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CAP. 14.
Of the error in propounding the search of the materials
or dead beginnings or principles of things, and not the nature of motions,
inclinations, and applications. That the whole scope of the former search
is impertinent and vain; both because there are no such beginnings, and if
there were they could not be known. That the latter manner of search (which
is all) they pass over compendiously and slightly as a by-matter. That
the several conceits in that kind, as that the lively and moving beginnings
of things should be shift or appetite of matter to privation; the spirit of
the world working in matter according to platform; the proceeding or
fructifying of distinct kinds according to their proprieties; the
intercourse of the elements by mediation of their common qualities; the
appetite of like portions to unite themselves; amity and discord, or
sympathy and antipathy; motion to the centre, with motion of stripe or
press; the casual agitation, aggregation, and essays of the solid portions
in the void space; motion of shuttings and openings; are all mere
nugations; and that the calculating and ordination of the true degrees,
moments, limits, and laws of motions and alterations (by means whereof all
works and effects are produced), is a matter of a far other nature than to
consist in such easy and wild
generalities.
[@ Works III, 243-4]
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