NOVVM ORGANUAf. 385 



we are forgetting the subject under consideration, because while this 

 series and distribution of motions tends to nothing but the better in 

 vestigation of \ht\r frf dominance by Instances of Strife, \ve now make 

 mention of predominance among the motions themselves. For in 

 describing this Rcgtil Motion we do not treat of the predominance of 

 motions or virtues, but of the predominance of parts in bodies. For 

 this is the predominance which constitutes that peculiar species of 

 motion of which we speak. 



17. Let the seventeenth Motion be the Spontaneous Motion of 

 Rotation^ by which bodies delighting in motion, and advantageously 

 placed, enjoy their Nature, and follow themselves alone, and, as it 

 were, court their own embraces. For it seems that bodies cither have 

 motion without limit, or remain entirely at rest, or tend to a limit at 

 which, according to their own Nature, they either revolve or remain 

 at rest. Those which arc favourably placed, if they delight in motion, 

 move in circles, with a motion that is eternal and infinite. Those 

 which are favourably placed, and hate motion, rest. Those which are 

 not favourably placed, move in a straight line (as the shortest path), 

 to consort with kindred bodies. I&amp;gt;ut this Motion of Rotation admits 

 of nine differences. The first has reference to the centre round which 

 the bodies move ; the second, to the poles on wh u h they move ; the 

 third, to the circumference or orbit, according to their distance from 

 the centre ; the fourth, to their velocity, according to the greater 

 or less rapidity of their rotation ; the fifth, to the course of their 

 motion as from east to west, or from west to cast ; the sixth, to their 

 declination from a perfect circle, by spira s more or less distant from 

 their centre; the seventh, to their declination from a perfect circle by 

 means of spirals more or less distant from their poles ; the eighth, to 

 the greater or less distance of their spirals from each other ; the ninth 

 and last, to the variation of the poles themselves, if they arc move- 

 able ; which, however, has nothing to do with rotation, unless it be 

 circular. And this motion is held by common and long-received 

 opinion to be the proper motion of heavenly bodies. There is, how 

 ever, a grave controversy about this motion among some, both of the 

 ancients and moderns, who have attributed rotation to the earth. 

 Ikit perhaps a far justcr question suggests itself (supposing the case 

 not to be past all question), viz., whether this motion (granting that 

 the earth is stationary) is confined to the heavens, or does not rather 

 descend, and impart itself to the air and water. The Motion of Rota 

 tion in missiles, such as darts, arrows, bullets, and the like, we refer 

 to the Motion oj Liberty. 



18. Let the eighteenth Motion be the Motion of Trepidation^ in 

 which (as understood by astronomers) we do not put much faith, 

 liut the motion comes before us during a careful scrutiny of the appe 

 tites of natural bodies, and ought, as it seems, to be made to consti 

 tute a species. It is a Motion of what may be called eternal captivity. 

 It occurs, for instance, when bodies which arc in a position not in 

 every respect suitable to their Nature, and yet arc not altogether 

 uneasy, are in a continual state of trepidation, and move restlessly, 



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