HI8T0BT OF THE ATOMIC THEORY. 97 



thread, in this apparently entangled skein, is no other than 

 such a principle of attraction, and all principles besides are 

 void of a real basis ; from such a propensity arises every 

 motion perceived in heavenly or in terrestrial bodies ; it b a 

 disposition to be attracted, which taught hard-steel to rush 

 from its place and rivet itself on the magnet ; it is the same 

 disposition, which impels the light straw to attach itself to 

 the amber ; it is the quality, which gives every substance in 

 nature a tendency toward another, and an inclination forcibly 

 directed to a determinate point." 



