Physiologia Epicuro-Gassendo-Charltoniana, or, A fabrick of science natural, upon the hypothesis of atoms founded by Epicurus repaired [by] Petrus Gassendus ; augmented [by] Walter Charleton ...

SECT. I.

SEnsus non suscipere SUBSTANTIAS, though the constant assertion of A∣ristotle, and admitted into his De∣finition of Sense, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Sensus est id, quod est capax sensibilium specierum sine materia; (lib. 2. de Anima, cap. ultim.) and swallowed as an Axiome by most of his Commentators: is yet so far from being indisputable, that an in∣tent examination of it by reason may not only suspect, but convict it of manifest absurdity. Witness only one, and the noblest of Senses, the SIGHT: which discerns the exterior Forms of Objects, by the reception either of certain Sub∣stantial, or Corporeal Emanations, by the sollicitation of Light incident upon, and reflected from them, as it were Direpted from their superfi∣cial parts, and trajected through a diaphanous Medium, in a direct line to the eye: or, of Light it self, proceeding in streight lines from Lucid bodies, or in reflex from opace, in such contextures, as exactly respond in order and position of parts, to the superficial Figure of the object, obver∣ted to the eye.

For the FIRST of these Positions, Epicurus hath left us so rational •• Ground, that deserves, besides our admiration of His Perspicacity, if not our plenary Adhaerence, yet at least our calm Allowance of its Veri∣simility, and due praelation to that jejune and frothy Doctrine of the Schools▪ that Species Visible are Forms without Matter, and immaterial not only in their admission into the Retina Tunica, or proper and immediate Organ of sight; but even in their Trajection through the Medium interjacent betwixt the

object and the eye. Which Argument, since too weighty, to be entrusted to the support of a Gratis, or simple Affirmation; we shall endeavour to prop up with more then one solid Reason.

And this that we may, with method requisite to perspicuity, effect: we are to begin at the faithful recital of Epicurus Text, and then proceed to the Explanation, and Examination of it.

Reputandum est, esse in mundo quasdam Effigies, ad Visionem inservien∣teis, quae corporibus solidis delineatione consimiles, superant longè sua tenuita∣te quicquid est rerum conspicabilium. Ne{que} enim formari repugnat etiam in medio aere circumfusove spatio, hujusmodi quasdam Contexturas: uti neque repugnat, esse quasdam in ipsis rebus, & maximè in Atomis, dispositiones, ad operandum ejusmodi spectra, quae sunt quasi quaedam merae inanes{que} Cavitates, & superficiales▪ soliditatisvè expertes tenuitates. Ne{que} praeterea repugnat, fieri ex Corporibus extimis Effluxiones quasdam Atomorum continenter a volanti∣um in quibus i dem positus, idem{que} ordo, qui fuerit in solidis, superficiebusvè ipsorum, servetur: ut tales proind•• Effluxiones sint quasi Formae, sive Effi∣gies, & Imagines Corporum, à quibus dimanant. Tales autem Formae sive Ef∣figies & Imagines sunt, quas moris est nobis, ut Idola, seu simulachra appellite∣mus. Ex lib. 10. Diogen. Laertij. & versione Gassendi.

