21k 
are not diversified to jitiaitek but the 
atoms themselves, of each existent shape, 
are infinite orinnumerabie. Every atom 
is possessed of certain intrinsic powers of 
motion, Under the old wheel of Demo- 
critus, the proper motions exhibited were 
of two kinds—a descending motion from 
lis own gravity, aud a rebounding niotion 
from mutual concussion. Besides these 
two motions, and to explain certain phe- 
nomena wlach the poem of Lucretius de- 
velopes, and whic were not accounted 
for under the old system, Epicurus sup- 
posed, that some atoms were occasionally 
possessed of a tinrd, by which, in some 
very small degree, they descended in an 
oblique and curvilinear direction, devi- 
ating trom the common and right line 
anomalously; and hence, in this respect, 
resembling the osciliations of the mag- 
uetic needle. 
“ These infinitudes of atoms flying 
immemorially i in such different directions 
through all the immensity of space, have 
interchangeably tried and exhibited every 
possible mode of action; sometimes re- 
pelled from each other by coneussions, 
and sometimes adhering to each other 
from their own jagged-or pointed con- 
struction, or from the casual interstices 
which two or more connected atoms must 
produce, and which may be just adapted 
to those of other configurations, as glo- 
bular, oval, or square. Hence the origin 
of compound bodies ;. hence, ev entually, 
the origin of the world itself. W hen 
these primary atoms are closely com- 
pacted together, and bat little vacuity 
in space intervenes, they produce those 
kinds sof substances which we denomi- 
nate solids, as stones and. metals. When 
they are loose and disjointed, and a large 
quantity of space or vacuity occurs be- 
tween them, they produce the phenome- 
na of wood, water, vapour. In one mode 
ef combination, they form earth, in ano- 
ther air, and m another fire. Arranged 
in one way, they produce vegetables and 
irritability; in another may animal life 
and perception. Man, } hence, LU iSeS, fa- 
milies are formed, society multiplies, and 
governments are instituted. 
“ The world, thus generated, 1s perpe- 
tually sustained by “the application of 
fresh elementary atoms, flying, with in- 
conceivable rapidity, through all the in- 
finitude of space, invisible from their mi- 
nuteness, and occupying the posts of all 
those that are perpetually flying off. Yet 
nothing is eterna) orimmutable but these 
elementary atoms themselves; the diffe- 
rent forms of matter are continually dex 
Lyceum of Ancient Literature— Lucretius. 
[April 1, 
composing and dissolving into their origi- 
na! corpuscles. ‘To this, there is no ex- 
ception. 
mais, in this respect, are all alike, when 
they lose their present configuration, pe- 
rishing from existence for ever, and new 
combinations proceeding from the mat- 
ter into which they dissolve. But the 
world itself is a compound, thoagh not— 
an organized, being; sustained aud now- 
tished like organized beings, from the 
material pabuium which floats through 
the void of infinity. The world itself 
must therefore, in the same manner, pe- 
rish; it had a beginning, and it will 
eventually have anend. Its presentcra-— 
sis will be decomposed; it will return to 
its original and its elementary atoms, and 
new worlds will arise from its destruction. 
* Space is infinite, material atoms are 
infinite; but the world is not infinite. 
This, then, is not the only world, or the 
only ‘material system which exists. The 
cause whence this visible system origi- 
nated, is competent to produce others; 
it has been acting perpetually from all 
eternity; and there are other worlds, and 
other systems of worlds, around. us. Jn 
the vast immensity of space, there ey 
also other beings than man, possessed of 
powers, and -intellects, and enjoyments, 
far superior to our own; beings who ex- 
isted before the formation of the world, 
and will exist when the world shall perish 
for ever, whose happiness flows unlimited 
and unallayed, and whom the tumults 
and passions of gross matter can never 
agitate. These, the founder of the sys- 
tem denoniinated gods;-not that they 
created the universe, or are possessed of 
the power of upholding it, for they are 
finite and created beings themselves, and 
endowed, only with fimite capacities and 
powers; butfrom the uninterrupted bea- 
titude and tranquillity which they enjoy, 
and their everlasting freedoin from all 
anxiety and care.” 
The fundamental points a the moral 
system of Epicarus are these. Happi- 
uess is the end of life. This is the secret 
avowal of every mind, the ultimate end 
of all our actions.’ It is not necessary 
to reform nature; but to guide its ge- 
neral tendency. The greatest evil that 
can happen to man, is to fancy happiness 
where it is not to be-found; or to see it 
where it really exists, without the power 
of attaining it. What, then, is the prin- 
cipal object of moral philosophy, unless it 
be to ascertain in what real happisiess 
consists? 
our continual occupation; if we wish to 
Minerals, vegetables, and ani- - 
Let this important study be — 
