Archimedes Texts

SAGR. But this would be to draw a further inconvenience up
on himself, in that he holdeth, that the bare eye cannot be decei
ved in judging of the right motion of descending graves, and yet
holds that it is deceived in beholding these other motions at such
time as its visive vertue is perfected, and augmented to thirty times
as much as it was before. We tell him therefore, that the Earth in
like manner partaketh of the plurality of motions: and it is per
haps the same, whereby the Loadstone hath its motion down
wards, as grave, and two circular motions, one Horizontal, and the
other Vertical under the Meridian. But what more; tell me, Sim
plicius, between which do you think this Author would put a
greater difference, 'twixt right and circular motion, or 'twixt moti
on and rest?

SIMP. 'Twixt motion and rest, certainly. And this is mani

fest, for that circular motion is not contrary to the right, according
to Aristotle; nay, he granteth that they may mix with each o
ther; which it is impossible for motion and rest to do.

SAGR. Therefore its a proposition lesse improbable to place
in one natural body two internal principles, one to right motion,
and the other to circular, than two such interne principles one to
motion, and the other to rest. Now both these positions agree to

the natural inclination that resideth in the parts of the Earth to re
turn to their whole, when by violence they are divided from it;
and they onely dissent in the operation of the whole: for the lat
ter of them will have it by an interne principle to stand still, and
the former ascribeth to it the circular motion. But by your con
cession, and the confession of this Philosopher, two principles, one
to motion, and the other to rest, are incompatible together, like as
their effects are incompatible: but now this evenes not in the two
motions, right, and circular, which have no repugnance to each
other.

One may more
rationally ascribe
to the Earth two
internal principles
to the right, and
circular motion,
than two to motion
and rest.

SALV. Adde this more, that in all probability it may be that

the motion, that the part of the Earth separated doth make whilst
it returneth towards its whole, is also circular, as hath been alrea
dy declared; so that in all respects, as far as concernes the present
case, Mobility seemeth more likely than Rest. Now proceed,
Simplicius, to what remains.

SIMP. The Authour backs his Argument with producing ano
ther absurdity, that is, that the same motions agree to Natures ex
treamly different; but experience sheweth, that the operations

and motions of different natures, are different; and Reason con
firmeth the same: for otherwise we should have no way left to
know and distinguish of natures, if they should not have their
particular motions and operations, that might guide us to the
knowledge of their substances.