who first suggested that all matter is made of tiny particles called atoms?
â Surprisingly, some of these Greek ideas led to similar modern ideas. Democritus (462-370 B.C.): proposed that all matter was made up of tiny, indivisible. particles called atomos (meaning âindivisibleâ) or atoms. Empedocles (490-430 B.C.): suggested all matter was composed of four basic elements: air, water, fire, and earth.