NOVUM ORGANUM 253 



different parts do not collect themselves separately on ac 

 count of the check; but as soon as that spirit has evapo 

 rated, or has been choked by the cold, then the decomposed 

 parts unite, according to their natural desire. Hence it 

 happens, that all bodies which contain a sharp spirit (as 

 salts and the like), last without decomposition, owing 

 to the permanent and durable power of the predominating 

 and imperious spirit. 



The confinement of the motion of lesser congregation, 

 which arises from external motion, is very evident in that 

 agitation of bodies which preserves them from putrefaction. 

 For all putrefaction depends on the congregation of the 

 homogeneous parts, whence, by degrees, there ensues a 

 corruption of the first form (as it is called), and the gen 

 eration of another. For the decomposition of the original 

 form, which is itself the union of the homogeneous parts, 

 precedes the putrefaction, which prepares the way for the 

 generation of another. This decomposition, if not inter 

 rupted, is simple; but if there be various obstacles, putre 

 factions ensue, which are the rudiments of a new genera 

 tion. But if (to come to our present point) a frequent 

 agitation be excited by external motion, the motion toward 

 union (which is delicate and gentle, and requires to be free 

 from all external influence) is disturbed, and ceases; which 

 we perceive to be the case in innumerable instances. Thus, 

 the daily agitation or flowing of water prevents putrefaction ; 

 winds prevent the air from being pestilent; corn turned 

 about and shaken in granaries continues clean: in short, 

 everything which is externally agitated will with difficulty 

 rot internally. 



We must not omit that union of the parts of bodies 

 which is the principal cause of induration and desiccation. 



