gf-3.1.6: examples/SUMO/elements.gf

abstract elements = open Merge in {




--  Silvery radioactive metallic element, belongs to 
-- group 3 of the periodic table. The most stable isotope, Ac_227, has a 
-- half_life of 217 years. Ac_228 (half_life of 6.13 hours) also occurs in 
-- nature. There are 22 other artificial isotopes, all radioactive and 
-- having very short half_lives. Chemistry similar to lanthanum. Used as a 
-- source of alpha particles. Discovered by A. Debierne in 1899.
fun Actinium : Class ;
fun Actinium_Class : SubClass Actinium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery_white lustrous metallic element of group 
-- 3 of the periodic table. Highly reactive but protected by a thin 
-- transparent layer of the oxide which quickly forms in air. There are many 
-- alloys of aluminum, as well as a good number of industrial uses. Makes up 
-- 8.1 percent of the Earth's crust, by weight. Isolated in 1825 by H.C. 
-- Oersted.
fun Aluminum : Class ;
fun Aluminum_Class : SubClass Aluminum ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element, 
-- belongs to the actinoids. Ten known isotopes. Am_243 is the most stable 
-- isotope, with a half_life of 7.95*10^3 years. Discovered by Glenn T. 
-- Seaborg and associates in 1945, it was obtained by bombarding 
-- {uranium}_238 with alpha particles.
fun Americium : Class ;
fun Americium_Class : SubClass Americium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Element of group 15. Multiple allotropic forms. 
-- The stable form of antimony is a blue_white metal. Yellow and black 
-- antimony are unstable non_metals. Used in flame_proofing, paints, 
-- ceramics, enamels, and rubber. Attacked by oxidizing acids and halogens. 
-- First reported by Tholden in 1450.
fun Antimony : Class ;
fun Antimony_Class : SubClass Antimony ElementalSubstance ;

-- Monatomic noble gas. Makes up 0.93 percent of the 
-- air. Colourless, odorless. Is inert and has no true compounds. Lord 
-- Rayleigh and Sir william Ramsey identified argon in 1894.
fun Argon : Class ;
fun Argon_Class : SubClass Argon ElementalSubstance ;

-- Metalloid element of group 15. There are three 
-- allotropes, yellow, black, and grey. Reacts with halogens, concentrated 
-- oxidizing acids and hot alkalis. Albertus Magnus is believed to have been 
-- the first to isolate the element in 1250.
fun Arsenic : Class ;
fun Arsenic_Class : SubClass Arsenic ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive halogen element. Occurs naturally 
-- from uranium and thorium decay. At least 20 known isotopes. At_210, the 
-- most stable, has a half_life of 8.3 hours. Synthesized by nuclear 
-- bombardment in 1940 by D.R. Corson, K.R. MacKenzie and E. Segre at the 
-- University of California.
fun Astatine : Class ;
fun Astatine_Class : SubClass Astatine ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery_white reactive element, belonging to group 
-- 2 of the periodic table. Soluble barium compounds are extremely 
-- poisonous. Identified in 1774 by Karl Scheele and extracted in 1808 by 
-- Humphry Davy.
fun Barium : Class ;
fun Barium_Class : SubClass Barium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element. 
-- Belongs to actinoid series. Eight known isotopes, the most common Bk_247, 
-- has a half_life of 1.4*10^3 years. First produced by Glenn T. Seaborg 
-- and associates in 1949 by bombarding americium_241 with alpha 
-- particles.
fun Berkelium : Class ;
fun Berkelium_Class : SubClass Berkelium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Grey metallic element of group 2 of the periodic 
-- table. Is toxic and can cause severe lung diseases and dermatitis. Shows 
-- high covalent character. It was isolated independently by F. Wohler and 
-- A.A. Bussy in 1828.
fun Beryllium : Class ;
fun Beryllium_Class : SubClass Beryllium ElementalSubstance ;

-- White crystalline metal with a pink tinge, belongs 
-- to group 15. Most diamagnetic of all metals and has the lowest thermal 
-- conductivity of all the elements except mercury. Lead_free bismuth 
-- compounds are used in cosmetics and medical procedures. Burns in the air 
-- and produces a blue flame. In 1753, C.G. Junine first demonstrated that 
-- it was different from lead.
fun Bismuth : Class ;
fun Bismuth_Class : SubClass Bismuth ElementalSubstance ;

-- An element of group 13 of the periodic table. There 
-- are two allotropes, amorphous boron is a brown power, but metallic boron 
-- is black. The metallic form is hard (9.3 on Mohs' scale) and a bad 
-- conductor in room temperatures. It is never found free in nature. 
-- Boron_10 is used in nuclear reactor control rods and shields. It was 
-- discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy and by J.L. Gay_Lussac and L.J. 
-- Thenard.
fun Boron : Class ;
fun Boron_Class : SubClass Boron ElementalSubstance ;

