Who Discovered Atoms – Indian, Greek or English?

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Most people around the world give credit for the discovery of atoms to either English chemist John Dalton (1766-1844 AD) or ancient Greek philosopher Democritus (470 – 400 BC). But, only a few people know that atoms were first discovered by an Indian. Yes, the great Indian philosopher or sage Maharishi Kanad was the one who discovered atoms in 600 BC. He named them paramanus (‘param‘ means ultimate and ‘anu‘ means particle).



Since ancient times, thinkers like Maharishi Kanad, Democritus and John Dalton suspected that everything consisted of tiny particles. However, in the absence of any experimental proof, their atomic theories or models are solely based on logical and scientific thinking. But, with advances in science, today we know that atoms are for real. We can even see atoms through very powerful electron microscopes.

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ATOMIC THEORY OF MAHARISHI KANAD
Maharishi Kanad, who first discovered atoms in 600 BC

Maharishi Kanada

Maharishi Kanad an Indian Sage in one of his books ‘Kanada Sutras’ talked about his discovery of atoms.

He discovered that all matter or things consist of indestructible particles called paramanus, now called atoms. He further discovered that paramanus or atoms do not exist in a free state. They combine with other paramanus to form a bigger particle called anu, now known as molecules. There are different types of paramanus and each one of them exhibits specific properties.

To know more about Maharishi Kanad, click here.

 

DEMOCRITUS ATOMIC THEORY

The Greek Philosopher – Democritus

Democritus (about 470 – 400 BC) of Ancient Greece suggested the world and everything in it consists of particles, which were so small that they are invisible to our eyes. He believed that these particles were unimaginably hard, lasted forever, and always moving about. Democritus named particles discovered by him atoms, which comes from the Greek word ‘atomos’, meaning indivisible. Most of the people in the western world consider Democritus as the one who discovered atoms, but it’s not true. Maharishi Kanad discovered atoms much before Democritus in 600 BC. However, no evidence suggests that Democritus’s discovery of atoms was inspired in any way by an Indian Sage – Maharishi Kanad.



JOHN DALTON’S ATOMIC THEORY OR MODEL

John Dalton (1766 – 1844 AD) was a science teacher who also kept detailed records of the weather. He discovered that every element consisted of tiny particles, atoms. Dalton further discovered that atoms of an element were identical to each other but differ from the atoms of other elements. He also gave names and symbols to about 36 elements. However, he thought that atoms were solid spheres, like metal balls, which could never be destroyed. Also, some substances which Dalton believed were elements are now known to be combinations of elements or compounds.

John Dalton and his symbols for 36 elements

John Dalton – Symbols for 36 elements

The main features of John Dalton’s atomic theory or model are:

  1. Matter consists of very small and indivisible particles called atoms.
  2. The atoms of an element are identical in all respects i.e. size, mass, density, chemical properties, but they differ from the atoms of other elements.
  3. Atoms of an element combine in small numbers to form molecules of that element.
  4. Atoms of an element combine with the atoms of another element in a simple whole-number ratio to form molecules of compounds.
  5. Atom is the smallest unit of matter which takes part in a chemical reaction.
  6. Atoms can neither be created nor be destroyed. During chemical reactions the only rearrangement of atoms takes place.

Due to various experimental studies, we now know that most of the features of atoms as described by John Dalton’s atomic theory are incorrect. Even though Dalton was right that atoms take part in chemical reactions.



Similarities in Maharishi Kanada, Democritus and Dalton’s Atomic Theories or Models

Although, all three – Maharishi Kanad, Democritus and John Dalton discovered atoms with a wide gap of time among them still many similarities exist between their atomic theories. They stated –

  • Atoms are – indestructible
  • An atom is the indivisible smallest particle of an element.
  • Atoms of the same elements are – alike in all respects.
Difference between Dalton’s and Modern Atomic Theories or Models
The picture is the part of the post who discovered atoms - Maharishi Kanad, Democritus or John Dalton. It brings out major differences between Dalton's and modern atomic theories or models.

Difference between Dalton’s and Modern Atomic Models or Theories

 

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