atom, radium and the ultimate "Protyle" has to do with this fourth ether. It will eventually be brought under scientific formula, and some of its properties, knowledge concerning its range of influence, and its utilization will become known unto men.
A good quote : Science is the handmaiden of wisdom
May 14, 2014