-- Halogen element. Red volatile liquid at room 
-- temperature. Its reactivity is somewhere between chlorine and iodine. 
-- Harmful to human tissue in a liquid state, the vapour irritates eyes and 
-- throat. Discovered in 1826 by Antoine Balard.
fun Bromine : Class ;
fun Bromine_Class : SubClass Bromine ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft bluish metal belonging to group 12 of the 
-- periodic table. Extremely toxic even in low concentrations. Chemically 
-- similar to zinc, but lends itself to more complex compounds. Discovered 
-- in 1817 by F. Stromeyer.
fun Cadmium : Class ;
fun Cadmium_Class : SubClass Cadmium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery_white metallic element belonging to 
-- group 1 of the periodic table. One of the three metals which are liquid 
-- at room temperature. Cs_133 is the natural, and only stable, isotope. 
-- Fifteen other radioisotopes exist. Caesium reacts explosively with cold 
-- water, and ice at temperatures above 157K. Caesium hydroxide is the 
-- strongest base known. Caesium is the most electropositive, most alkaline 
-- and has the least ionization potential of all the elements. Known uses 
-- include the basis of atomic clocks, catalyst for the hydrogenation of some 
-- organic compounds, and in photoelectric cells. Caesium was discovered by 
-- Gustav Kirchoff and Robert Bunsen in Germany in 1860 spectroscopically. 
-- Its identification was based upon the bright blue lines in its spectrum. 
-- The name comes from the latin word caesius, which means sky blue. Caesium 
-- should be considered highly toxic. Some of the radioisotopes are even 
-- more toxic.
fun Caesium : Class ;
fun Caesium_Class : SubClass Caesium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft grey metallic element belonging to group 2 of 
-- the periodic table. Used a reducing agent in the extraction of thorium, 
-- zirconium and uranium. Essential element for living organisms.
fun Calcium : Class ;
fun Calcium_Class : SubClass Calcium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element. 
-- Belongs to actinoid series. Cf_251 has a half life of about 700 years. 
-- Nine isotopes are known. Cf_252 is an intense {neutron} source, which 
-- makes it an intense {neutron} source and gives it a use in {neutron} 
-- activation analysis and a possible use as a radiation source in medicine. 
-- First produced by Glenn T. Seaborg and associates in 1950.
fun Californium : Class ;
fun Californium_Class : SubClass Californium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Carbon is a member of group 14 of the periodic 
-- table. It has three allotropic forms of it, diamonds, graphite and 
-- fullerite. Carbon_14 is commonly used in radioactive dating. Carbon 
-- occurs in all organic life and is the basis of organic chemistry. Carbon 
-- has the interesting chemical property of being able to bond with itself, 
-- and a wide variety of other elements.
fun Carbon : Class ;
fun Carbon_Class : SubClass Carbon ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery metallic element, belongs to the 
-- lanthanoids. Four natural isotopes exist, and fifteen radioactive 
-- isotopes have been identified. Used in some rare_earth alloys. The 
-- oxidized form is used in the glass industry. Discovered by Martin .H. 
-- Klaproth in 1803.
fun Cerium : Class ;
fun Cerium_Class : SubClass Cerium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Halogen element. Poisonous greenish_yellow gas. 
-- Occurs widely in nature as sodium chloride in seawater. Reacts directly 
-- with many elements and compounds, strong oxidizing agent. Discovered by 
-- Karl Scheele in 1774. Humphrey David confirmed it as an element in 
-- 1810.
fun Chlorine : Class ;
fun Chlorine_Class : SubClass Chlorine ElementalSubstance ;

-- Hard silvery transition element. Used in 
-- decorative electroplating. Discovered in 1797 by Vauquelin.
fun Chromium : Class ;
fun Chromium_Class : SubClass Chromium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Light grey transition element. Some meteorites 
-- contain small amounts of metallic cobalt. Generally alloyed for use. 
-- Mammals require small amounts of cobalt salts. Cobalt_60, an artificially 
-- produced radioactive isotope of Cobalt is an important radioactive tracer 
-- and cancer_treatment agent. Discovered by G. Brandt in 1737.
fun Cobalt : Class ;
fun Cobalt_Class : SubClass Cobalt ElementalSubstance ;

-- Red_brown transition element. Known by the Romans 
-- as 'cuprum.' Extracted and used for thousands of years. Malleable, 
-- ductile and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. When in moist 
-- conditions, a greenish layer forms on the outside.
fun Copper : Class ;
fun Copper_Class : SubClass Copper ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element. Belongs 
-- to actinoid series. Nine known isotopes, Cm_247 has a half_life of 
-- 1.64*10^7 years. First identified by Glenn T. Seaborg and associates in 
-- 1944, first produced by L.B. Werner and I. Perlman in 1947 by bombarding 
-- americium_241 with {neutron}s. Named for Marie Curie.
fun Curium : Class ;
fun Curium_Class : SubClass Curium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Metallic with a bright silvery_white lustre. 
-- Dysprosium belongs to the lanthanoids. It is relatively stable in air at 
-- room temperatures, it will however dissolve in mineral acids, evolving 
-- hydrogen. It is found in from rare_earth minerals. There are seven 
-- natural isotopes of dysprosium, and eight radioisotopes, Dy_154 being the 
-- most stable with a half_life of 3*10^6 years. Dysprosium is used as a 
-- neutron absorber in nuclear fission reactions, and in compact disks. It 
-- was discovered by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1886 in France. Its 
-- name comes from the Greek word dysprositos, which means hard to obtain.
fun Dysprosium : Class ;
fun Dysprosium_Class : SubClass Dysprosium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Appearance is unknown, however it is most 
-- probably metallic and silver or gray in color. Radioactive metallic 
-- transuranic element belonging to the actinoids. Es_254 has the longest 
-- half_life of the eleven known isotopes at 270 days. First identified by 
-- Albert Ghiorso and associates in the debris of the 1952 hydrogen bomb 
-- explosion. In 1961 the first microgram quantities of Es_232 were 
-- separated. While einsteinium never exists naturally, if a sufficient 
-- amount was assembled, it would pose a radiation hazard.
fun Einsteinium : Class ;
fun Einsteinium_Class : SubClass Einsteinium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element which belongs to the 
-- lanthanoids. Six natural isotopes that are stable. Twelve artificial 
-- isotopes are known. Used in nuclear technology as a neutron absorber. It 
-- is being investigated for other possible uses. Discovered by Carl G. 
-- Mosander in 1843.
fun Erbium : Class ;
fun Erbium_Class : SubClass Erbium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element belonging to the 
-- lanthanoids. Eu_151 and Eu_153 are the only two stable isotopes, both of 
-- which are {neutron} absorbers. Discovered in 1889 by Sir William 
-- Crookes.
fun Europium : Class ;
fun Europium_Class : SubClass Europium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element, belongs 
-- to the actinoids. Ten known isotopes, most stable is Fm_257 with a 
-- half_life of 10 days. First identified by Albert Ghiorso and associates 
-- in the debris of the first hydrogen_bomb explosion in 1952.
fun Fermium : Class ;
fun Fermium_Class : SubClass Fermium ElementalSubstance ;

