NOVUM ORGANUM 455 



tion of the motion as from east to west, or the reverse ; 6. the 

 deviation from a perfect circle, by spiral lines at a greater or less 

 distance from the centre; 7. the deviation from the circle, by 

 spiral lines at a greater or less distance from the poles ; 8. the 

 greater or less distance of these spirals from each other; 9. 

 and lastly, the variation of the poles if they be movable ; which, 

 however, only affects revolution when circular. The motion 

 in question is, according to common and long-received opin- 

 ion, considered to be that of the heavenly bodies. There exists, 

 however, with regard to this, a considerable dispute between 

 some of the ancients as well as moderns, who have attributed 

 a motion of revolution to the earth. A much more reasonable 

 controversy, perhaps, exists (if it be not a matter beyond dis- 

 pute), whether the motion in question (on the hypothesis of the 

 earth's being fixed) is confined to the heavens, or rather de- 

 scends and is communicated to the air and water. The rotation 

 of missiles, as in darts, musket-balls, and the like, we refer en- 

 tirely to the motion of liberty. 



Let the eighteenth motion be that of trepidation, to which 

 (in the sense assigned to it by astronomers) we do not give much 

 credit; but in our serious and general search after the ten- 

 dencies of natural bodies, this motion occurs, and appears 

 worthy of forming a distinct species. It is the motion of an (as 

 it were) eternal captivity; when bodies, for instance, being 

 placed not altogether according to their nature, and yet not 

 exactly ill, constantly tremble, and are restless, not contented 

 with their position, and yet not daring to advance. Such is the 

 motion of the heart and pulse of animals, and it must neces- 

 sarily occur in all bodies which are situated in a mean state, 

 between conveniences and inconveniences; so that being re- 

 moved from their proper position, they strive to escape, are re- 

 pulsed, and again continue to make the attempt. 



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 mo- 

 tion that the earth stands by its own weight, whilst its extremes 

 move towards the middle, not to an imaginary 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 nature they preserve, although excited 

 and urged in a variety of ways to motion. But if they be com- 

 pelled 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 swift- 

 ness and rapidity, as if fatigued, and impatient of delay. We 

 can only have a partial representation of this tendency, be- 

 cause with us every tangible substance is not only not con- 



