MECHANISM OF NATURE 



therefore, every atom must move away from the 

 centre as the disk is revolved, and the disk must 

 become larger. But it does not become larger by 

 being revolved ever so swiftly. Therefore, the 

 means by which the atoms of a solid substance 

 are held together must be of a mechanical nature. 

 The atoms must be interlocked ; they must be other- 

 wise than round, and they must be in actual con- 

 tact, one with another. 



PROPOSITION VII. 



Liquid substances consist of particles which are 

 not interlocked. 



Because we can readily divide any liquid sub- 

 stance again and again, and as readily reunite the 

 divisions in one whole. Therefore, it is evident 

 that the liquid substances are composed of par- 

 ticles. 



And because a liquid substance most readily as- 

 sumes the shape of any vessel containing it ; there- 

 fore, it is also evident that the particles of a 

 liquid substance are not interlocked. 



Therefore, liquid substances are composed of 

 particles which are not interlocked. 



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