and because their more or less gravity is reckoned necessarily (and so immediately) to ⟨p. 102⟩depend on that (for those Atoms cannot be thought porous, but very closely compacted each one within it self) this, it is likely, will as little be depended on*. And so their peculiar figure must be the more trusted to, as the differencing thing. And because there is in this respect so great a variety among this little sort of people, or Nation as this Author somewhere calls them, whereof he gives so punctual an account, †as if he had been the Generalissimo of all their Armies, and were wont to view them at their Rendezvous, to form them into Regiments and Squadrons, and appoint them to the distinct services he found them aptest for. No doubt it was a difficulty to determine which sort of figure was to be pitched on to make up the rational regiment. But since this power was absolute, and there was none to gain-say or contradict, the round figure was judged best, and most deserving this honour. Otherwise a reason might have been asked (and it might have been a greater difficulty to have given a good one) why some other figure might not have done as well; unless respect were had to fellow-Atoms, and that it was thought, they of this figure could better associate for the present ⟨p. 103⟩purpose; and that we shall consider of by and by; we now proceed on the supposition that, possibly, a single Atom by the advantage of this figure, might be judged capable of this high achievement. And in that case, it would not be impertinent to enquire, whether if an Atom were perfectly round, and so, very rational; but by an unexpected misadventure, it comes to have one little corner somewhere clapped on, it be hereby quite spoiled of its rationality? And again, whether one that comes somewhat near that figure, only it hath some little protuberancies upon it, might not by a little filing, or the friendly rubs of other Atoms become rational? And yet, now we think on't, of this improvement he leaves no hope, because he tells us, though they have parts, yet they are so solidly compacted that they are by no force capable of dissolution. And so whatever their fate is in this particular, they must abide it without expectation of change. And yet, though we cannot really alter it for the better with any of them, yet we may think as favourably of the matter as we please;
and because their more or less gravity is reckon'd necessarily (and so immediately) to ⟨p. 102⟩depend on that (for those Atoms cannot be thought porous, but very closely compacted each one within it self) this, it is likely, will as little be depended on*. And so their peculiar figure must be the more trusted to, as the differencing thing. And because there is in this respect so great a variety among this little sort of people, or Nation as this Author somewhere calls them, whereof he gives so punctual an account, †as if he had been the Generalissimo of all their Armies, and were wont to view them at their Rendzevous, to form them into Regiments and Squadrons, and appoint them to the distinct services he found them aptest for. No doubt it was a difficulty to determine which sort of figure was to be pitcht on to make up the rational regiment. But since this power was absolute, and there was none to gain-say or contradict, the round figure was judged best, and most deserving this honour. Otherwise a reason might have been asked (and it might have been a greater difficulty to have given a good one) why some other figure might not have done as well; unless respect were had to fellow-Atoms, and that it was thought, they of this figure could better associate for the present ⟨p. 103⟩purpose; and that we shall consider of by and by; we now proceed on the supposition that, possibly, a single Atom by the advantage of this figure, might be judg'd capable of this high atchievement. And in that case, it would not be impertinent to enquire, whether if an Atom were perfectly round, and so, very rational; but by an unexpected misadventure, it comes to have one little corner somewhere clapt on, it be hereby quite spoil'd of its rationality? And again, whether one that comes somewhat near that figure, only it hath some little protuberancies upon it, might not by a little filing, or the friendly rubs of other Atoms become rational? And yet, now we think on't, of this improvement he leaves no hope, because he tells us, though they have parts, yet they are so solidly compacted that they are by no force capable of dissolution. And so whatever their fate is in this particular, they must abide it without expectation of change. And yet, though we cannot really alter it for the better with any of them, yet we may think as favourably of the matter as we please;
- *Where yet it falls out somewhat crossly that the least (and consequently the lightest) should be thought fitter to be the matter of the rational soul, because they are aptest for motion, when yet no other cause is assigned of their motion besides their gravity, which cannot but be more as they are bigger (for no doubt if you should try them in a pair of scales, the biggest would be found to outweigh) whence also it should seem to follow, that the heaviest having most in them of that which is the cause of motion, should be the most moveable, and so by consequence the biggest.Where yet it falls out somewhat crosly that the least (and consequently the lightest) should be thought fitter to be the matter of the rational soul, because they are aptest for motion, when yet no other cause is assigned of their motion besides their gravity, which cannot but be more as they are bigger (for no doubt if you should try them in a pair of scales, the biggest would be found to outweigh) whence also it should seem to follow, that the heaviest having most in them of that which is the cause of motion, should be the most moveable, and so by consequence the biggest.
- †That they are round, oblong, oval, plain, hooked, rough, smooth, bunch-back'd, &c.
