Mr. H. T. CoLEBROOKE on the Philosophy of the Hindus. 105 



than itself ; and this likewise is a substance and an effect; for the com- 

 ponent part of a substance that has magnitude, must be an effect. This 

 again must be composed of what is smaller ; and that smaller thing is an 

 atom. It is simple and uncomposed ; else the series would be endless : 

 and, were it pursued indefinitely, there would be no difference of magnitude 

 between a mustard-seed and a mountain, a gnat and an elephant, each 

 alike containing an infinity of particles. The ultimate atom then is simple. 



The first compound consists of two atoms ; for one does not enter into 

 composition ; and there is no argument to prove, that more than two must, 

 for incohation, be united. The next consists of three double atoms ; for, if 

 only two were conjoined, magnitude would hardly ensue, since it must be 

 produced either by size or number of particles ; it cannot be their size, and 

 therefore, it must be their number. Nor is there any reason for assuming 

 the union of four double atoms, since three suffice to originate magnitude.* 

 The atom then is reckoned to be the sixth part of a mote visible in a sun- 

 beam.! 



Two earthly atoms, concurring by an unseen peculiar virtue, the creative 

 will of God, or time, or other competent cause, constitute a double atom 

 of earth ; and, by concourse of three binary atoms, a tertiary atom is pro- 

 duced ; and, by concourse of four triple atoms, a quaternary atom ; and 

 80 on, to a gross, grosser, or grossest mass of earth : thus great earth is 

 produced; and in like manner, great water, from aqueous atoms; great 

 light, from luminous ; and great air, from aerial. The qualities, that belong 

 to the effect, are those which appertained to the integrant part, or primary 

 particle, as its material cause : and conversely, the qualities, which belong 

 to the cause, are found in the effect. 



The dissolution of substances proceeds inversely. In the integrant parts 

 of an aggregate substance resulting from composition, as in the potsherds 

 of an earthern jar, action is induced by pressure attended with velocity, or 

 by simple pressure. Disjunction ensues ; whereby the union, which was 

 the cause of incohation of members, is annulled ; and the integral sub- 

 stance, consisting of those members, is resolved into its parts, and is de- 

 stroyed : for it ceases to subsist as a whole. 



II. Quality is closely united with substance ; not, however, as an in- 



* Cet'. t Pad. Dip. 



Vol.. I. P 



