Matter is that of which the sensible universe is composed. It is indestructible. Although we may cause matter to assume a variety of forms, and ren 'der it under certain conditions invisible, yet in none of these changes is the smallest particle destroyed-i When carbon is burned in an atmosphere of oxygen it disappears, and, so far as we can learn by the senses of sight and touch, it is lost; but the result of this burning is an invisible gas, whose weight is equal to that of the carbon which has disappeared.