The importance of which, and the remainder of his judgment, concern∣ing the same theorem, may be thus concisely rendred. Without repugnan∣cy to reason, it may be conceived (1) That in the University of Nature are certain most tenuious Concretions, or subtle Contextures, holding an exquisite analogy to solid bodies. (2) That by these, occurring to the sense; and thence to the Mind, all Vision, and Intellection is made: for they are the same that the Graecian Philosophers call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the Latine Imagines, Spectra, Simulachra, Effigies, and most frequently Species Intenti∣onales. (3) That among all the sundry possible wayes of the generation of these Species Visible, the two primary and most considerable are (1) by their Direption from the superficial parts of Compound bodies, (2) by their Spontaneous Emanation, and Concretion in the aer; and therefore those of the First sort are to be named 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and those of the second 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. (4) That those Images, which are direpted from the extreams of solid bo∣dies, do conserve in their separated state the same order and position of parts, that they had during their united. (5) That the ineffable or insuperable Pernicity, whereby these Images are transferred through a free space, de∣pends upon both the Pernicity of the Motion of Atoms, and their Ten••ity or Exility. For, the motion of Atoms, while continued through the Inane Space, and impeded by no retundent, is supposed to be inexcogitably swift: nor are we to admit, that when an Atom is repercussed by another directly arietating against it, and afterward variously bandied up and down by the re∣tusion of others encountring it; these partial or retuse motions are less swift, i. e. are performed in a space of time more assignable or distinguishable by thought, then if they were extended into one direct, simple, or uninterrupt∣ed motion. And for the second Fundament, the extreme Tenuity of A∣toms; insomuch as these Images are praesumed to be no more but certain superficial Contextures of Atoms: it cannot seem inconsequent, that their Pernicity can know no remora. And thus much of Epicurus Text; and the competent Exposition thereof.

It succeeds that we examine the relation it bears to Probability; refer∣ing the consideration of his spontaneous and systatical Images, to the Last Section: and reducing our thoughts concerning the Direpted and Apostati∣cal (which are, indeed, the proper subject of our praesent disquisition) to four capital points, viz. (1) their An sint, or Existence; (2) their Quid sint, or proper Nature; (3) their Unde, or Production; (4) their Celerity of Trans∣mission.

Of the FIRST, namely the EXISTENCE of Species Visible; this is suf∣ficiently certified by the obvious experience of Looking-glasses, Water, and all other Catoptrick or Speculary bodies: which autoptically demonstrate the Emission of Images from things objected. For, if the object be remo∣ved, or eclipsed by the interposition of any opace body, sufficiently dense and crass to terminate them, the Images thereof immediately disappear; if the object be moved, inverted, expansed, contracted, the Image likewise is instant∣ly moved, inverted, expansed, contracted; in all postures conforming to, and so undeniably proclaiming its necessary dependence upon its Antitype. Thus also, when in Summer we shade our selves from the intense fervor of the Sun, in green Arbours, or under Trees; we cannot but observe all our cloaths tincted with a thin Verdure, or shady Green: and this from no other Cause, but that the Images or Species of the Leaves, being as it were stript off by the incident light, and diffused into the vicine Aer, are terminated upon us, and so discolour our vestiments. Not, as Magirus would solve it▪ qualitate, i. e. immateriali forma, qua aer, corpus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, à folijs arborum viridibus imbui∣tur, tingitur, pingitur, (Comment. in Phylologiam Peripat. lib. 6. cap. 6. num. 27.) And thus are the bodies of men sitting, or walking in a large room, infected with the Colours of the Curtains or Hangings, when the Sun strikes upon them: Of which Lucretius thus,

Nam jacier certè, at{que} emergere multa videmus, Non solum ex alto, penitusque, ut diximus ante; Verum de summis ipsum quo{que} saepe Colorem. Et vulgo faciunt id lutea, russa{que} vela, Et serruginea, cum magnis intenta theatris Per malos volgata, trabeis{que} frementia flutunt. Nam{que} ibi concessum caveai subter, & omnem Scendi speciem patrum, matrumque, Deorumque, Insiciunt, cogunt{que} suo fluitare Colore. Ergo lintea de summo cum Corpore fucum Mittunt, Effigias quo{que} debent mittere tenueis Res quaeque, ex summo quoniam jaculantur utrae{que} &c. Lib. 4.

Upon which Reason also the admirable Kircher hinted his parastatical Expe∣riment, of Glossing the inside of a Chamber, and all things as well Furniture as Persons therein contained, with a pleasant disguise of grass Green, Azure, Crimson, or any other light Colour (for Black cannot consist in any Liquor, without so much density, as must terminate the Light:) only by disposing a capacious Vial of Glass, filled with the Tincture of Verdegrease, Lignum Nephriticum, or Vermilion, &c. in some aperture of the Window respect∣ing the incident beams of the Sun. (Art. Magn. Lucis, & Umbrae, lib. 10. part. 2. Mag••••, parastaticae Experimento 5.)

