f 4'« 3 
of our Nation, that the Spirit of Party Is Co predo- 
minant therein, that feveral Perfons, who by a clofe 
Study have found the Infufficiency of Vortices for 
explaining the Vh^nomena of the Heavens, yet have 
not dared to publifh their Notions on that Subjed. 
But as at prefent the Syftetn of fmall Vortices is 
freely attacked, I think, as already faid, that I have a 
Right to attack the large j and to this Purpofe I hope 
to prove, 
I. That the mechanical Formation of a Vortex is 
impollible. 
II. That the Vortex^ were it formed, cannot be of 
long Duration. 
III. In fine, that it is not fufficient for explaining 
the Thanomena, 
First Part. 
The mechanical Generation of the Vortex is im- 
pojfible. 
Demonstration. 
In the Hypothelis of a perfed TleniiWy God at 
firft created Matter indefinite, uniform, homogeneous, 
and at Reft. This is allowed by all CartefianSy and 
follows in their Principles from this alone, that Mat- 
ter was created at Reft. Now, from this perfed 
Homogeneity of Matter it evidently refults, in my 
Opinion, that the Vortex cannot be mechanically 
formed. Suppofe, fay the Cartefians, that while 
Matter is as yet at Reft, God imprints a Motion in 
a ftrait Line on one of its Particles : This Particle 
will every Inftant meet with Obftacles to the redi- 
Gg§ ' ' ^ linear 