-- A poisonous pale yellow gaseous element belonging 
-- to group 17 of the periodic table (The halogens). It is the most 
-- chemically reactive and electronegative element. It is highly dangerous, 
-- causing severe chemical burns on contact with flesh. Fluorine was 
-- identified by Scheele in 1771 and first isolated by Moissan in 1886.
fun Fluorine : Class ;
fun Fluorine_Class : SubClass Fluorine ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive element, belongs to group 1 of the 
-- periodic table. Found in uranium and thorium ores. The 22 known isotopes 
-- are all radioactive, with the most stable being Fr_223. Its existence was 
-- confirmed in 1939 by Marguerite Perey.
fun Francium : Class ;
fun Francium_Class : SubClass Francium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element belonging to the 
-- lanthanoids. Seven natural, stable isotopes are known in addition to 
-- eleven artificial isotopes. Gd_155 and Gd_157 and the best neutron 
-- absorbers of all elements. Gadolinium compounds are used in electronics. 
-- Discovered by J.C.G Marignac in 1880.
fun Gadolinium : Class ;
fun Gadolinium_Class : SubClass Gadolinium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element, belongs to group 13 
-- of the periodic table. The two stable isotopes are Ga_69 and Ga_71. 
-- Eight radioactive isotopes are known, all having short half_lives. 
-- Gallium Arsenide is used as a semiconductor. Corrodes most other metals 
-- by diffusing into their lattice. First identified by Francois Lecoq de 
-- Boisbaudran in 1875.
fun Gallium : Class ;
fun Gallium_Class : SubClass Gallium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Lustrous hard metalloid element, belongs to 
-- group 14 of the periodic table. Forms a large number of organometallic 
-- compounds. Predicted by Mendeleev in 1871, it was actually found in 1886 
-- by Winkler.
fun Germanium : Class ;
fun Germanium_Class : SubClass Germanium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Gold is gold colored. It is the most malleable and 
-- ductile metal known. There is only one stable isotope of gold, and five 
-- radioisotopes of gold, Au_195 being the most stable with a half_life of 
-- 186 days. Gold is used as a monetary standard, in jewelry, dentistry, 
-- electronics. Au_198 is used in treating cancer and some other medical 
-- conditions. Gold has been known to exist as far back as 2600 BC. Gold 
-- comes from the Anglo_Saxon word gold. Its symbol, Au, comes from the 
-- Latin word aurum, which means gold. Gold is not particularly toxic, 
-- however it is known to cause damage to the liver and kidneys in some.
fun Gold : Class ;
fun Gold_Class : SubClass Gold ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery lustrous metallic transition element. 
-- Used in tungsten alloys in filaments and electrodes, also acts as a 
-- neutron absorber. First reported by Urbain in 1911, existence was finally 
-- established in 1923 by D. Coster, G.C. de Hevesy in 1923.
fun Hafnium : Class ;
fun Hafnium_Class : SubClass Hafnium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Colourless, odourless gaseous nonmetallic element. 
-- Belongs to group 18 of the periodic table. Lowest boiling point of all 
-- elements and can only be solidified under pressure. Chemically inert, no 
-- known compounds. Discovered in the solar spectrum in 1868 by Lockyer.
fun Helium : Class ;
fun Helium_Class : SubClass Helium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Relatively soft and malleable silvery_white 
-- metallic element, which is stable in dry air at room temperature. It 
-- oxidizes in moist air and at high temperatures. It belongs to the 
-- lanthanoids. A rare_earth metal, it is found in the minerals monazite and 
-- gadolinite. It possesses unusual magnetic properties. One natural 
-- isotope, Ho_165 exists, six radioisotopes exist, the most stable being 
-- Ho_163 with a half_life of 4570 years. Holmium is used in some metal 
-- alloys, it is also said to stimulate the metabolism. Discovered by Per 
-- Theodor Cleve and J.L. Soret in Switzerland in 1879. The name homium 
-- comes from the Greek word Holmia which means Sweden. While all holmium 
-- compounds should be considered highly toxic, initial evidence seems to 
-- indicate that they do not pose much danger. The metal's dust however, is 
-- a fire hazard.
fun Holmium : Class ;
fun Holmium_Class : SubClass Holmium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Colourless, odourless gaseous chemical element. 
-- Lightest and most abundant element in the universe. Present in water and 
-- in all organic compounds. Chemically reacts with most elements. 
-- Discovered by Henry Cavendish in 1776.
fun Hydrogen : Class ;
fun Hydrogen_Class : SubClass Hydrogen ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery element belonging to group 13 of the 
-- periodic table. The most common natural isotope is In_115, which has a 
-- half_life of 6*10^4 years. Five other radioisotopes exist. Discovered in 
-- 1863 by Reich and Richter.
fun Indium : Class ;
fun Indium_Class : SubClass Indium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Dark violet nonmetallic element, belongs to group 
-- 17 of the periodic table. Insoluble in water. Required as a trace 
-- element for living organisms. One stable isotope, I_127 exists, in 
-- addition to fourteen radioactive isotopes. Chemically the least reactive 
-- of the halogens, and the most electropositive metallic halogen. 
-- Discovered in 1812 by Courtois.
fun Iodine : Class ;
fun Iodine_Class : SubClass Iodine ElementalSubstance ;