Concerning the SECOND, viz. the NATURE of Images Visible; we observe First, that Epicurus seems only to have revived and improved the notion of Plato, and Empedocles, who positively declared the sensible Forms, or Visible species of things, to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Effluxi∣ones quaedam substantiales: in that He denominates them Aporrhea, and defines them to be most thin and only superficial Contextures of Atoms effluxed from the superficial parts of Bodies, and jugi s••uore, by a con∣tinued stream em••ning from them into all the circumfused space.

Secondly, that the Common Opinion, most pertinaciously patronized by Alexander the Peripatetick, and Scaliger, with the numerous herd of Aristotelea••s (whom it is as easie to convert, as nominate) is, that visible species are mera Accidentiae, simple pure Accidents, that neither possess, nor carry with them any thing of Matter, or Substance; and yet being trans∣mitted through a diaphanous Medium from solid objects, they affect the or∣gan of Sight, are reflected from polite and speculary bodies, &c. Here we are arrested with wonder, either how these great Masters of Learning could derive this wild conceit from their Oracle, Aristotle; when introth all they could ground upon his Authority of this kind, is desumable only from these words of his, Colorem rei Visibilis movere perspicuum actu, quod deinceps oculum moveat: or how they could judge it consentaneous to rea∣son, that those Affections should be attributed to meer Accidents, which are manifestly Competent only to meer Substances. For, to be moved or to be the subject of Local Motion, to be impinged against, and reflected from, or permeate a body; to be dilated, contracted, inverted, &c. cannot con∣sist, nor indeed by a sober man be conceived, without absolute substan∣tiality. Some there are, we confess, who tell us, that they kindled this Conceit from sundry scattered sparks blended both in his general Discour∣ses of Motion and Alteration, and particular Enquiries into the nature of Dreams, and Sounds, in his Problems: and these, thereupon, most confi∣dently state the whole matter, thus. That the Visible Object doth first Generate a Consimilar Species in the parts of the aer next adjacent; that this Embryon species doth instantly Generate a second in the parts of the aer next to it, that generates a third, that third a fourth, and so they gene∣rate or spawn each other successively in all points of the Medium, untill the last species produced in the aer contiguous to the Horny membrane of the eye, doth therein produce another; which praesents to the Optick Nerve the exact delineations and pourtraiture of the Protoplast, or Object. To Cure the Schools of this Delirium, our advice is, that they first purge off that faeculent humor of Paedantism, and implicite adhaerence to Authority; and then with clean stomachs take this effectual Alterative.

If the Visible Species of Objects be, as they define; meer Accidents, i. e. immaterial: we Demand (1) What doth Creat them? Not the Object; since that hath neither power, nor art, nor instruments, to pourtray its own Counterfeit on the table of the contiguous aer. (2) What doth Conserve and Support them when pourtray'd? Not the Aer; since that is variously agitated, and dispelled by the wind, and commoved every way by Light pervading it: and yet the Species of objects are alwayes transmitted in a di∣rect line to the eye. (3) What can Transport them? Neither Aer, nor Light: since it is of the formal reason of an Accident, not to be removed or transmitted but in the arms of it Subject. Nor can the same numericall

