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That in the superiour part of the Tube there is no absolute Vacuity.
BEfore we proceed to any further Experiments, we will first canvass the Cause of this Primitive one of Torricellius, which has given occasion of trying all the rest; and then we wil•• deliver our Hypothesis, which I hope will salve all the strange appearances, not onely in this, but in those stranger that follow.
Valerianus Magnus, and some others are so fond to
believe this deserted Cylinder to be an absolute Va∣cuity, which is not only non-philosophical, but very ridiculous.
1. For, the Space deserted hath both Longitude, Latitude, and Profundity, therefore a Body; for the very nature of a Body consists onely in extension, which is the essential and unseparable property of all Bodies whatsoever.
2. Again we have the sensible eviction of our own eyes to confute this Suppositional Vacuity; for we see the whole Space to be Luminous (as by Obser.) Now Light must either be a Substance, or else how should it subsist (if a bare Quality) in a Vacuity where there is nothing to support it?
3. Again, the Magnetical Efluxions of the Earth are diffused through that seeming Vacuity, as per Experi∣ment.
4. There is some Air also interspersed in that seem∣ing Vacuity, which cannot be expelled upon any in∣clination of the Tube whatsoever, as by Obser. is ma∣nifest.
5. The most full Evidence against this pretended Vacuity is from the returgenscency of the empty Blad∣der suspended in this Vacuity; for, how should it be so full blown from nothing? as is by Exp. most incompara∣bly evinced.