z = φ (1 - ε-βt)
Now for a test. There is a jactura, v, the meaning of which I do not comprehend. If there be anything in it, my mathematical readers ought to interpret it from the formula
v = πφβ/(1 - β)ε-βt + Cε-t
and to this task I leave them, wishing them better luck than mine. The time may come when other manifestations of mind, besides belief, shall be submitted to calculation: at that time, should it arrive, a final decision may be passed upon Herbart.
ON THE WHIZGIG.
The theory of the Whizgig considered; in as much as it mechanically exemplifies the three working properties of nature; which are now set forth under the guise of this toy, for children of all ages. London, 1822, 12mo (pp. 24, B. McMillan, Bow Street, Covent Garden).
The toy called the whizgig will be remembered by many. The writer is a follower of Jacob Behmen,[[579]] William Law,[[580]]
Richard Clarke,[[581]] and Eugenius Philalethes.[[582]] Jacob Behmen first announced the three working properties of nature, which Newton stole, as described in the Gentleman's Magazine, July, 1782, p. 329. These laws are illustrated in the whizgig. There is the harsh astringent, attractive compression; the bitter compunction, repulsive expansion; and the stinging anguish, duplex motion. The author hints that he has written other works, to which he gives no clue. I have heard that Behmen was pillaged by Newton, and Swedenborg[[583]] by Laplace,[[584]] and Pythagoras by Copernicus,[[585]] and Epicurus by Dalton,[[586]] &c. I do not think this mention will revive Behmen; but it may the whizgig, a very pretty toy, and philosophical withal, for few of those who used it could explain it.
SOME MYTHOLOGICAL PARADOXES.