species be extended through the whole space of the Medium; because it is repugnant to their supposition: and themselves affirm the transmigration of an Accident from one subject to another, impossible. (4) Is the spe∣cies changed and multiplied by Propagation? That's if not an impossibility absolute, yet a Difficulty inexplicable; first because no man ever hath, nor can explain the Modus Propagationis, the manner of their Propagation: Secondly, since the parts of space intermediate betwixt the Object and the Eye, though but at a small distance removed, are innumerable; and a fresh propagation must be successively in each of those parts; and the space of Time required to each single propagation is a moment; certainly it must be long before the propagation could attain to so small a part of space, as is aequal to one Digit. If so; how many hours would run by, after the Suns Emergency out of an Eclipse, before the light of it would arrive at our eye? since, as the moments, or points of space betwixt it and us are more then innu∣merable; so likewise must the moments, or points of Time, while a fresh spe∣cies is generated in each point of that vast space, be more then innumerable: and yet we have the Demonstration of the most Scientifick of our senses, that the light of the Sun is darted through that immense space, in one single moment. (5) What is the material of these species, or Whether is the 〈…〉〈…〉 First species educed out of Nothing? That's manifestly absurd; because above the power of Nature: and to recur to any other power su∣perior to Hers, is downright madness. (6) Or, ex Materiae Potentia, out of some secret Energie of the matter of the Medium? That's Unconceiva∣ble; for we dare the whole world to define, what kind of Power that is, sup∣posed inhaerent in the Medium (Aer, Water, Glass, or any other 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) that can be actuated so expeditely into the production of infinite se∣veral species, in a moment. From one and the same part of Aer, in one and the same moment, how can be educed the different species not only of the Sun and a S••••ne, of a Man and a Stock, of a Head and a Foot; but even of two absolute Contraries, Snow and Pich? (7) If Visible Species con∣tain nothing of Matter; how can they with such insuperable Velocity be projected on a speculary body, and recoyl back from it to so great a di∣stance, as is commonly observed, even in the Repercussion, or rather Re∣flection of a Species from a Concave Glass: How consist of Various Parts, and conserve the order and position of them invariate, and the Colours of each clearly inconfused, through the interval of the Medium? How be re∣ally ampliated, contracted, deflected, inverted, &c. All which are properly and solely Congruent to Bodies or Entities consisting of Matter? (8) But all these and many more as manifest Incongruities and open Absurdities may be praevented by the assumption of the more durable and satisfactory Hy∣pothesis of Epicurus: for conceding the Visible Species of Objects to be Substantial Effluxes, it can be no difficulty to solve their Trajection, Impaction, Refraction, Reflexion, Contraction, Diduction, Inversi∣on, &c.

Nor is it oppugnable by the objection of any Dif••••culty more considera∣ble, then that so insultingly urged by Alexander the Peripatetick: qua∣nam ratione fi••ri possit, ut ex tot, tantisque effluentibus particulis, unumquod∣que adspectabilium non celerit••r absumatur? How can it consist with rea∣son, since the Visible Species are praesumed to be substantial Effluviaes, that any the most solid and large adspectable body should not in a short time be minorated▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wholly exhausted by the continual deperdition of so

many particles? (in Comment▪ in lib. de Sensu & Sensili, cap. 3. & Epist. 56. ad Dioscor.)

Which yet is not so ponderous, as not to be counterpoysed by these two Reasons, (1) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Accrescere ipsis adspe∣ctabilibus advenientia ex opposito corpuscula alia; that the decay is prae∣vented by the apposition and accretion of other minute particles succeed∣ing into the rooms of the effluxed; so that how much of substance decedes from the superficial parts of one body towards others, as much accedes to it by the advent of the like Emanations from others, and thereupon ensues a plenary Compensation. Nor can it diminish one grain of the weight of this solution, to rejoyn; that the Figures of adspectables must then be changed: because the substantial Effluxes which Accede, cannot be in point of Figure, Order, and Position of parts exactly consimilar to those which Recede. For, though there be a dissimilitude in Figure, betwixt the De∣ceding and Acceding particles; yet, in so great a tenuity of particles, as we suppose in our substantial species, that can produce no mutation of Fi∣gure in the object deprehensible by the sense: for many things remain in∣variate to the eye, which are yet very much changed as to Figure, in the judgment of the understanding; as may most eminently be exemplified in the Change that every Age insensibly stealeth upon the face of man. (2) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Tenuitatem simulachrorum esse omnem modum excedentem, the Tenuity of these Emanant Images is Extreme•• and therefore the uninterrupted Emission of them, even for many hundreds of years, can introduce no sensible either mutation of Fi∣gure; or minoration of Quantity in the superficies of the Emittent. Which Averrhoes (at least the Author of that Book, Destructionis Destructionum, fathered upon him) had respect unto, when He said; Neminem agniturum decrementum in Sole factum, tametsi ab eo circum deperierit quantitas pa••mi, aut etiam major.

