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]
Catalogue details

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.

    144/374 (page 116)
    I ^^6. ] . j FEST ORIGIN ( H IO9) THE ACTIVE SUBSTAbJCE IS DERIVED FROM AN INVISIBLE SOURCE. j M The active substance being imparted TO A BODY, PENETRATES THE MOST SOLID OR RESISTING PARTS,.AND DOES NOT RESIDE IN THE PORES, WITHOUT, AND AT THE SURFACES OF THE SOLID PARTS. For the aftivity is imparted to the body itfelf, and not to its pores which are not parts of the body; therefore, if the active substance re- mained within the pores, the caufe would not, as is required by the fecond rule, be prefent with its elfe8:; but the caufe would be in one place, and the effe6i: in another, which is impoffible. ^ Therefore, we are to confider of the communi- cation of the active substance, as of its form- ing a perfect union of its whole fubftance with the fubftance of the body; the two becoming, during this union, one fame fubftance and na- ture ; and hence it is, that the body becomes aftive by' the fuperaddition and union of this foreign active nature with its own inaftive 'mafs. n ^ The aflive fubftance pervades and penetrates )J ' bodies without refiftence; for the refiftence of I cohefion is only a refiftence of parts to fepara- j* tion, jr 9