NOVUM ORGAXUM. 195 



Let the nineteenth and last motion be one which can 

 scarcely be termed a motion, and yet is one ; and which we 

 may call the motion of repose, or of abhorrence of motion. 

 It is by this motion that the earth stands by its own weight, 

 whilst its extremes move towards the middle, not to an ima 

 ginary centre, but in order to unite. It is owing to the 

 same tendency, that all bodies of considerable density abhor 

 motion, and their only tendency is not to move, which na 

 ture they preserve although excited and urged 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 respect they certainly 

 appear active, and attempt it with sufficient 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 simple 

 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 classifica 

 tion, as if one were to say, &quot;That bodies desire the preser 

 vation, exaltation, propagation, or fruition of their nature;&quot; 

 or, &quot; That motion tends to the preservation and benefit 

 either of the universe (as in the case of those of resistance 

 and connexion), or of extensive wholes (as in the case of 

 those of the greater congregation, revolution, and abhor 

 rence 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 mean time our classification will suffice, and be of much 

 use in the consideration of the predominance of powers, and 

 examining the wrestling instances which constitute our pre 

 sent subject. 



For of the motions here laid down some are quite invin 

 cible, some more powerful than others, which they confine, 



eck, and modify; others extend to a greater distance, 

 others are more immediate and swift, others strengthen, 

 increase, and accelerate the rest. 



