The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

418 NOVUM ORGANUM. Boon II.
mocritus for the introduction of a vacuum, bound down, or otherwise confined, and yet strive
(namely, that the same bodies could not other- with all his power to get up, the struggle is not
wise comprehend and fill greater and less spaces,) the less, although ineffectual. The real state of
is false. For there is clearly a folding of matter, the case (namely, whether the yielding motion
by which it wraps and unwraps itself in space be, as it were, annihilated by the predominance,
within certain limits, without the intervention of or there be rather a continued although an invisia vacuum. Nor is there two thousand times ble effort) will perhaps appear in the concurrence
more of vacuum in air than in gold, as there of motions, although it escape our notice in their
should be on this hypothesis; a fact demonstrated conflict. For instance, let an experiment be made
by the very powerful energies of fluids, (which with muskets; whether a musket ball, at its atwould otherwise float like fine dust in vacuo,) most range in a straight line, or, as it is commonly
and many other proofs. The other motions direct called, point blank, strike with less force when
and are directed by each other according to their projected upwards, where the motion of the blow
strength, quantity, excitement, emission, or the is simple, than when projected downwards, where
assistance or impediments they meet with. the motion of gravity concurs with the blow.
For instance, some armed magnets hold and The rules of such instances of predominance
support iron of sixty times their own weight; so as occur, should be collected: such as the followfar does the motion of lesser congregation predo- ing; the more general the desired advantage is,
ainate over that of the greater; but if the weight the stronger will be the motion; the motion of
be increased, it yields. A lever of a certain connexion, for instance, which relates to the instrength will raise a given weight, and so far the tercourse of the parts of the universe, is more
motion of liberty predominates over that of the powerful than that of gravity, which relates to
greater congregation, but if the weight be greater, the intercourse of dense bodies only. Again, the
the former motion yields. A piece of leather desire of a private good does not, in general,
stretched to a certain point does not break, and prevail against that of a public one, except where
so far the motion of continuity predominates over the quantities are small. Would that such were
that of tension, but if the tension be greater, the case in civil matters!
the leather breaks, and the motion of continu- 49. In the twenty-fifth rank of prerogative inity yields. A certain quantity of water flows stances, we will place suggesting instances; such
through a chink, and so far the motion of greater as suggest or point out that which is advantacongregation predominates over that of continuity, geous to mankind; for bare power and knowledge,
but if the chink be smaller, it yields. If a musket in themselves, exalt, rather than enrich human
be charged with ball and powdered sulphur alone, nature. We must, therefore, select from the
and fire be applied, the ball is not discharged, in general store, such things as are most useful to
which case the motion of greater congregation mankind. We shall have a better opportunity
overcomres that of matter, but when gunpowder of discussing these when we treat of the appliis used, the motion of matter in the sulphur pre- cation to practice; besides, in the work of inter-,dominates, being assisted by that motion and the pretation, we leave room, on every subject, for
motion of avoidance in the nitre; and so of the the human or optative chart; for it is a part of
rest. For wrestling instances (which show the science to make judicious inquiries and wishes.
predominance of powers, and in what manner 50. In the twenty-sixth rank of prerogative
and proportion they predominate and yield) must instances, we will place the generally useful inbe searched for with active and industrious dili- stances. They are such as relate to various
gence. points, and frequently occur, sparing, by that
The methods and nature of this yielding must means, considerable labour and new trials. The
also be diligently examined; as, for instance, proper place for treating of instances and contriwhether the motions completely cease or exert vances, will be that in which we speak of the
themselves, but are constrained. For, in the application to practice, and the methods of expebodices with which we are acquainted, there is no riment. All that has hitherto been ascertained,
real, but an apparent rest, either in the whole or and made use of, will be described in the particuin parts. This apparent rest is occasioned either lar history of each art. At present, we will subby equilibrium or the absolute predominance of join a few general examples of the instances in
motions. By equilibrium, as in the scales of the question.
balance, which rest if the weights be equal. By Man, acts, then, upon natural bodies (besides
predominance, as in perforated jars, in which the merely bringing them together or removing them)
water rests, and is prevented from falling by the by seven principal methods: 1. By the exclusion
predominance of the motion of connection. It of all that impedes and disturbs; 2. By comprests, however, to be observed (as we have said be- sion, extension, agitation, and the like; 3. By
fore) how far the yielding motions exert them- heat and cold; 4. By detention in a suitable
selves For, if a man be lield stretched out on place; 5. By checking or directing motion; 6.
the ground against his will, with arms and legs By peculiar harmonies; 7. By a seasonable and