172 Mh WHEWELL, on the NATURE OF THE TRUTH, &c. 



only, they must be considered as entirely empirical laws, I should not 

 assert this to be placing the science of mechanics on a wrong basis. 

 But at the same time I would observe, that the form of these laws is 

 not empirical, and would be the same if the results of experience 

 should differ from the actual results. The laws may be considered as 

 a formula derived from a priori reasonings, where experience assigns 

 the value of the terms which enter into the formula. 



Finally, it may be observed, that if any one can convince himself 

 that matter is either necessarily and by its own nature determined to 

 move slower and slower, or necessarily and by its own nature deter- 

 mined to move uniformly, he must adopt the latter opinion, not only 

 of the truth, but of the necessity of the truth of the first law of 

 motion, since the former branch of the alternative is certainly false : and 

 similar assertions may be made with regard to the other laws of motion. 



27. This enquiry into the nature of the laws of motion, will, I 

 hope, possess some interest for those who attach any importance to the 

 logic and philosophy of science. The discussion may be said to be 

 rather metaphysical than mechanical ; but the views which I have en- 

 deavoured to present, appear to explain the occurrence and result of 

 the principal controversies which the history of this science exhibits ; 

 and, if they are well founded,' ought to govern the way in which the 

 principles of the science are treated of, whether the treatise be intended 

 for the mathematical student or the philosopher. 



