inaElivity of Matter, &c. 8z

if there were an infinite plenum, or even buta finite one in any part of space, supposingthe matter as subtile and fluid as possible; sinceas impenetrable it must resist, (N° 2 6. sect* x.)and that both in proportion to the celeritywith which it was struck, (N° 4.) as also tothe quantity of it, or number of particles tobe struck at once, fN 0 6.) the fluid beingthe densest possible, as without any vacuities,by supposition; the resistance would be thesame in the open air, or in an exhausted re-ceiver (if it be not absurd to speak of ex-hausting on that suppositions as in water, ormercury (c) j which is absolutely contrary to

experience.

(c) Dr. Pemberton, in his Review of Sir Is Newton'sPhilosophy, B. 2. c. 1. sect. 14. speaking of this fays,

“ And whereas such a fluid whose parts are absolutely" close together without any intervening spaces, must“ be a great deal more dense than water, it must resist“ more than water in proportion to its great density »

" unless we will suppose the matter, of which this fluid" b composed, not to he endued with the same degree" of inactivity as other matter. But if you deprive any" substance of the property so universally belonging to“ all other matter, without impropriety of speech it can“ scarce be called by that name.” He might have gone

farther, I think; for an 'infinite plenum of matter that

G 2 could