To approach some degrees nearer in our Comprehension to the almost Incomprehensible TENUITY of these substantial Emanations, that essence the Visible Images of Objects; Let us First, conceive them, with Lucre∣tius, to be, Quasi Membranae summo de Corpore rerum Dereptae, Certain Excortications, or a kind of most thin Films, by the subtle fingers of Light, stript off from the superficial Extremes of Bodies; for Alexander himself calls them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Pelliculae & Membranulae, & Apuleius Ex∣uviae, because as the slough or spoil of a Snake, is but a thin integument blancht off the new ••kin, and yet representing the various Spots, Scales, Magnitude, Figure &c. thereof: so likewise do the Visible Species, being meer Decortications, or Sloughs blancht off from Bodies, carry an ex∣act resemblance of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Colours in the Exteriours thereof.

Secondly, assume the smallest of things Visible, the Foot of an Hand∣worm, for the Object. For conceding the species Emanant from it, which is deprehensible by a Microscope, to consist only of those Atoms, which cohaering only Secundum La••••••a, and non 〈…〉〈…〉, Laterally and not Pro∣found•••• constitute the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and then we cannot deny, that this spe∣cies must be by many 〈…〉〈…〉 thinner th••n the Foot, or Object it 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Thirdly, Exemplifie the ineffable Tenuity of these Excortications, in those round Films of Wax that are successively lickt off by the Flame of a Tapour accended. For, having supposed, that one inch of a Wax Can∣dle may suffice to maintain its flame, for the space of an hour: let us thus reason. Since the Diminution of that inch, perpendicularly erected, is un∣cessant, i. e. that there is no distinguishable moment of time, wherein there is not a distinct round of Wax taken off the upper part thereof, by the de∣predatory activity of the flame: how many must the Round Films of Wax be, that are successively direpted? Certainly, as many as there are distin∣guishable points, or parts in the 24 part of the Aequator, or ambite of the Primum Mobile, successively interjacent toward the Meridian. And if, in stead of that vast Heaven, the Primum Mobile, you think it more conveni∣ent to assume the Terrestrial Globe (whose Magnitude, in comparison of the other, amounts not above a point) observe what may be thence inferred. Since, according to the supputation of Snellius and Gassendus, the ambite of the Earth is commensurable by 26255 Italian miles; and the 24 part there∣of makes 1094 miles, and so 1094000 paces, and so 5470000 feet, each whereof is again subdivisible into 1000 sensible parts: it follows, that as the product, or whole number of these parts in the 24 part of the Circum∣ference of the Globe Terrestrial ariseth to 5470000000; so likewise must the distinct membranules of Wax successive derepted from the inch of Can∣dle in the space of an hour fulfil the same high number of 5470000000. And if so, pray how incomprehensible thin must each of them be?

If this Example seem too gross to adumbrate the extreme Tenuity of our species; be pleased to exchange the Wax Tapour of an inch diameter, for Solomons Brasen Sea, filled with oyl, and an inch of Cotten Weeck perpendicularly immersed, and at the upper extreme accensed, in the mid∣dle thereof. For, insomuch as the Decrement of the oyl in altitude must be uncessant, as is the exhausting activity of the flame, there being no in∣stant of time, wherein its diminution is interrupted; and that, should the flame constantly adhaere to the Weeck for 48 hours, without extinction, the space of the oyls descent from the margin of the vessel could not in cras∣situde equal that of a piece of Lawn, or a Spiders Web: certainly the number of Rounds of oyl successively delibrated by the flame, in that con∣stitute time, must require a far greater number of Cyphers to its Calcula∣tion. Which would you definitely know; 'tis but computing the distin∣guishable points of time in 48 hours, during which the flame is supposed to live, and you have your desire; and we ours, as to the conjectural apprehen∣sion of the Tenuity of each of them.

