Lucretius and the atomic theory1875 |
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abso absolutely inscrutable abstract action aevi antecedent or condition arises Aristotle atomic elements atomic theory atomic whirl chemical affinity co-existence conceived conception consciousness Continuity of Nature definite Deity difficulties doctrine elementary bodies elementary particles Empedocles Epicurus eternal ether evolution existence experience force GLASGOW ground Hume Ibid idea imagination immeasurable incompatibility indefinite indivisible infinite inorganic insoluble mystery intellectual necessity intelligence invisible sphere invisible universe JAMES MACLEHOSE kinetic energy lative Law of Continuity limit limitless Lucretius lutely matter or energy ments mind mode molecular mass molecule Munro's rendering mutual attraction neque OLRIG organic origin particles pass into motion phænomenal physical causality poem poet possible possint potency potential energy primordia question regard sensation sense sensible world simply space speculative sua sponte supersensible supposed things thought tinuity transformed transmutation Tyndall ultimate elements Unconditioned Unseen Universe visible universe void weight whole ἐντελέχεια
Popular passages
Page 70 - I feel bound to make before you is that I prolong the vision backward across the boundary of the experimental evidence, and discern, in that Matter which we, in our ignorance, and notwithstanding our professed reverence for its Creator, have hitherto covered with opprobrium, the promise and potency of every form and quality of life.
Page 69 - They can justify scientifically their belief in its potency, under the proper conditions, to produce organisms. But in reply to your question, they will frankly admit their inability to point to any satisfactory experimental proof that life can be developed save from demonstrable antecedent life. As already indicated, they draw the line from the highest organisms through lower ones down to the lowest; and it is the prolongation of this line by the intellect beyond the range of the senses that leads...
Page 70 - Is there not a temptation to close to some extent with Lucretius, when he affirms that "nature is seen to do all things spontaneously of herself without the meddling of the gods"? or with Bruno, when he declares that Matter is not "that mere empty capacity which philosophers have pictured her to be, but the universal mother who brings forth all things as the fruit of her own womb"?
Page 29 - Mutat enim mundi naturam totius aetas, Ex alioque alius status excipere omnia debet, Nec manet ulla sui similis res : omnia migrant, Omnia commutat natura, et vertere cogit.
Page 34 - ... hinc fessae pecudes pingui per pabula laeta corpora deponunt et candens lacteus umor uberibus manat distentis ; hinc nova proles artubus infirmis teneras lasciva per herbas 260 ludit lacte mero mentes perculsa novellas.
Page 19 - ... te, dea, te fugiunt venti, te nubila caeli adventumque tuum, tibi suavis daedala tellus summittit flores, tibi rident aequora ponti placatumque nitet diffuso lumine caelum.
Page 34 - ... reperta. haud igitur redit ad nilum res ulla, sed omnes discidio redeunt in corpora materiai. postremo pereunt imbres, ubi eos pater aether 250 in gremium matris terrai praecipitavit...
Page 70 - In fact, the whole process of evolution is the manifestation of a Power absolutely inscrutable to the intellect of man. As little in our day as in the days of Job can man by searching find this Power out.
Page 16 - ... dede manus, aut, si falsum est, accingere contra. quaerit enim rationem animus, cum summa loci sit infinita foris haec extra moenia mundi, 1045 quid sit ibi porro quo prospicere usque velit mens atque animi iactus liber quo pervolet ipse.