Metaphysical inquiry into the method, objects and result of ancient and modern philosophy / By Isaac Preston Cory.

  • Isaac Preston Cory
Date:
1833
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Metaphysical inquiry into the method, objects and result of ancient and modern philosophy / By Isaac Preston Cory. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    cause; and pointed out, as a fit subject for speculation, an hypothetical subtile ether, with which the supposed vacuum might be filled, as capable of supplying the deficient links in the chain of causa- tion. And he left such directions ex- pressly to clear himself from the impu- tation of holding gravity among the essen- tial properties of bodies.* The notion, however, of attraction or gravity, as an occult quality actually inherent in matter, is extremely ancient: and, as it has ever been a received opinion among very emi- nent men, the philosophical world would * “ Et nequis gravitatem inter essentiales cor- porum proprietates me habere existimet, quzes- tionem unam de ejus causdi investiganda subjeci. Questionem, inquam: quippe qui exrperimentis rem istam nondum habeam exploratam.”—Mo- nitio altera ad lectorem; prefixed to the Optics. Again, in the second letter to Dr. Bentley, he says; “< You sometimes speak of Gravity as essential, and inherent to matter. Pray do not ascribe that no- tion to me: for the cause of Gravity is what I do not pretend to know, and therefore would take more time to consider.” p. 20.