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modes of being — the one which we call “ matter 3> and the 
other we call “mind.” 
It is now time to state, that matter never moves or changes 
itself. It is said to be inert, or in other words to exist in a 
mode of passivity. This is denied, and the opposite strongly 
asserted. It is required therefore that we should be careful 
to understand what wo state, and also to verify the truth 
which is really stated, when we say that matter never moves 
or changes itself. True knowledge often depends more on a 
clear understanding of the truth, than on any evidence required 
to establish its verity. 
I have no idea that there is a “ vis inertia 33 in matter. A 
“ vis inertia 33 is an absurdity. It is a “ forceless force 33 A 
piece of lead held in the hand apparently presses that hand 
downwards. The force which so presses downwards is as 
really force, as is that of the arm which bears the hand 
upwards. The question in such a case is, not as to a “force- 
less force , 33 but as to whether that force, which presses down- 
wards, is the force of matter, or, like that which bears upwards, 
the force of mind. We shall learn more as to this question 
afterwards— at present I only state that inertness in matter does 
not mean a force, but the opposite of a force, — a passivity which 
requires a force in order to any change whatever taking place in 
this material substance. But we must explain still more fully. 
When we say that matter is inert we do not mean that 
it cannot be put in motion. For example a stone thrown 
from the hand is matter put in motion. It continues to 
be in motion after it has ceased to be in contact with the 
hand. It is not on that account capable of moving itself. 
It is consequently inert or passive, as every one understands 
the word who really knows what it means. A mass of coal 
on fire is matter in a state of motion; for what is called 
combustion is only a state of complicated motion in the 
material which is burning. Certain materials brought together 
in a certain way enter into this state of combustion, just as 
the stone enters on its course through the air, when thrown 
from the hand. But that does not constitute these materials 
self-moving, any more than the motion of the stone dis- 
proves its inertia or passivity. As the stone is thrown from 
the hand, so the materials for combustion must be brought to- 
gether by a similar agency. A rifle ball passes on its course 
with a very rapid motion, and with great force, in consequence 
of the combustion in the rifle barrel. That combustion is a 
consequence of the explosion of the cap on the nipple, that 
again of the snap of the hammer on the cap, and so on ; but 
