protyle

/ ˈprəʊtɪl; ˈprəʊtaɪl /

noun

1. a hypothetical primitive substance from which the chemical elements were supposed to have been formed

Word History and Origins

Origin of protyle¹

C19: from Greek prōt- proto- + hylē substance

Example Sentences

This result he considered to be due, not to any removal of impurities, but to an actual splitting-up of the yttrium molecule into its constituents, and he ventured to draw the provisional conclusion that the so-called simple bodies are in reality compound molecules, at the same time suggesting that all the elements have been produced by a process of evolution from one primordial stuff or “protyle.”

From Project Gutenberg

Flattering himself with the title of materialist, he was in truth one of the most credulous of men, but he required a marvel to be neatly draped in the robes of science before he would give it any credit, and the wildest dreams took solid shape to him if only the nomenclature were severe and irreproachable; he laughed at the witch, but quailed before the powers of the hypnotist, lifting his eyebrows when Christianity was mentioned, but adoring protyle and the ether.

From Project Gutenberg

Sooner or later it will have dissolved into the 'formless mist' of protyle and 'the hour hand of eternity will have completed one revolution.'

From Project Gutenberg

Reasoning from the recently discovered law of periodicity among the elements, he discusses the possibility of their being formed from the cooling of one primitive form of matter, which he calls protyle.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Crookes' researches have led the more advanced chemists to regard the atoms as compound, as a more or less complex aggregation of protyle.

From Project Gutenberg