2i6 LIMITS AND FLUXIONS 



explains higher fluxions in a way that cannot be 

 called illuminating. 



191. Then " Amicus " speaks '* of the Use of the 

 Algebraic Cypher, in finding the Fluxions of Alge- 

 braic Ouantities," letting x increase or decrease, and 

 become ;fzb^, where the *' Increments or Decre- 

 ments are seen to be ±<^," and **dividing by 

 algebraic 0" thereupon " algebraically considering 

 of insensible Value, as before it was consider'd of 

 real sensible Value." Taking a reminiscent mental 

 attitude, *' Amicus " says : 



' ' This algebraic Ratio of the Fluxions of Quantities, 

 to which the diminishing Value of the algebraic 

 Increments or Decrements, from their limited State 

 or Value, tend together, to their geometrical vanish- 

 ing (by supposing the variable Value less and less) 

 has been misconceived, as vanishing together with 

 the ;t^/ geometrical Increments or Decrements they 

 are the Value of\ whence o has been denominated 

 a departed^ instead of an algebraic Quantity, by a 

 famous B— /, tho' it's Reality and Presence stili 

 existed before his Eyes ; but if 0^ the Cypher- Value, 

 or algebraic Quantity, call'd also Nothing^ be made 

 to signify Nothing, because it is so call'd, the Word 

 Nothing with as much Propriety, may be called no 

 Word, be allowed to bave no Signification among 

 other Words, and be deem'd a mere Blank, as no 

 Subject capable of Consideration." Further on in 

 the pamphlet, the query whether there can be *' real 

 Motion in no Time," for ''any one Point of inter- 

 mediate Space gone over; especially since an infinite 



