Theory of Abstract Motion on Superphysics

Definitions

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Definitions

1. A body which is moved either touches another or it does not touch. It touches if no intermediate space is given. Touching, if it is moved, either passes by or strikes against (impingit).

Preface

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THEORY To the Illustrious French Royal Academy, recently established for promoting Mathematical, Physical, and Medical studies, and for increasing the benefits to the human race.

Predemonstrable Foundations

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¹ Parts are given in the continuous, contrary to what the most acute Thomas the Englishman [Thomas Aquinas] has done.

² These parts are infinite in act.

For the “indefinite” of Descartes is not in the thing itself, but in the thinker.

Theorems

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¹ If a body strikes into another resting body, or one occurring directly more slowly, or one preceding more slowly, it carries it away with itself (that is, it moves into the same direction) with a difference of speeds.

Theorems

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[23]**

10. Hence every motion in a plenum is circular, or returns into itself in a closed line. For if body A moves into the place of B, then B must move into the place of C, and so on, until some body moves into the place vacated by A. 11. From this it follows that no body is moved alone, but the whole system of the plenum is affected by the motion of any single part. 12. The swiftest motion is that of the Aether, which, because of the smallness of its parts and the frequency of its endeavors, penetrates all things and acts as the universal motor.