-- Very hard and brittle, silvery metallic transition 
-- element. It has a yellowish cast to it. Salts of iridium are highly 
-- colored. It is the most corrosion resistant metal known, not attacked by 
-- any acid, but is attacked by molten salts. There are two natural isotopes 
-- of iridium, and 4 radioisotopes, the most stable being Ir_192 with a 
-- half_life of 73.83 days. Ir_192 decays into {platinum}, while the other 
-- radioisotopes decay into {osmium}. Iridium is used in high temperature 
-- apparatus, electrical contacts, and as a hardening agent for platinum. 
-- Discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant in England. The name comes from 
-- the Greek word iris, which means rainbow. Iridium metal is generally 
-- non_toxic due to its relative unreactivity, but iridium compounds should 
-- be considered highly toxic.
fun Iridium : Class ;
fun Iridium_Class : SubClass Iridium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery malleable and ductile metallic transition 
-- element. Has nine isotopes and is the fourth most abundant element in the 
-- earth's crust. Required by living organisms as a trace element (used in 
-- hemoglobin in humans.) Quite reactive, oxidizes in moist air, displaces 
-- hydrogen from dilute acids and combines with nonmetallic elements.
fun Iron : Class ;
fun Iron_Class : SubClass Iron ElementalSubstance ;

-- Colorless gaseous element, belongs to the noble 
-- gases. Occurs in the air, 0.0001 percent by volume. It can be extracted 
-- from liquid air by fractional distillation. Generally not isolated, but 
-- used with other inert gases in fluorescent lamps. Five natural isotopes, 
-- and five radioactive isotopes. Kr_85, the most stable radioactive 
-- isotope, has a half_life of 10.76 years and is produced in fission 
-- reactors. Practically inert, though known to form compounds with 
-- {fluorine}.
fun Krypton : Class ;
fun Krypton_Class : SubClass Krypton ElementalSubstance ;

-- (From the Greek word lanthanein, to line hidden) 
-- Silvery metallic element belonging to group 3 of the periodic table and 
-- oft considered to be one of the lanthanoids. Found in some rare_earth 
-- minerals. Twenty_five natural isotopes exist. La_139 which is stable, 
-- and La_138 which has a half_life of 10^10 to 10^15 years. The other 
-- twenty_three isotopes are radioactive. It resembles the lanthanoids 
-- chemically. Lanthanum has a low to moderate level of toxicity, and should 
-- be handled with care. Discovered in 1839 by C.G. Mosander.
fun Lanthanum : Class ;
fun Lanthanum_Class : SubClass Lanthanum ElementalSubstance ;

-- Appearance unknown, however it is most likely 
-- silvery_white or grey and metallic. Lawrencium is a synthetic rare_earth 
-- metal. There are eight known radioisotopes, the most stable being Lr_262 
-- with a half_life of 3.6 hours. Due to the short half_life of lawrencium, 
-- and its radioactivity, there are no known uses for it. Identified by 
-- Albert Ghiorso in 1961 at Berkeley. It was produced by bombarding 
-- californium with boron ions. The name is temporary {IUPAC} nomenclature, 
-- the origin of the name comes from Ernest O. Lawrence, the inventor of the 
-- cyclotron. If sufficient amounts of lawrencium were produced, it would 
-- pose a radiation hazard.
fun Lawrencium : Class ;
fun Lawrencium_Class : SubClass Lawrencium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Heavy dull grey ductile metallic element, belongs to 
-- group 14. Used in building construction, lead_place accumulators, bullets 
-- and shot, and is part of solder, pewter, bearing metals, type metals and 
-- fusible alloys.
fun Lead : Class ;
fun Lead_Class : SubClass Lead ElementalSubstance ;

-- Socket silvery metal. First member of group 1 of 
-- the periodic table. Lithium salts are used in psychomedicine.
fun Lithium : Class ;
fun Lithium_Class : SubClass Lithium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery_white rare_earth metal which is 
-- relatively stable in air. It happens to be the most expensive rare_earth 
-- metal. Its found with almost all rare_earth metals, but is very difficult 
-- to separate from other elements. Least abundant of all natural elements. 
-- Used in metal alloys, and as a catalyst in various processes. There are 
-- two natural, stable isotopes, and seven radioisotopes, the most stable 
-- being Lu_174 with a half_life of 3.3 years. The separation of lutetium 
-- from {ytterbium} was described by Georges Urbain in 1907. It was 
-- discovered at approximately the same time by Carl Auer von Welsbach. The 
-- name comes from the Greek word lutetia which means Paris.
fun Lutetium : Class ;
fun Lutetium_Class : SubClass Lutetium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery metallic element belonging to group 2 of 
-- the periodic table (alkaline_earth metals). It is essential for living 
-- organisms, and is used in a number of light alloys. Chemically very 
-- reactive, it forms a protective oxide coating when exposed to air and 
-- burns with an intense white flame. It also reacts with sulphur, nitrogen 
-- and the halogens. First isolated by Bussy in 1828.
fun Magnesium : Class ;
fun Magnesium_Class : SubClass Magnesium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Grey brittle metallic transition element. 
-- Rather electropositive, combines with some non_metals when heated. 
-- Discovered in 1774 by Scheele.
fun Manganese : Class ;
fun Manganese_Class : SubClass Manganese ElementalSubstance ;

