268 NOVUM ORGANUM 



predominates over that of tension, but if the tension be 

 greater, the leather breaks, and the motion of continuity 

 yields. A certain quantity of water flows through a chink, 

 and so far the motion of greater congregation predominates 

 over that of continuity, but if the chink be smaller it yields. 

 If a musket be charged with ball and powdered sulphur 

 alone, and fire be applied, the ball is not discharged, in 

 which case the motion of greater congregation overcomes 

 that of matter; but when gunpowder is used, the motion of 

 matter in the sulphur predominates, being assisted by that 

 motion, and the motion of avoidance in the nitre; and so 

 of the rest. For wrestling instances (which show the pre 

 dominance of powers, and in what manner and proportion 

 they predominate and yield) must be searched for with 

 active and industrious diligence. 



The methods and nature of this yielding must also be 

 diligently examined, as for instance, whether the motions 

 completely cease, or exert themselves, but are constrained. 

 For in the bodies with which we are acquainted, there is no 

 real but an apparent rest, either in the whole or in parts. 

 This apparent rest is occasioned either by equilibrium, or 

 the absolute predominance of motions. By equilibrium, 

 as in the scales of the balance, which rest if the weights 

 be equal. By predominance, as in perforated jars, in which 

 the water rests, and is prevented from falling by the pre 

 dominance of the motion of connection. It is, however, to 

 be observed (as we have said before), how far the yielding 

 motions exert themselves. For if a man be held stretched 

 out on the ground against his will, with arms and legs 

 bound down, or otherwise confined, and yet strive with all 

 his power to get up, the struggle is not the less, although 

 ineffectual. The real state of the case (namely, whether 



