On Mechanical Science, 39 



aid in conceiving oiuward distance or space ; it is the power 

 of unresisted motion alone which enables us to conceive it, 

 while resisted motion renders us sensible of the presence of 

 matter. 



It may be said that by means of sight we can observe figure, 

 and consequently form an idea of the boundary of figiire, on 

 a flat surface ; and external motion adds the idea of variation 

 of distance and of figure ; but our own motion and feeling of 

 power is essential to our perception of distance from us, and 

 consequently to the perception of the idea of space. 



Now since the idea of power, and its effect — motion, precedes 

 the idea of space, the science which treats of the possible cir- 

 cumstances and relations under which power may operate, is 

 as much a pure and elementary science as that which treats 

 of space and figure, and it will be found that it may be fol- 

 lowed to an equal extent without reference to matter. 



If example be required of the possibility of a science of me- 

 chanics being formed independently of nature and natural 

 phenomena, I would quote the doctrines of fluxions * as a 

 partial attempt to form such a system ; and if ever its first 

 principles be clearly illustrated, it will be from the considera- 

 tion of forces and velocities. The first book, and the greater 

 part of the second, of Sir Isaac Newton's " Principles of Na- 

 tural Philosophy," are of this species of mechanical science, — 

 not quite so detached from existing nature as our systems of 

 geometry ; but not the less capable of being detached, gene- 

 ralized, and made more strictly systematic. The advantages 

 of such a system would be similar to that of the elements of 

 geometry. Natural philosophy and the practical application 

 of science may then be formed by the reference of matters of 

 experience and observation to the principles which solve them, 

 as in the third book of Newton. Recent treatises have been 

 formed only for the purposes of explaining natural phaeno- 

 mena; but even for this purpose a system of pure science, per- 

 fect in itself, would be vastly superior. 



* I see with regret that my countrymen are gradually abandoning the 

 Newtonian notation, and even the name which was bestowed on this doc- 

 trine by its great author ; and that they are adopting both the name and 

 notation given by not more than the second inventor ; when it is a fact 

 which cannot be denied, that both the name and notation of Leibnitz con- 

 vey a false idea of the nature of the process. A small argument is raised 

 in favour of the change, amounting to, I believe, one solitary instance of 

 infrequent occurrence when the Newtonian notation is not perfectly con- 

 venient ; while the glaring absurdity of using a representative of quantity, 

 for a characteristic mark, is entirely overlooked. 



Would any other nation on the face of the earth except this have paid 

 such a tribute of respect to such a genius as Newton ! I ! 



It 



