An essay on the powers and mechanism of nature; : intended, by a deeper analysis of physical principles, to extend, improve, and more firmly establish, the grand superstructure of the Newtonian system. / By Robert Young.
- Young, Robert
- Date:
- M DCC LXXXVIII. [1788]
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: An essay on the powers and mechanism of nature; : intended, by a deeper analysis of physical principles, to extend, improve, and more firmly establish, the grand superstructure of the Newtonian system. / By Robert Young. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![C ] ® In all thofe motions, or tendencies, ternied ATTRACTIVE, we fee no event or circumftance precede the motion or tendency ; nothing to which, as a caufe, we can refer the elFe8;; the EFFECT therefore is manifeft, but the .cause hidden. ' i P In m example of adivity in matter is the’ ra- tional cause manifeft. Among thofe aBivi- ties where w'e can fee an experimental cause, fuch as volition, impulfe, fire, eleBricity, we do not perceive the neceffary conneBion between caufe and effeB; we do not underftand the fa6ls. In the other motions, we fee, as was faid, no CAUSE AT ALL; the RATIONAL CAUSE of all aBivity in matter, remains therefore, to be inveftigated. Q Whenever a body is fubjeB to a caufe of motion, or in circumftances wherein, if left to itfelf, it would be moved, and is prevented ' from motion, it neverthelefs becomes aBive in the direBion of the caufe, and exerts an im- pulfe on whatever impedes its own motion. CHAP,](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b2878196x_0140.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
