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and restrains each of their component parts, as the predominant 

 ruler of the whole, the several different parts do not collect 

 themselves separately on account of the check ; but as soon as 

 that spirit has evaporated, 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 im- 

 perious 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 putre- 

 faction 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 generation of another. For the decom- 

 position 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 interrupted, is simple; but if there be various obstacles, 

 putrefactions 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 towards 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 agita- 

 tion 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 exter- 

 nally 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. When the 

 spirit or moisture, which has evaporated into spirit, has escaped 

 from a porous body (such as wood, bone, parchment, and the 

 like), the thicker parts are drawn together, and united with a 

 greater effort, and induration or desiccation is the consequence ; 

 and this we attribute not so much to the motion of connection 

 (in order to prevent a vacuum), as to this motion of friendship 

 and union. 



Union from a distance is rare, and yet is to be met with in 

 more instances than are generally observed. We perceive it 

 when one bubble dissolves another, when medicines attract hu- 

 mors from a similarity of substance, when one string moves 

 another in unison with it on different instruments, and the like. 

 We are of opinion that this motion is very prevalent also in 

 animal spirits, but are quite ignorant of the fact. It is, how- 

 ever, conspicuous in the magnet, and magnetized iron. Whilst 

 speaking of the motions of the magnet, we must plainly dis- 



