386 NOVUM ORGANUM. 



being discontented with their present position, and yet not daring to 

 proceed further. Such is the motion found in the heart and pulses 

 of animals, and must of necessity occur in all bodies which exist in an 

 intermediate state between comfort and discomfort, so that when dis 

 turbed they try to liberate themselves, and being again repulsed, are 

 yet for ever trying again. 



19. Let the nineteenth and last Motion be that which, while it 

 hardly suits to the name, is yet plainly a motion. And this we may 

 call the Motion of Repose, or of Aversion to Motion. By this Motion 

 the earth stands still in its mass, while its extremities are moving to 

 the middle; not to an imaginary centre, but to a point of union. By 

 this appetite also all bodies of great density dislike motion ; in fact, 

 they have no other desire than that not to be moved ; and although 

 they be tempted and provoked to motiAn in numberless ways, yet, as 

 far as possible, they preserve their own Nature. And if they be com 

 pelled to motion, they still always seem to be striving to recover their 

 state of rest, and to move no more. And in doing so they certainly 

 show themselves nimble, and strive for it eagerly and swiftly enough, 

 as if weary and impatient of any delay. Of this appetite only a 

 partial representation can be seen, since, here with us, from the sub 

 duing and concocting influence of the heavenly bodies, everything 

 tangible is not only condensed to the last degree, but is even mixed 

 with some spirit. 



And so we have now set forth the species, or simple elements of 

 motions, or appetites, and active virtues, which are in Nature most 

 universal. And no small t&amp;lt;tent of Natural Science is sketched forth 

 in connection with them. Nevertheless we clo not pretend that other 

 species may not be added ; or that these same divisions may not be 

 laid down differently, and more in conformity with the truer veins of 

 Nature ; or that they may not be reduced to a smaller number. And 

 we do not intend what we have been saying to refer to any abstract 

 distinction, as if one were to say that bodies desire either the conser 

 vation, or exaltation, or propagation, or fruition of their Nature ; or 

 that the motions of things tend to the conservation and advantage 

 either of the Universe, as Resistance and Connection; or of groat 

 wholes, as the Motions of Greater Congregation^ Rotation, and Dreaa 

 of Motion ; or of Special Forms, and the rest. For though these may 

 be true, yet, unless they be defined in matter and fabric in accordance 

 with true lines, they are speculative and of little use. Meanwhile 

 these will suffice, and be of good service in weighing the Predomi 

 nances of Virtues, and seeking out Instances of Strife, which is our 

 business at present. 



For of the Motions which we have set forth, some are quite invin 

 cible ; some are stronger than others, and fetter, curb, and order them; 

 some reach farther than others; some outstrip others in time and 

 speed ; some cherish, strengthen, enlarge, accelerate them. 



The Motion of Resistance is completely adamantine and invincible. 

 Whether that of Connection is so also we are yet in doubt, for we 

 cannot affirm for certain whether there be a vacuum, either gathered 