Lastly, let us argue à simili, and guess at the Tenuity of a Visible, from that of an Odorable Species. How many Aromaticks are there, that for many years together, emit fragrant exhalations, that replenish a considerable space of the ambient aer; and gratefully affect the nostrils of all persons, within the orb of projection: and yet cannot, upon the exactest statick ex∣periment, or trutination of the Scate, be found to have amitted one grain of Quantity? Now if we consider, how Crass the Emanation of an Aroma∣tick, or an odorous Anathymiasis, is comparatively to the substance of a Vi∣sible Species (for no meaner a Philosopher then Gassendus, whose name sounds all the Liberall Sciences, hath conceived; that the Visible Images effluxing from an Apple in a whole year, if all cast into one bulk, would not

exceed that of the odorous vapour exhaled from it in one moment) we shall not gainsay, but a solid Body may constantly maintain an Emanation of its Images Visible, for many hundreds of years, from its superficial parts, with∣out any sensible abatement of Quantity, or variation of Figure. To which we shall superadd only this; that should we allow these substantial Effluxes, that are supposed to constitute the Visible Species, to amount in many hun∣dred years, to a mass deprehensible by sense, in case the collection of them all into one were possible: yet would it be so small, as to elude the exactest observation of man; for, who that hath perchance weighed a piece of Mar∣ble, or Gold, and set down the praecise gravity thereof in his life time, can obtain a parrol from the grave and return to complete his experiment; after the deflux of so many Ages, as are required to fulfill the sensibility of its mi∣noration?

Concerning the THIRD, viz. the PRODUCTION of Spe∣cies Visible; Epicurus Text may be fully illustrated by this Exposition. That a solid Body, so long as environed with a rare or permeable space, may be conceived without Alogie, freely to emit its Images: because it hath Atoms ready in the superfice, that being actuated by their coessential mo∣tive Faculty, uncessantly attempt their Emancipation, or Abduction; and those so exile, that the Ambient cannot impede their Emanation. (2) That in regard they conserve the Delineations both of the Depressed and Emi∣nent parts in the superfice of the Antitype, or Object, after their Efflux therefrom: therefore do the Images deceding from it become Configurate of Atoms cohaerently exhaling in the same Order and Position that they held among themselves, during their Contiguity, or Adhaesion. Which also satisfies for the praesumed meer superficiality, i. e. Improfundity of the species: because it is deraded only from the Extremities of the Object. (3) That, forasmuch as no Cause can be alledged, why the particles of the Image should, in their progress through a pervious medium to considerable distance, be deturbed or discomposed from that Contexture, or order and situation, which they obtained from the Cortex or outward Film of their solid original: therefore do they invariately hold the same Configuration, untill their arrival at the eye. Which to familiarize, we are to reflect upon a position or two formerly conceded, viz. that Atoms are, by the impulse of their ingenite Motion, variously agitated even in Concretions most compact; and yet cannot without difficulty expede themselves from the Interior or Central parts, because of their mutual Revinction, or Complication: but for those in the Exterior or superficial parts, they may, upon the least evolu∣tion disingage themselves, having no Atoms without to depress, but many within to express or impel them. (4) That, since the Motion of all A∣toms, when at liberty to pursue the Tendency of their Motive Faculty, is Aequivelox: hence is it, that those Atoms which exhale from the Cavities or Deprest parts of the superficies of any Concretion, and those which ex∣hale from the Prominencies, or Eminent Parts, are transferred together in that order, that they touch not, nor crowd each other, but observe the same distance and decorum, that they had in their Contiguity to, and immediate separation from the superficies. So that the Antecedent Atoms cannot be overtaken, or praevented by the Consequent: nor those farther outstrip these, then at the first start. (5) That the Emanation of Visible Images is Continent, i. e. that one succeeds on the heels of another, jugi quodam Fluo∣re, in a continued stream more swiftly then that thought can distinguish any

