MAT 
templates, whatever is capable of being 
numbered or measured, in so far as is com- 
putable or measurable ; and, accordingly, is 
subdivided into arithmetic, which has num- 
bers for its object, and geometry, which 
treats of magnitude. See Arithmetic 
and Geometry. 
Mathematics are commonly distinguished 
into pure and speculative, which consider 
quantity abstractedly; and mixed, which 
treat of magnitude as subsisting in material 
bodies, and consequently are interwoven 
every where with physical considerations. 
Mixed mathematics are very comprehen- 
sive ; since to them may be referred astro- 
nomy, optics, geography, hydrography, hy- 
'drosfatics, mechanics, fortification, naviga- 
tion, &c. See Astronomy, Optics, &c. 
Pure mathematics have Ojte peculiar ad- 
vantage, that they occasion no disputes 
among wrangling disputants, as in other 
branches of knowledge ; and the reasoil is, 
because the definitions of the terms are 
pfemised, and every body that reads a pro- 
position has the same idea of every part of 
it. Hence it is easy to put an end to all 
mathematical controversies, by shewing 
either that, our adversary has not stuck to 
his definitions, or has not laid down true 
premises, or else that he has drawn false 
conclusions from true principles ; and in 
case we are able to do neither of these, 
■w'e must acknowledge the truth of what he 
has proved. 
It is true, that in mixed mathematics, 
where we reason matheniatic.tJly upon phy- 
sical subjects, we cannot give such just 
definitions as the geometricians : we must, 
therefore, rest content with descriptions ; 
and they will be of the same use as defini- 
tions, provided we are consistent with our- 
selves, and always mean the same thing by 
those terms we have once explained. 
Dr. Barrow gives a most elegant descrip- 
tion of the excellence and usefulness of ma- 
thematical knowledge, in his inaugural ora- 
tion, upon being appointed Professor of 
Mathematics at Cambridge. 
The mathematics, he observes, etfectnally 
exercise, not vainly delude, nor vexatiously 
torment studious minds with obscure sub- 
tilties ; but plainly demonstrate every thing 
within their reach, draw certain conclu- 
sions, instruct by profitable jules, and un- 
fold pleasant questions. These disciplines 
likewise enure, and corroborate the mind 
to a constant diligence in study; they 
wholly deliver us from a credulous simpli- 
pity, most strongly fortify us against the 
MAT 
vanity of scepticism, efi'ectually restrain us 
from a rash presumption, most easily incline 
ns to a due assent, perfectly subject us to 
the government of right reason. While the 
mind is abstracted and elevated from sensi- 
ble matter, distinctly views pure forms, 
conceives the beauty of ideas, and investi- 
gates the harmony of proportions ; the man- 
ners themselves are sensil ly corrected and 
improved, the alFections composed and rec- 
tified, the fancy calmed and settled, and 
the understanding raised and excited to 
more divine contemplations. 
BIATRASS, Cucurbit, or Boltheyd, 
amongst chemists. See Laboratory. 
M.iTRICARIA, in botany, /eueiyhu;, a 
genus of the Syngenesia Polygamia Super- 
fliia class and order. Natural order of 
Compositae Discoideae. Coryinbifer®, Jus- 
sieu. Essential character : calyx, hemis- 
pherical, imbricate; the marginal scales 
solid, sharpish ; down none ; receptacle 
naked. There are eight species. These 
are herbaceous plants, with leaves mostly 
pinnate, in some few simple ; flowers ter- 
minating either in corymbs, or almost soli- 
tary ; florets in the ray commonly white. 
M. Parthenium, common feverfew, is a 
native of many parts of Europe, in waste 
places, in hedges and walls, sometimes hi 
cornfields and gardens, where it is also cul- 
tivated in a double state. 
MATRIX, in anatomy, the same with 
uterus. 
Matrix, in letter-foundery. See Foun- 
DERY. 
IMATROSSES, are soldiers in the train 
of artillery, who are next to the gunners, 
and assist them in loading, firing and spung- 
ing the great guns. They carry fire-locks, 
and march along with the store waggons, 
both as a guard, and to give their assist- 
ance in case a waggon should break down. 
IMATT, in a ship, Tope-yarn, junk, &c. 
beat flat and interwoven ; used in order to 
preserve the yards from galling or rubbing 
in hoisting or lowering them. 
MATTER, in physiology, whatever is 
extended and capable of making resist- 
ance: hence, because all bodies, whether 
sojid or fluid, are extended, and do resist, 
we conclude that they are material, or 
made up of matter. That matter is one and 
the same thing in all bodies, and that all 
the variety w'e observe arises from the vari- 
ous forms and shapes it puts on, seems 
very probable, and may be concluded from 
a general observation of the procedure of 
nature in the generation and destruction of 
