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Early References to Modern Ideas
Plato describes gold as consisting of particles which are homogeneous in character and differing only in size (Stillman 17). This idea seems very similar to our idea of the modern element. The only problem is that Plato believed in the basic 4 elements - fire, air, earth, and water.
Plato speaks of the formation of rusts of copper and iron as losing some of their elementary earth. This may have contributed to the long held idea that oxidation was accompanied by a loss of something from the substance burned (Stillman 18).
The ancients did have an understanding of gases. They knew of the dangers that gases caused when digging wells. They first tested the well before they entered. A lit candle was lowered, and if the flame went out, they knew it was dangerous to enter. If it was dangerous they dug trenches down to the sides of the well to help the gases vent (Stillman 39).
The idea of not using lead pipes was known to the ancients. Vitruvius recommended not using lead pipes after he observed the effects on workers at smelting operations (Stillman 38).
Diodorus came up with the idea of sterilization of water after some experimenting. He discovered that living things did not grow in water that was boiled (Stillman 77).
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