intermediate distance. So that, as in the Exsilition of Water from the Cock of a Cistern perpetually supplied by a Fountain, the parts thereof so closely succede each other, as to make one Continued stream, without any interruption observable: are we to conceive the Efflux of Images to be so Continent, that the Consequent press upon the neck of the Antecedent so contiguously, as the Eye can deprehend no Discontinuity, nor the Mind discern any Interstice in their Flux. And this ushers us to the reason, why Apuleius, discoursing in the Dialect of Epicurus, saith, Profectas à nobis Imagines, velut quasdam exuvias jugifluore manare. (6) And lastly, that a Visible Image doth not so constantly retain its Figure, and Colours, as not to be subject to Mutilation and Confusion, if the interval betwixt its ori∣ginal and the eye be immoderately large: as may be exemplified in the species of a square Tower, which by a long trajection through the aer, hath its Angles retused, so that it enters the eye in a Cylindrical Figure. This Epicurus expresly admitted in his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, confu∣sam interdum evadere imaginem. Which ought to be interpreted not only of the detriment sustained in its long progress through the Medium, but also of that which may arise from some perturbation caused in the superfice of the Exhalant.

Concerning the FOURTH, viz. the CELERITY of their Motion; this will Epicurus have to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Inexsuperabilem, swift in the highest degree: and his Reason is, because such is the Pernicity of Atoms, when enfranchised from Concretions, and upon the Wings of their Gravi∣ty. Lucretius most appositely compares the Celerity of Images in their Trajection, to that of the beams of the Sun, which from the body thereof are darted to the superfice of the Earth in an instant, or so small a part of time, as none can be supposed less. And this we may clearly com∣prehend, if we observe that moment when the Sun begins its Emergency from the Discuss of the Moon, in an Eclipse; for in the same moment, we may discern the Image of its cleared limbus, appearing in a vessel of Water, respectively situate.

And yet we say, the Celerity of their Trajection, not, with the Vulgar, the Instantaneous Motion: because we conceive it impossible, that any Moveable should be transferred to a distant place, in an indivisible moment, but in some space of time, though so short as to be imperceptible; because the Medium hath parts so successively ranged, that the remote cannot be per∣vaded before the vicine.

And thus have we concisely Commented upon the 4 Consider ables com∣prehended in the Text of Epicurus, touching Apostatical Images Visible; and thereupon accumulated those Reasons, which justifie our praelation of this His Opinion, to that not only less probable, but manifestly impossible one of the Aristoteleans: so that there seems to us only one Consideration more requirable to complete its Verisimility, and that is touching the FACILITY of the ABDUCTION of Visible Images from solids.

We confess, that Epicurus supposition, of the spontaneous Evolution and consequent Avolation of Atoms from the extremes of solid Concreti∣ons; is not alone extensible to the solution of this Difficulty: and therefore

we must lengthen it out with that consentaneous Position of Gassendus (de apparente magnitudine solis humilis & sublimis, Epist. 2. pag. 24.) Lucem sollicitare species, that Light doth sollicite and more then excite the Visible species of Objects, as well by agitating the superficial Atoms of Concre∣tions, as by Carrying them off in the arms of its reflected rayes. For, that Light is intinged not only with Colours, which it pervades, but also with those, which it only superficially toucheth upon, provided the Colorate bo∣dy be compact enough to repercuss it; all opace and speculary bodies, on which its beams are either trajectly, or reflextly impinged, sensibly de∣monstrate. And though it may be objected, that the sollicitation of Light is not necessary to the Dereption, or Abduction of Images Visible; be∣cause it is generally praesumed, that they continually Emane from Objects, and so as well in the thickest Darkness, as in the Meridian light: it must not∣withstanding be confest, that they are unprofitable to Vision, unless when they proceed from an object Illustrate; and consequently that they flow hand in hand with the particles of Light reflected from it superfice. Which truly is the reason why the Eye that is posited in the dark doth well discern Objects posited in the Light; but that which is in the light hath no percep∣tion at all of objects in the dark.

