NOVUM ORGANUM. 387 



together in one place, or dispersed through the pores of bodies. But 

 of this we .ire sure, that the reason which induced Lcucippus and 

 Dernocritus to introduce the doctrine of a vacuum (viz. that without 

 it the same bodies could not embrace and fill spares of different 

 magnitudes) is a false one. For there is clearly a folding of Matter, 

 which folds and unfolds itself in space, within certain limits, without 

 the interposition of a vacuum ; nor is there in air two thousand times 

 the amount of \actmm (as there ought to be according to theory) that 

 there is in g&amp;lt;&amp;gt;lil. This is sufficiently clear from the very powerful 

 virtues of pneumatic bodies (which would otherwise float like small 

 dust in vacuum), and by many other proofs. The other kinds of 

 motion govern and arc governed in turn, each according to the vigour, 

 quantity, velocity, and force of projection, and also to the aids and 

 hindrances, which it meets with. 



For example : some armed magnets hold and suspend iron sixty 

 times their own weight. So far docs the Motion of I .csser Congrega 

 tion predominate over that of Greater Congregation : if the weight be 

 greater, it gives way. A lever of a certain strength will lift a certain 

 weight ; so far docs the Motion of Liberty predominate over that of 

 Greater Congregation; but if the weight be increased it gives way. 

 Leather stretched up to a certain degree of tension does not break ; 

 so far does the Motion of Continuity predominate over the Motion of 

 Tension: but if the tension be carried further, the leather is broken, 

 and the Motion of Continuity gives way. Water runs out through a 

 hole of a ccitain bore ; so far the Motion of Greater Congregation pre 

 dominates over the Motion of Continuity : but, if the size of the hole 

 be lessened, it gives way, and the Motion of Continuity conquers. If 

 powdered sulphur be put by itself into a musket with a ball, and fire 

 be applied, the ball is not expelled ; in this case the Motion of Greater 

 Congregation overcomes the Motion of Matter. I Jut if gunpowder be 

 put in, the Motion of A fatter in the sulphur is victorious, being aided 

 by the Afolioiis of Matter and J- light in the nitre ; and so of the rest. 

 For the Instances of the Struggle (which mark Predominance of 

 Virtues, together with the method and proportion in which they pre 

 dominate and give way) must be sought from all quarters with keen 

 and unremitting diligence. 



Further, the manner and proportion in which these motions give 

 way must be diligently examined. That is to say, whether they stop 

 altogether, or whether they continue to resist under restraint. For in 

 bodies here with us there is no real rest, cither in wholes, or in parts, 

 but only in appearance. Now this apparent rest is caused either by 

 Equilibrium, or by absolute Predominance of Motions. IJy Equili 

 brium, as in scales, which arc stationary if the weights be equal ; by 

 Predominance, as in perforated vessels containing water, where the 

 water remains at rest, and is kept from falling out by the Predomi 

 nance of the Motion of Connection. IJut it should be observed, as we 

 have said, how far these motions resist before giving way. For if a 

 man be kept perforce extended on the ground, with his arms and legs 

 bound, or be otherwise held down, and yet strive with all his might to 



