21 Jany. 1816

Chrestom or Language

2

Ch.9 Thought the basis

'.2 Existence of thought

2

But if, speaking as above, what I mean by now is a portion of the field of time, containing any number of atoms greater than one, then the proposition delivered by me in those same words may be true.

In general the word now when applied to motion is understood as applicable with propriety. Why ? Because in the utterance of the proposition to that effect atoms in great number are employed.

Here then we have a division of the states of which things i.e. portions of matter are susceptible and that division an exhaustive one; of states of things, and thence and therefore of the objects of thought, in so far as they come within that same denomination, viz. portions of matter.

States of things when at rest are their positions with reference to one another in the field of space.

States of things when in motion are motions.

Considered abstractedly from volition will, a motion is termed an event; a simple motion, a simple event; a complex motion a complex event.

Considered as the result of volition, a motion is termed an act, an action, an operation.

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