Where's Atom? A Search for the Origin of the Atom -Chapter 2

Searching For Atom

I sat for a moment, somewhat baffled at the fact that a seemingly familiar word such as 'atom' was not in a dictionary from the late 20th century. Granted, it wasn’t a scientific dictionary, but that didn’t seem like it should be an excuse to exclude “the basic building blocks of life” from its pages. So, I figured I was on to something.

In desperation to avoid the computer just a little longer, I went back to my bookshelf to search for other potential resource treasures I had forgotten about. To my surprise, I uncovered yet another dictionary hidden behind a candle I’ve used as decor for over 30 years. I’m not sure when or where I obtained this book, as it’s dated even decades older than I, and, despite being the perfect size for travel, I don’t recall carrying this around back in the day.

Regardless, it did have an entry for "atom": "small particle."

While this didn’t help clarify what an atom is, it did prompt my memory of the initial issue I had with this topic, explaining why I was still confused all these years later. And much of my problem stemmed from words like “particle.”

 

The Origin of the Atom - The SERPs Labyrinth

I let out a sigh as I sat in front of my laptop and opened up my web browser. I hit up a few online dictionaries first in an attempt to introduce myself to the actor playing the main character of this story. And, as I half expected, the entries of every source I checked did not match with one another, with each offering slightly different vocabulary and some, not surprisingly, using contradicting language in the definition.

...Um, Calling all scientists: If someone could explain how the smallest component is composed of smaller components, I sure would appreciate it...

With a flimsy, sweaty handshake established, my next play was to look up the etymology of 'atom.' And the moment the page opened, the first word I saw was “hypothetical.” …Hmmm…, well, “Atom,”..., if that even is your real name,... I think I have an idea about how this will end. However, the only way to scratch this itch is to confirm my suspicions, which, at this moment, are as follows:

atoms are:

• A) a gravity-esque misdirect

• 2) a complete fabrication, or

• III) a genuine, intricate scientific breakthrough of which I have the slightest understanding.

Although, should that be the case, then I would still suspect it to be taught and relayed with a misdirect…

After noting any hints offered, yet not before being reminded I am to harbor a subconscious fear of this word, and with a theory in place, I set out to course the convoluted labyrinth known as “The Serps.” I ventured to inquire with one of the two AI programs I bother to attempt to use as a tool to my advantage, Perplexity AI.

To which I must say, I’m not too excited to admit I enjoy and, dare I say, “appreciate” this machine learning software stuff. Don’t get me wrong. Most days, I’m on team John Connor, and I say “please” and “thank you” to Alexa. You know... just in case.

Though, to its credit, Perplexity AI has provided me with great starting points for any rabbit-hole research endeavors I decide to embark upon. And this hunt was no exception. It also gave me another big clue; notably, Modern atomic theory is not based on the old concept of atoms being indivisible particles, which came from Wikipeedon, so it’s likely a solid play on a narrative push. Moreover, such a source often contains too many misdirects, is too vague, or, as in this case, is overwhelming with puzzling, non-linear details to be of any help.

Other points came from etymology.com, which I had just seen, and indeed, these collaborated with what I saw there well enough for this point in the pursuit. So, that left me with just one place to explore. And as my luck would have it, it was from NPC, excuse me, NPR.

Apparently, they had done a segment on “Talk of the Nation” back in 2010 titled “Science Diction: The Origin of the word ‘Atom.’” I mean, c’mon; this is calling my name!

I clicked the link and was brought to the transcript, which I began to read, soon to discover that it was pure Notnilk nonsense narrative. So, I decided to turn on the audio and read along with the script while the parrots put on a little show.

Listening to this was interesting because I heard not only what was being said but I heard the “agenda” behind it. The host spoke, and my brain would mock it: Call out significant Time Gap to establish Willful Ignorance in the Blindly Accepting. Push praise of Popular Characters in Narrative Misdirect. End with an analogous joke to create a relatable bond.

I don’t know about you, but that type of stuff is always a nice reminder that I‘m happy to be out of the Matrix. Admittedly, when I was living life as a perpetual potential Agent Smith, informational entertainment like this was totally my jam. Not NPR specifically, but I watched more than my fair share of PBS and whatnot. What can I say? I was kind of a nerd. And I suppose I still am.

Anyway, that Narrative Push Radio presentation provided me with many possibilities regarding the next turn I should take through this maze. And when one is traversing rabbit holes, every little decision will alter the course of your path and lead you astray. Should I explore the ridiculous 2000-year time gap, should I read up on the curiously named Democritus, or should I run to the alchemy book that caught my eye?

Yet, when reviewing my notes, I realize while I potentially uncovered the narrative’s origin of the idea of atoms, I’m still a bit shaky in my understanding of modern science’s explanation of what atoms are. So, I figured it best to first peek my head into the "Popular Culture theater" to see what was happening there.

I went to my everyday search engine this time and typed, “What is an atom?” and began scrolling through the results, scanning the answer snippets as they went by. And, as it were, I soon picked up on a theme.

Atoms cannot be seen.

Atoms are mostly empty space.

Atoms are small beyond our imaginations.

Atoms are invisible to the naked eye.

Wait!....what was that word?

Oh no! Not this again…

I’m searching for AN INVISIBLE ENEMY!

For the LOVE of Floral embroidered cuffed beanie

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