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Since Antiquity, the observation of matter and its composition has been fascinating for the human mind. It represented the core of philosophical studies since the atomistic theory by Leucippus and Democritus, as well as of the opposed theory of elements by Empedocles, Plato and Aristoteles. Research on the atom, on its spontaneous or artificial disgregation, on the practical application of radioactive substances has strongly influenced daily life and the development of knowledge. Products containing radioactive substances have been used, often without regulation or control, in many scientific fields, as well as in medicine and cosmetics.

In the Italian intellectual outline of the second half of the XIX century Francesco Selmi stands out for his discoveries in organic and inorganic chemistry as well as in toxicology. He also addressed his efforts to promote the relationship between science and industry.

Gassendi's theory of molecules as seeds is not a simple adaptation of the Lucretian idea of semina rerum. It is also strongly influenced by the Renaissance concept of seeds, stemming from Marsilio Ficino's Neoplatonic metaphysical cosmology and developed in Paracelsian natural philosophy. Examining its historical context and its chemical and biological dimensions, the present study reveals the very source of his idea.