-- Half_life of approximately 5ms. The creation 
-- of this element demonstrated that fusion techniques could indeed be used 
-- to make new, heavy nuclei. Made and identified by physicists of the Heavy 
-- Ion Research Laboratory, Darmstadt, West Germany in 1982. Named in honor 
-- of Lise Meitner the Austrian physicist.
fun Meitnerium : Class ;
fun Meitnerium_Class : SubClass Meitnerium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element. 
-- Belongs to the actinoid series. Only known isotope, Md_256 has a 
-- half_life of 1.3 hours. First identified by Glenn T. Seaborg, Albert 
-- Ghiorso and associates in 1955. Alternative name {unnilunium} has been 
-- proposed. Named after the 'inventor' of the periodic table, Dmitri 
-- Mendeleev.
fun Mendelevium : Class ;
fun Mendelevium_Class : SubClass Mendelevium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Heavy silvery liquid metallic element, belongs to 
-- the zinc group. Used in thermometers, barometers and other scientific 
-- apparatus. Less reactive than zinc and cadmium, does not displace 
-- hydrogen from acids. Forms a number of complexes and organomercury 
-- compounds.
fun Mercury : Class ;
fun Mercury_Class : SubClass Mercury ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery_white, hard metallic transition 
-- element. It is chemically unreactive and is not affected by most acids. 
-- It oxidizes at high temperatures. There are seven natural isotopes, and 
-- four radioisotopes, Mo_93 being the most stable with a half_life of 3500 
-- years. Molybdenum is used in almost all high_strength steels, it has 
-- nuclear applications, and is a catalyst in petroleum refining. Discovered 
-- in 1778 by Carl Welhelm Scheele of Sweden. Impure metal was prepared in 
-- 1782 by Peter Jacob Hjelm. The name comes from the Greek word molybdos 
-- which means lead. Trace amounts of molybdenum are required for all known 
-- forms of life. All molybdenum compounds should be considered highly 
-- toxic, and will also cause severe birth defects.
fun Molybdenum : Class ;
fun Molybdenum_Class : SubClass Molybdenum ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft bright silvery metallic element, belongs to 
-- the lanthanoids. Seven natural isotopes, Nd_144 being the only 
-- radioactive one with a half_life of 10^10 to 10^15 years. Six artificial 
-- radioisotopes have been produced. The metal is used in glass works to 
-- color class a shade of violet_purple and make it dichroic. One of the 
-- more reactive rare_earth metals, quickly reacts with air. Used in some 
-- rare_earth alloys. Neodymium is used to color the glass used in welder's 
-- glasses. Neodymium is also used in very powerful, permanent magnets 
-- (Nd2Fe14B). Discovered by Carl F. Auer von Welsbach in Austria in 1885 
-- by separating didymium into its elemental components {praseodymium} and 
-- neodymium. The name comes from the Greek words 'neos didymos' which means 
-- 'new twin'. Neodymium should be considered highly toxic, however evidence 
-- would seem to show that it acts as little more than a skin and eye 
-- irritant. The dust however, presents a fire and explosion hazard.
fun Neodymium : Class ;
fun Neodymium_Class : SubClass Neodymium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Colourless gaseous element of group 18 on the 
-- periodic table (noble gases). Neon occurs in the atmosphere, and 
-- comprises 0.0018 percent of the volume of the atmosphere. It has a 
-- distinct reddish glow when used in discharge tubes and neon based lamps. 
-- It forms almost no chemical compounds. Neon was discovered in 1898 by Sir 
-- William Ramsey and M.W. Travers.
fun Neon : Class ;
fun Neon_Class : SubClass Neon ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element, 
-- belongs to the actinoids. Np_237, the most stable isotope, has a 
-- half_life of 2.2*10^6 years and is a by product of nuclear reactors. The 
-- other known isotopes have mass numbers 229 through 236, and 238 through 
-- 241. Np_236 has a half_life of 5*10^3 years. First produced by Edwin M. 
-- McMillan and P.H. Abelson in 1940.
fun Neptunium : Class ;
fun Neptunium_Class : SubClass Neptunium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Malleable ductile silvery metallic transition 
-- element. Discovered by A.F. Cronstedt in 1751.
fun Nickel : Class ;
fun Nickel_Class : SubClass Nickel ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft, ductile grey_blue metallic transition 
-- element. Used in special steels and in welded joints to increase 
-- strength. Combines with halogens and oxidizes in air at 200 degrees 
-- celsius. Discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801 and isolated by 
-- Blomstrand in 1864. Called {columbium} originally.
fun Niobium : Class ;
fun Niobium_Class : SubClass Niobium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Colourless, gaseous element which belongs to 
-- group 15 of the periodic table. Constitutes ~78 percent of the atmosphere 
-- and is an essential part of the ecosystem. Nitrogen for industrial 
-- purposes is acquired by the fractional distillation of liquid air. 
-- Chemically inactive, reactive generally only at high temperatures or in 
-- electrical discharges. It was discovered in 1772 by D. Rutherford.
fun Nitrogen : Class ;
fun Nitrogen_Class : SubClass Nitrogen ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element, belongs 
-- to the actinoids. Seven known isotopes exist, the most stable being 
-- No_254 with a half_life of 255 seconds. First identified with certainty 
-- by Albert Ghiorso and Glenn T. Seaborg in 1966. {Unnilbium} has been 
-- proposed as an alternative name.
fun Nobelium : Class ;
fun Nobelium_Class : SubClass Nobelium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Hard blue_white metallic transition element. Found 
-- with platinum and used in some alloys with platinum and iridium.
fun Osmium : Class ;
fun Osmium_Class : SubClass Osmium ElementalSubstance ;

-- A colourless, odourless gaseous element belonging 
-- to group 16 of the periodic table. It is the most abundant element 
-- present in the earth's crust. It also makes up 20.8 percent of the 
-- Earth's atmosphere. For industrial purposes, it is separated from liquid 
-- air by fractional distillation. It is used in high temperature welding, 
-- and in breathing. It commonly comes in the form of Oxygen, but is found 
-- as Ozone in the upper atmosphere. It was discovered by Priestley in 
-- 1774.
fun Oxygen : Class ;
fun Oxygen_Class : SubClass Oxygen ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft white ductile transition element. Found 
-- with some copper and nickel ores. Does not react with oxygen at normal 
-- temperatures. Dissolves slowly in hydrochloric acid. Discovered in 1803 
-- by W.H. Wollaston.
fun Palladium : Class ;
fun Palladium_Class : SubClass Palladium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Non_metallic element belonging to group 15 of 
-- the periodic table. Has a multiple allotropic forms. Essential element 
-- for living organisms. It was discovered by Brandt in 1669.
fun Phosphorus : Class ;
fun Phosphorus_Class : SubClass Phosphorus ElementalSubstance ;

