196 NOVUM ORGANUM. 



The motion of resistance is most adamantine and invin 

 cible. , We are yet in doubt whether such be the nature of 

 that of connexion ; for we cannot with certainty determine 

 whether there be a vacuum, either extensive or intermixed 

 with matter. Of one thing, however, we are satisfied, that 

 the reason assigned by Leucippus and Democritus for the 

 introduction of a vacuum (namely, that the same bodies 

 could not otherwise comprehend and fill greater and less 

 spaces) is false. For there is clearly a folding of matter, 

 by which it wraps and unwraps itself in space within cer 

 tain limits, without the intervention of a vacuum. Nor is 

 there two thousand times more of vacuum in air than in 

 gold, as there should be on this hypothesis ; a fact demon 

 strated by the very powerful energies of fluids (which would 

 otherwise float like fine dust in vacuo), and many other 

 proofs. The other motions direct and are directed by each 

 other according to their strength, quantity, excitement, 

 emission, or the assistance or impediments they meet with. 



For instance ; some armed magnets hold and support iron 

 of sixty times their own weight ; so far does the motion of 

 lesser congregation predominate over that of the greater; 

 but if the weight be increased it yields. A lever of a cer 

 tain strength will raise a given weight, and so far the mo 

 tion of liberty predominates over that of the greater congre 

 gation, but if the weight be greater the former motion 

 yields. A piece of leather stretched to a certain point does 

 not break, and so far the motion of continuity 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 th.e rest. 

 For wrestling instances (which show the predominance of 

 powers, and in what manner and proportion they predomi 

 nate and yield) must be searched for with active and indus 

 trious 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. 



