EPICTJKUS. 193 



finite both in respect of the number of bodies that compose it, and of 

 the extent of the vacuum or space. For if space we* infinite and the 

 bodies were limited in number, the bodies would be able to remain in 

 no place, but would be carried hither and thither, and scattered through 

 the infinitude of space, not supporting and keeping one another in 

 their places. On the other hand, if space were limited, and the bodies 

 infinite, the bodies would have nowhere to exist." 



Atoms. 



" Of bodies some are compounds, and some are elements of which 

 the compounds are formed. These elements are indivisible (aro/^a, 

 atoms) and unchangeable, being ' full ' and admitting nowhere and no- tibie atoms. 

 how of dissolution. This is absolutely necessary to prevent the 

 disintegration of bodies from ending in the annihilation of all things." 



Among other properties, these atoms are stated to be of various Atoms are of 

 shapes, this being necessary to account for the observed differences of ^g 1 ? 

 bodies ; for the same reason they are assumed to be of various magni- 

 tudes. In this respect, however, there are limits, otherwise we 

 should be meeting with visible atoms, which is never the case ; nor in 

 fact can we conceive such a thing possible. On the other hand, we 

 are to guard against the notion of unlimited smallness, or infinite 

 divisibility. There is a great deal of elaborate argument in disproof No infinite 

 of this notion, none of it very cogent. Perhaps this attempt at a dlvlslbllltv - 

 reductio ad absurdum is the best. " For when one has once said that 

 there are in any object an infinite number of particles, it is manifestly 

 impossible to think any longer of that object as finite in magnitude." 

 Atoms, then, have some determinate magnitude. They possess none 

 of the changeable properties of bodies ; but only the essential properties 

 of form, magnitude, and weight. 



The grand problem in the Epicurean cosmogony was : Given How were 

 infinite space and an infinite number of atoms, to account for the fhat<Smpose 

 formation and continued existence of things as we see them. This the world 

 initiatory part of the system is so briefly noticed in the ' Epitome,' that 

 to understand it we must have recourse to Lucretius, where it is seen 

 in a more expanded form. In solving the problem, Epicurus has 

 faithfully adhered to his rule of explaining things beyond the reach of 

 observation, only by the analogy of things that are observed. This 

 corresponds in so far to the modern maxim, that requires us to call in 

 to the explanation of -phenomena no causes but such as we know to 

 exist. The other part of that axiom to call in no more causes than 

 are necessary has nothing expressly answering to it in the Epicurean 

 canon ; but his grand aim, to get rid, namely, of the gods, supplies 

 the place of a positive rule, and makes him very sparing of principles. 



To account for the formation of bodies, for their observed motions, Atoms 

 and for most of their changeable properties, it is assumed that atoms 5Jjth Wed 

 are endowed with an inherent motion, and that this motion, when inherent 

 not interfered with, is always in one uniform direction downwards. m ' 



[G. E, P.] o 



