The Original Substance of the Universe

The term "protyle" first emerged in 1886, attributed to Sir William Crookes, a British chemist and physicist. However, its roots trace back even earlier to around 1815, when another British chemist, William Prout, introduced the idea. Both thinkers contemplated the notion that the universe initially consisted of a primordial matter—a vast, ether-like substance that would eventually give rise to everything we know today.

Crookes articulated this concept as follows:

> "Let us picture the very beginnings of time, before even the sun himself had consolidated from the original protyle. [Note: We require a word analogous to protoplasm to express the idea of the original primal matter existing before the evolution of the chemical elements. The word I have ventured to use for the purpose is compounded of πρό (earlier than) and ύλη (the stuff of which things are made)."

It appears that Crookes was influenced by Prout, as both referenced a similar overarching idea, albeit with distinct nuances. While Prout theorized that protyle was hydrogen—the building block from which all other elements originated—Crookes envisioned it as an even more fundamental substance, potentially existing prior to the elements themselves.

Interestingly, Prout's theoretical approach seems rooted in pure science, whereas Crookes' perspective includes an element of mysticism and wonder. The concept of "hypothetical material" evokes thoughts of terms like phlogiston, vril, and od, which resonate with mystical traditions.

Delving into Crookes' background during his exploration of protyle reveals his involvement in various spiritualist and metaphysical circles, including the Society for Psychical Research, the Theosophical Society, and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. (Notably, my previous discussions on vril and od also intersect with the Theosophical Society.)

While the pursuit of hypothetical materials to elucidate scientific phenomena is not uncommon—from ancient cosmogonies to modern theories such as dark matter—some concepts tread the line between science and mysticism more delicately than others. Protyle exemplifies this intriguing balance.

Metaphorically, protyle can symbolize the absolute essence of a person or an idea, capturing the fundamental nature of a being or concept in a single term. It represents a distilled encapsulation of vast knowledge, akin to compressing an entire encyclopedia into one word—an endeavor both rare and fascinating.

Jim Dee is a prolific writer, developer, and multimedia creator based in Portland. Discover more about him, his ventures, and his works at JPD3.com. Thank you for reading!

Section 1.1: The Historical Context of Protyle

Protyle has sparked interest not only for its scientific implications but also for its historical significance. The dual contributions of Crookes and Prout highlight the interplay between scientific inquiry and philosophical musings.

Subsection 1.1.1: Influence of Spiritualism on Scientific Thought

Section 1.2: The Modern Relevance of Protyle

As we ponder the essence of existence, protyle serves as a reminder of our quest for understanding the universe's foundational elements.