266 NOVUM ORGANUM 



in a variety of ways to motion. But if they be compelled 

 to move, yet do they always appear anxious to recover 

 their former state, and to cease from motion, in which re 

 spect they certainly appear active, and attempt it with suffi 

 cient swiftness and rapidity, as if fatigued, and impatient 

 of delay. We can only have a partial representation of 

 this tendency, because with us every tangible substance is 

 not only not condensed to the utmost, but even some spirit 

 is added, owing to the action and concocting influence of 

 the heavenly bodies. 



We have now, therefore, exhibited the species, or sim 

 ple elements of the motions, tendencies, and active powers, 

 which are most universal in nature; and no small portion 

 of natural science has been thus sketched out. We do not, 

 however, deny that other instances can perhaps be added, 

 and our divisions changed according to some more natural 

 order of things, and also reduced to a less number; in which 

 respect we do not allude to any abstract classification, as if 

 one were to say, that bodies desire the preservation, exal 

 tation, propagation, or fruition of their nature; or, that 

 motion tends to the preservation and benefit either of the 

 universe (as in the case of those of resistance and connec 

 tion), or of extensive wholes, as in the case of those of the 

 greater congregation, revolution, and abhorrence of motion, 

 or of particular forms, as in the case of the others. For 

 although such remarks be just, yet, unless they terminate 

 in matter and construction, according to true definitions, 

 they are speculative, and of little use. In the meantime, 

 our classification will suffice, and be of much use in the 

 consideration of the predominance of powers, and examin 

 ing the wrestling instances which constitute our present 

 subject. 