And therefore whoso shall affirme, that Visible Species are not Emitted from bodies, unless Light strike upon them, and being repercussed, carry their superficial Atoms, which constitute the Visible Species, off from them, in direct lines towards the eye: though He may perhaps want a Demon∣stration, yet not the evidence of Experience and probability, to credit his Paradox. Nor is there, why we should opinion, that only the Primary, or first incident Light is reflected; because Light emaneth from the Lucid, in a continued Fluor, so that the praecedent particles are still contiguously pur∣sued by the consequent: and hence is it that Light is capable of repercus∣sions even to infinity, if solid and impervious bodies could be so disposed, as that the first opposed might repercuss it on the second, the second reflect it to the third, the third to the fourth, &c. successively, so long as the Fluor should be continued, and no Eclipse intervene. For, the reason, why Light, formerly diffused, doth immediately disappear, upon the interven∣tion of any body, that intersects it stream; is really the same with that, wherefore Water exsilient from the Tube of a Cistern, in an arched stream, doth immediately droop and fall perpendicularly, upon the shutting of the Cock: the successive flux of those parts of Water, which, by a close and forceable pressure on the back of the praecedent, maintained the Arcuati∣on of the stream, being thereby praevented, and the effluxed committed to the tendency of their Gravity. And the reason, why by the mediation of a small remainder of light, after the intersection of its fluor from the Lu∣cid fountain, we have an imperfect and obscure discernment of objects; is no more then this: that only a few rayes, here and there one, are incident upon and so reflected from the superfice thereof, having touched upon on∣ly a few scattered particles, and left the greater number untoucht; which therefore remain unperceived by the eye, because there wanted Light suffi∣cient to the illustration of the whole, and so to the Excitement and Emissi∣on of a perfect species.

Notes

• Art. 1. The Visible Images of ob∣jects, substanti∣al: and either corporeal Ema∣nations from the superficial parts of Con∣cretions; or Light it self, disposed into contextures, consimilar to the figure of the object.
• Art. 2. The position of their being 〈◊〉〈◊〉, de∣rived from 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and p••••ferred to the 〈…〉〈…〉 Species Visible.
• Art. 3. Epicurus Text concerning the same.
• Art. 4. The faithful Exposition thereof.
• Art. 5. The Contents thereof redu∣ced to 4 Heads
• Art. 6. The E••isten••e of Images vis••∣ble, certified by autoptical Demonstrati∣on.
• Art. 7. Epicurus opi∣nion, of the subst••ntial•••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Images Visi••le▪ 〈…〉〈…〉
• Art. 8. The 〈…〉〈…〉: and
• Art. 9. 〈…〉〈…〉
• Art. 10. The grand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Alex∣ander, that a continual Ef∣flux of sub∣stance must minorate the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the most solid 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Art. 11. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• Art. 12. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•• Images 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reduced to some 〈…〉〈…〉
• Art. 13. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• Art. 14. By Exemp••••fy∣ing in the nu∣merous round Films of Wax, successively derep••ed from a Wax 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the flame thereof, in the space of an hour: and
• Art. 15. In the innu∣merable Films of Oyl, like∣wise succes∣sively delibra∣ted, by the flame of an El∣lychnium, or Match, per∣pendicularly floating in a vessel of equal capacity with Solomons Bra∣••en Sea, in ••he space of 48 hours.
• Art. 16. By the Ana∣logy betwixt an ••dorable & Visible Species.
• Art. 7. The Manner and Reason of the Production of visible Ima∣ges; according to the hypo∣thesis of Epi∣curus.
• Art. 18. The Celerity of the Moti••n of visible Images, reasoned; and compared to that of the Light of the Sun.
• Art. 19. The Transla∣tion of a moveable from place to place, in an in∣divisible p••int of time, im∣possible: and why?
• Art. 20. The Facility of the Abdu∣••tion, or A••o∣lation of Ima∣ges Visible, from solid Concretions; solved by the Spontaneous E••silition of their superfici∣al Atoms: and the Sollicitati∣on of Light, in∣cident upon them.
• Art. 21. That Objects do not emit t••••ir Visible Images, but when Illustra∣ted: a Conceit though para∣doxic••l, yet not improba∣ble.