Full Idea
The same electronic constitution confers two distinct powers upon chemical atoms: the power of entering only into certain chemical combinations and the power to radiate a particular spectrum.
Gist of Idea
Chemical atoms have two powers: to enter certain combinations, and to emit a particular spectrum
Source
Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 5.VI)
Book Reference
Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.96
A Reaction
Presumably radioactive elements emit other radiation. Do atoms have passive powers as well as active ones?