Demonstration.—Let A be that which is moved, I say that A is moved by something: for it is either moved according or contrary to nature. If, therefore, it is moved according to nature, that which moves is nature; but, if contrary to nature, that which employs violence moves; for every motion contrary to nature is violent.
THEOREM 13.
That which first moves a circular motion is impartible, or without parts.
Demonstration.—For let A be that which moves the first motion: for it is necessary that there should be something of this kind, because everything which is moved is moved by something. But A, if it is that which first moves, will be immoveable: for that which is immoveable is the leader of all things which are moved. And, since it moves a perpetual motion, it will possess an infinite power of moving; for finite powers have also finite energies: for energy proceeds from power. So that if its energy is infinite, its power also will be infinite. Hence, that which first moves a circular motion, must necessarily either be body, or incorporeal. But if body, it is either finite or infinite. There is not however an infinite body. And if it is a finite body, it will not possess an infinite power. But the powers of things bounded according to magnitude are finite, as has been demonstrated. Hence, that which first moves a circular motion, is not a body. It is therefore incorporeal, and possesses infinite power.
FOOTNOTES:
[59] Simple bodies, according to Aristotle, are those which naturally possess an inherent principle of motion. For animals and plants possess a principle of motion; but in these it proceeds from soul and not from nature.
[60] Hence the world is perpetual; for it is consubsistent with time.
THE END.
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