WIND is the atmosphere in motion. Some have i 

 put the definition thus : Wind is the atmosphere 

 in motion in one direction. The latter seems the 

 more accurate, because the atmosphere is never so 

 still as not to be in agitation of some kind. In a 

 similar way the sea is called calm when it is only 

 slightly moved and does not set in a particular 

 direction. Thus, if you read the verse : 



When the winds slumbered and the sea was still, 



you must bear in mind that the sea was not actu 

 ally still, but heaved gently ; and that it is called 2 

 calm in a comparative sort of way because it 

 receives no distinct impulse to this side or to that. 

 The same opinion is likewise to be adopted in 

 regard to the atmosphere : it is never absolutely 

 motionless, even though it be still. This you may 

 gather from the following observation : When the 

 sun pours into any circumscribed space, one sees 

 minute particles carried through the air in different 

 directions, some up, some down, meeting each other 

 in a great variety of ways. Therefore, if one say: 3 

 a wave is an agitation of the sea, one will very 

 imperfectly express what is meant, because even 

 when at rest the sea is agitated. But one will more 

 than sufficiently safeguard oneself if the definition 



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