-- Attractive greyish_white metal. When pure, it is 
-- malleable and ductile. Does not oxidize in air, insoluble in hydrochloric 
-- and nitric acid. Corroded by halogens, cyandies, sulphur and alkalis. 
-- {Hydrogen} and {oxygen} react explosively in the presence of platinum. 
-- There are six stable isotopes and three radioisotopes, the most stable 
-- being Pt_193 with a half_life of 60 years. Platinum is used in jewelry, 
-- laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, dentistry, and anti_pollution 
-- devices in cars. PtCl2(NH3)2 is used to treat some forms of cancer. 
-- Platinum_{cobalt} alloys have magnetic properties. It is also used in the 
-- definition of the Standard Hydrogen Electrode. Discovered by Antonio de 
-- Ulloa in South America in 1735. The name comes from the Spanish word 
-- platina which means silver. Platinum metal is generally not a health 
-- concern due to its unreactivity, however platinum compounds should be 
-- considered highly toxic.
fun Platinum : Class ;
fun Platinum_Class : SubClass Platinum ElementalSubstance ;

-- Dense silvery radioactive metallic transuranic 
-- element, belongs to the actinoids. Pu_244 is the most stable isotope with 
-- a half_life of 7.6*10^7 years. Thirteen isotopes are known. Pu_239 is 
-- the most important, it undergoes nuclear fission with slow neutrons and is 
-- hence important to nuclear weapons and reactors. Plutonium production is 
-- monitored down to the gram to prevent military misuse. First produced by 
-- Gleen T. Seaborg, Edwin M. McMillan, J.W. Kennedy and A.C. Wahl in 
-- 1940.
fun Plutonium : Class ;
fun Plutonium_Class : SubClass Plutonium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Rare radioactive metallic element, belongs to 
-- group 16 of the periodic table. Over 30 known isotopes exist, the most of 
-- all elements. Po_209 has a half_life of 103 years. Possible uses in 
-- heating spacecraft. Discovered by Marie Curie in 1898 in a sample of 
-- pitchblende.
fun Polonium : Class ;
fun Polonium_Class : SubClass Polonium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element belonging to group 
-- 1 of the periodic table (alkali metals). Occurs naturally in seawater and 
-- a many minerals. Highly reactive, chemically, it resembles sodium in its 
-- behavior and compounds. Discovered by Sir Humphry Davy in 1807.
fun Potassium : Class ;
fun Potassium_Class : SubClass Potassium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element, belongs to the 
-- lanthanoids. Only natural isotope is Pr_141 which is not radioactive. 
-- Fourteen radioactive isotopes have been artificially produced. Used in 
-- rare_earth alloys. Discovered in 1885 by C.A. von Welsbach.
fun Praseodymium : Class ;
fun Praseodymium_Class : SubClass Praseodymium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element, belongs to the 
-- lanthanoids. Pm_147, the only natural isotope, is radioactive and has a 
-- half_life of 252 years. Eighteen radioisotopes have been produced, but 
-- all have very short half_lives. Found only in nuclear decay waste. 
-- Pm_147 is of interest as a beta_decay source, however Pm_146 and Pm_148 
-- have to be removed from it first, as they generate gamma radiation. 
-- Discovered by J.A. Marinsky, L.E. Glendenin and C.D. Coryell in 
-- 1947.
fun Promethium : Class ;
fun Promethium_Class : SubClass Promethium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic element, belongs to the 
-- actinoids. The most stable isotope, Pa_231 has a half_life of 2.43*10^4 
-- years. At least 10 other radioactive isotopes are known. No practical 
-- applications are known. Discovered in 1917 by Lise Meitner and Otto 
-- Hahn.
fun Protactinium : Class ;
fun Protactinium_Class : SubClass Protactinium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transuranic element, belongs 
-- to group 2 of the periodic table. Most stable isotope, Ra_226 has a 
-- half_life of 1602 years, which decays into radon. Isolated from 
-- pitchblende in 1898 Marie and Pierre Curie.
fun Radium : Class ;
fun Radium_Class : SubClass Radium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Colorless radioactive gaseous element, belongs to 
-- the noble gases. Of the twenty known isotopes, the most stable is Rn_222 
-- with a half_life of 3.8 days. Formed by the radioactive decay of 
-- {Radium}_226. Radon itself decays into {polonium}. Used in radiotherapy. 
-- As a noble gas, it is effectively inert, though radon fluoride has been 
-- synthesized. First isolated in 1908 by Ramsey and Gray.
fun Radon : Class ;
fun Radon_Class : SubClass Radon ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery_white metallic transition element. 
-- Obtained as a by_product of molybdenum refinement. Rhenium_molybdenum 
-- alloys are superconducting.
fun Rhenium : Class ;
fun Rhenium_Class : SubClass Rhenium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery white metallic transition element. Found 
-- with platinum and used in some platinum alloys. Not attacked by acids, 
-- dissolves only in aqua regia. Discovered in 1803 by W.H. Wollaston.
fun Rhodium : Class ;
fun Rhodium_Class : SubClass Rhodium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element, belongs to group 1 
-- of the periodic table. Rb_97, the naturally occurring isotope, is 
-- radioactive. It is highly reactive, with properties similar to other 
-- elements in group 1, like igniting spontaneously in air. Discovered 
-- spectroscopically in 1861 by W. Bunsen and G.R. Kirchoff.
fun Rubidium : Class ;
fun Rubidium_Class : SubClass Rubidium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Hard white metallic transition element. Found 
-- with platinum, used as a catalyst in some platinum alloys. Dissolves in 
-- fused alkalis, and is not attacked by acids. Reacts with halogens and 
-- oxygen at high temperatures. Isolated in 1844 by K.K. Klaus.
fun Ruthenium : Class ;
fun Ruthenium_Class : SubClass Ruthenium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery metallic element, belongs to the 
-- lanthanoids. Seven natural isotopes, Sm_147 is the only radioisotope, and 
-- has a half_life of 2.5*10^11 years. Used for making special alloys needed 
-- in the production of nuclear reactors. Also used as a neutron absorber. 
-- Small quantities of samarium oxide is used in special optical glasses. 
-- The largest use of the element is its ferromagnetic alloy which produces 
-- permanent magnets that are five times stronger than magnets produced by 
-- any other material. Discovered by Francois Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 
-- 1879.
fun Samarium : Class ;
fun Samarium_Class : SubClass Samarium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Rare soft silvery metallic element belonging to 
-- group 3 of the periodic table. There are ten isotopes, nine of which are 
-- radioactive and have short half_lives. Predicted in 1869 by Mendeleev, 
-- isolated by Nilson in 1879.
fun Scandium : Class ;
fun Scandium_Class : SubClass Scandium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Metalloid element, belongs to group 16 of the 
-- periodic table. Multiple allotropic forms exist. Chemically resembles 
-- sulphur. Discovered in 1817 by Jons J. Berzelius.
fun Selenium : Class ;
fun Selenium_Class : SubClass Selenium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Metalloid element belonging to group 14 of the 
-- periodic table. It is the second most abundant element in the Earth's 
-- crust, making up 25.7 percent of it by weight. Chemically less reactive 
-- than carbon. First identified by Lavoisier in 1787 and first isolated in 
-- 1823 by Berzelius.
fun Silicon : Class ;
fun Silicon_Class : SubClass Silicon ElementalSubstance ;

