CHAPTER VIII. 



EXTENSIVE AND INTENSIVE PHASES OF QUANTITY IN 

 MATTER. 



TT is to be noted that, in so far as matter is considered 

 -* as merely continuous, its qualitative characteristics 

 do not appear. On the other hand, its discrete character 

 arises from distinctively qualitative phases of the relation 

 between attraction and repulsion. It is precisely through 

 qualitatively developed differences that discrete quantity 

 is perceivable in matter. 



But the more and less of strain, as between the con- 

 centrative and the expansive tendencies, within any given 

 sphere involves still another quantitative contrast. With 

 diminished strain there is a canceling of qualitative differ- 

 ences and an increase in mere space-occupancy. As the 

 tension diminishes the extension increases. That is, the 

 intensive quantity proves to be inversely as the extensive 

 quantity. 



Here, indeed, then, comes to light the deeper meaning 

 involved in the contrast between extensive and intensive 

 quantity, as set forth in the ordinary formal logic. There 

 the term having the greatest extent of meaning is ordina- 

 rily understood to be merely the most abstract term, since, 

 in order to increase the number of objects included within 

 it, the term must be restricted to fewer and fewer distin- 

 guishing characteristics. That is, with increase of extent 

 there must necessarily be decrease of intent or content. 



