CHAP. Ill, 



A'general Fiewof the gradual Progression of Beings* 



r. JT ROM the immutability of species amidst the 

 perpetual motion that reigns in the universe, is de- 

 duced the indivisibility of the first principles of. bodies: 

 and the indivisibility of these principles would demon- 

 strate the simplicity of their nature, if God had not 

 power to render the highly compounded particles inca- 

 pable of separation. 



The nature of elementary atoms, their forms, relative 

 proportions, and the manner whereby they effect the 

 formation of bodies, are branches of knowledge that 

 surpass the reach of the human miad. 



So that we cannot determine whether there are as 

 many species of elements as of bodies ; or whether the 

 same elementary particles, variously combined, give 

 birth to different compounded species. 



We are likewise ignorant what.it is that essentially 

 distinguishes one body from every other; those we call 

 essential characters) are only the ultimate result of the 

 first principles. 



O how interesting would the sight be, were we per- 

 mitted to penetrate into these principles ! A new world 

 would disclose itself to our view ; nature then become 

 transparent, would no longer conceal her way from us: 

 her laboratories and workshops would then be thrown 

 open. Here we should see her collecting the principles 

 of metals ; there behold her preparing the colour or the 

 rose. Further, we might trace her footsteps into the 