-- White lustrous soft metallic transition element. 
-- Found in both its elemental form and in minerals. Used in jewellery, 
-- tableware and so on. Less reactive than silver, chemically.
fun Silver : Class ;
fun Silver_Class : SubClass Silver ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft silvery reactive element belonging to group 1 
-- of the periodic table (alkali metals). It is highly reactive, oxidizing 
-- in air and reacting violently with water, forcing it to be kept under oil. 
-- It was first isolated by Humphrey Davy in 1807.
fun Sodium : Class ;
fun Sodium_Class : SubClass Sodium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft yellowish metallic element, belongs to 
-- group 2 of the periodic table. Highly reactive chemically. Sr_90 is 
-- present in radioactive fallout and has a half_life of 28 years. 
-- Discovered in 1798 by Klaproth and Hope, isolated in 1808 by Humphry 
-- Davy.
fun Strontium : Class ;
fun Strontium_Class : SubClass Strontium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Yellow, nonmetallic element belonging to group 16 
-- of the periodic table. It is an essential element in living organisms, 
-- needed in the amino acids cysteine and methionine, and hence in many 
-- proteins. Absorbed by plants from the soil as sulphate ion.
fun Sulphur : Class ;
fun Sulphur_Class : SubClass Sulphur ElementalSubstance ;

-- Heavy blue_grey metallic transition element. 
-- Ta_181 is a stable isotope, and Ta_180 is a radioactive isotope, with a 
-- half_life in excess of 10^7 years. Used in surgery as it is unreactive. 
-- Forms a passive oxide layer in air. Identified in 1802 by Ekeberg and 
-- isolated in 1820 by Jons J. Berzelius.
fun Tantalum : Class ;
fun Tantalum_Class : SubClass Tantalum ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive metallic transition element. Can 
-- be detected in some stars and the fission products of uranium. First made 
-- by Perrier and Segre by bombarding molybdenum with deutrons, giving them 
-- Tc_97. Tc_99 is the most stable isotope with a half_life of 2.6*10^6 
-- years. Sixteen isotopes are known. Organic technetium compounds are used 
-- in bone imaging. Chemical properties are intermediate between rhenium and 
-- manganese.
fun Technetium : Class ;
fun Technetium_Class : SubClass Technetium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery metalloid element of group 16. Eight 
-- natural isotopes, nine radioactive isotopes. Used in semiconductors and 
-- to a degree in some steels. Chemistry is similar to {sulphur}. 
-- Discovered in 1782 by Franz Miller.
fun Tellurium : Class ;
fun Tellurium_Class : SubClass Tellurium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery metallic element belonging to the 
-- lanthanoids. Tb_159 is the only stable isotope, there are seventeen 
-- artificial isotopes. Discovered by G.G. Mosander in 1843.
fun Terbium : Class ;
fun Terbium_Class : SubClass Terbium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Pure, unreacted thallium appears silvery_white 
-- and exhibits a metallic lustre. Upon reacting with air, it begins to turn 
-- bluish_grey and looks like lead. It is very malleable, and can be cut 
-- with a knife. There are two stable isotopes, and four radioisotopes, 
-- Tl_204 being the most stable with a half_life of 3.78 years. Thallium 
-- sulphate was used as a rodenticide. Thallium sulphine's conductivity 
-- changes with exposure to infrared light, this gives it a use in infrared 
-- detectors. Discovered by Sir William Crookes via spectroscopy. Its name 
-- comes from the Greek word thallos, which means green twig. Thallium and 
-- its compounds are toxic and can cause cancer.
fun Thallium : Class ;
fun Thallium_Class : SubClass Thallium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Grey radioactive metallic element. Belongs to 
-- actinoids. Found in monazite sand in Brazil, India and the US. 
-- Thorium_232 has a half_life of 1.39x10^10 years. Can be used as a nuclear 
-- fuel for breeder reactors. Thorium_232 captures slow {neutron}s and 
-- breeds uranium_233. Discovered by Jons J. Berzelius in 1829.
fun Thorium : Class ;
fun Thorium_Class : SubClass Thorium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft grey metallic element that belongs to the 
-- lanthanoids. One natural isotope exists, Tm_169, and seventeen artificial 
-- isotopes have been produced. No known uses for the element. Discovered 
-- in 1879 by Per Theodor Cleve.
fun Thulium : Class ;
fun Thulium_Class : SubClass Thulium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery malleable metallic element belonging to group 
-- 14 of the periodic table. Twenty_six isotopes are known, five of which 
-- are radioactive. Chemically reactive. Combines directly with chlorine 
-- and oxygen and displaces hydrogen from dilute acids.
fun Tin : Class ;
fun Tin_Class : SubClass Tin ElementalSubstance ;

