The philosphical and physical opinions written by Her Excellency the Lady Marchionesse of Newcastle.

Chap. 66. Of the six principal motions.

AS I have said, there are infinite Contractions, Atractions, Retentions, Dilations, digestions, and expulsions, and to explain my self to my readers as well as I can, unlesse they should mistake me, I will here describe, although after a grosse way; yet according to my capacity. A few of the in∣finite variety of motions, first there are five, or six principal motions, from whence infinite changes are made, or produ∣ced, as from Contractions, Attractions, Retentions; these three principal motions do in some kinde simpathize to each other; and dilations, and expulsions do also sympathize to each other, but digestions is a mixt motion taking part of all, but I divide them into six parts, for distinction; Now to treat of them se∣verally, we must make an imaginary Circumference, and Center.

Then first for Attracting motions, which is to draw towards the Center, that is, to draw to a lesse compasse, as to draw to∣wards a point, yet Atractions draw not alwayes after one and the same manner, for some motions draw after them, as horses do Coaches, Carts, sleds and the like, but after se∣veral* 1.1

fashions, forms, and biasses and several motions, in those motions some slow, some quick, some crosse, some even. Again, some times Attractive motions draw, as if one should pull in a line, or draw in a net, some slope-wayes, some straight wayes; some square wayes, some round wayes; and millions of the like varieties, in this sort of motion, yet all Attracting motion.

Secondly, Contracting motions which move after another manner; for though both these sorts of motions, are to bring to∣wards a point, yet Contraction me thinks, strives more a∣gainst Vacuum, then Attraction, gathering all into a firm body, stopping up all porous passages, shutting out space, and ga∣thering in matter, as close as it can; indeed Attractions are but in the way to Contractions, as Dilations to expulsions; but this sort of motions is, surfling, pleating, folding, binding, knitting, twisting, griping, pressing, tying, and many the like, and after several manners, or fashions.

Thirdly, Retention is to hold, or to stay from wandring, to fix, as I may 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the matter to one place, as if one should stick, or glue parts together.

Fourthly, Dilations are to inlarge, as to spend, or extend, striving for space, or compasse; it is an incroaching motion, which will extend its bounds as far as it can, this sort of mo∣tion is melting, flowing, streaming, spreading, smoothing, stretching, and millions of the like.

Fiftly, Expulsive, is a motion that shuns all unity, it strives against solidity, and uniformity, it disperses every thing it hath power on; this sort of motion, is, breaking, dissolving, throwing about.

Sixthly, Digestive motions, are the creating motions, carry∣ing about parts to parts, and fitting, and matching, and joyning parts together, mixing and tempering the matter for pro∣per uses.

Notes

• * 1.1

  This for ex∣ample.