And thus much concerning the nature of body in general; with which I conclude this my first section of the Elements of Philosophy. In the first, second, and third parts, where the principles of ratiocination consist in our own understanding, that is to say, in the legitimate use of such words as we ourselves constitute, all the theorems, if I be not deceived, are rightly demonstrated. The fourth part depends upon hypotheses; which unless we know them to be true, it is impossible for us to demonstrate that those causes, which I have there explicated, are the true causes of the things whose productions I have derived from them.
Nevertheless, seeing I have assumed no hypothesis, which is not both possible and easy to be comprehended; and seeing also that I have reasoned aright from those assumptions, I have withal sufficiently demonstrated that they may be the true causes; which is the end of physical contemplation. If any other man from other hypotheses shall demonstrate the same or greater things, there will be greater praise and thanks due to him than I demand for myself, provided his hypotheses be such as are conceivable. For as for those that say anything may be moved or produced by itself, by species, by its own power, by substantial forms, by incorporeal substances, by instinct, by antiperistasis, by antipathy, sympathy, occult quality, and other empty words of schoolmen, their saying so is to no purpose.
And now I proceed to the phenomena of man's body; where I shall speak of the optics, and of the dispositions, affections, and manners of men, if it shall please God to give me life, and show their causes.
Vol. 1. Lat. & Eng.
C. XXVIII & XXX.
Fig. 1-6
| [a]Fig 1.] | [a]Fig 2.] | [a]Fig 3.] | [a]Fig 4.] | [a]Fig 5.] | [a]Fig 6.] |
END OF VOL. I.
LONDON:
C. RICHARDS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, CHARING CROSS.