-- White metallic transition element. Occurs in 
-- numerous minerals. Used in strong, light corrosion_resistant alloys. 
-- Forms a passive oxide coating when exposed to air. First discovered by 
-- Gregor in 1789.
fun Titanium : Class ;
fun Titanium_Class : SubClass Titanium ElementalSubstance ;

-- White or grey metallic transition element, 
-- formerly called {wolfram}. Forms a protective oxide in air and can be 
-- oxidized at high temperature. First isolated by Jose and Fausto de 
-- Elhuyer in 1783.
fun Tungsten : Class ;
fun Tungsten_Class : SubClass Tungsten ElementalSubstance ;

-- Half_life of approximately 10ms. Reported in 
-- 1994 by German researchers at Darmstadt, Germany.
fun Unnildecium : Class ;
fun Unnildecium_Class : SubClass Unnildecium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Half_life of 0.9 +/_ 0.2 s. Discovered by the 
-- Joint Institute for Nuclear Research at Dubna (U.S.S.R.) in June of 1974. 
-- Its existence was confirmed by the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and 
-- Livermore National Laboratory in September of 1974.
fun Unnilhexium : Class ;
fun Unnilhexium_Class : SubClass Unnilhexium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive transition metal.
fun Unniloctium : Class ;
fun Unniloctium_Class : SubClass Unniloctium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive transactinide element. Half_life 
-- of 1.6s. Discovered in 1970 by Berkeley researchers. So far, seven 
-- isotopes have been discovered.
fun Unnilpentium : Class ;
fun Unnilpentium_Class : SubClass Unnilpentium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive transactinide element. Expected 
-- to have similar chemical properties to those displayed by hafnium. Rf_260 
-- was discovered by the Joint Nuclear Research Institute at Dubna (U.S.S.R.) 
-- in 1964. Researchers at Berkeley discovered Unq_257 and Unq_258 in 
-- 1964.
fun Unnilquadium : Class ;
fun Unnilquadium_Class : SubClass Unnilquadium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Radioactive transition metal. Half_life of 
-- approximately 1/500 s. Discovered by the Joint Institute for Nuclear 
-- Research at Dubna (U.S.S.R.) in 1976. Confirmed by West German physicists 
-- at the Heavy Ion Research Laboratory at Darmstadt.
fun Unnilseptium : Class ;
fun Unnilseptium_Class : SubClass Unnilseptium ElementalSubstance ;

-- White radioactive metallic element belonging to 
-- the actinoids. Three natural isotopes, U_238, U_235 and U_234. 
-- Uranium_235 is used as the fuel for nuclear reactors and weapons. 
-- Discovered by Martin H. Klaproth in 1789.
fun Uranium : Class ;
fun Uranium_Class : SubClass Uranium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Soft and ductile, bright white metal. Good 
-- resistance to corrosion by alkalis, sulphuric and hydrochloric acid. It 
-- oxidizes readily about 933K. There are two naturally occurring isotopes 
-- of vanadium, and 5 radioisotopes, V_49 having the longest half_life at 337 
-- days. Vanadium has nuclear applications, the foil is used in cladding 
-- titanium to steel, and vanadium_gallium tape is used to produce a 
-- superconductive magnet. Originally discovered by Andres Manuel del Rio of 
-- Mexico City in 1801. His discovery went unheeded, however, and in 1820, 
-- Nils Gabriel Sefstron of Sweden rediscovered it. Metallic vanadium was 
-- isolated by Henry Enfield Roscoe in 1867. The name vanadium comes from 
-- {Vanadis}, a goddess of Scandinavian mythology. Silvery_white metallic 
-- transition element. Vanadium is essential to {ascidian}s. Rats and 
-- chickens are also known to require it. Metal powder is a fire hazard, and 
-- vanadium compounds should be considered highly toxic. May cause lung 
-- cancer if inhaled.
fun Vanadium : Class ;
fun Vanadium_Class : SubClass Vanadium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Colourless, odourless gas belonging to group 18 on 
-- the periodic table (the noble gases.) Nine natural isotopes and seven 
-- radioactive isotopes are known. Xenon was part of the first noble_gas 
-- compound synthesized. Several others involving Xenon have been found 
-- since then. Xenon was discovered by Ramsey and Travers in 1898.
fun Xenon : Class ;
fun Xenon_Class : SubClass Xenon ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery metallic element of the lanthanoids. 
-- Seven natural isotopes and ten artificial isotopes are known. Used in 
-- certain steels. Discovered by J.D.G. Marignac in 1878.
fun Ytterbium : Class ;
fun Ytterbium_Class : SubClass Ytterbium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Silvery_grey metallic element of group 3 on the 
-- periodic table. Found in uranium ores. The only natural isotope is Y_89, 
-- there are 14 other artificial isotopes. Chemically resembles the 
-- lanthanoids. Stable in the air below 400 degrees, celsius. Discovered in 
-- 1828 by Friedrich Wohler.
fun Yttrium : Class ;
fun Yttrium_Class : SubClass Yttrium ElementalSubstance ;

-- Blue_white metallic element. Occurs in multiple 
-- compounds naturally. Five stable isotopes are six radioactive isotopes 
-- have been found. Chemically a reactive metal, combines with oxygen and 
-- other non_metals, reacts with dilute acids to release hydrogen.
fun Zinc : Class ;
fun Zinc_Class : SubClass Zinc ElementalSubstance ;

-- Grey_white metallic transition element. Five 
-- natural isotopes and six radioactive isotopes are known. Used in nuclear 
-- reactors for a {neutron} absorber. Discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth, 
-- isolated in 1824 by Berzelius.
fun Zirconium : Class ;
fun Zirconium_Class : SubClass Zirconium ElementalSubstance ;
}