Note 2 — Chapter II

“Motion, therefore, is a change of rectilinear distance between two points. Allowing the accuracy of this definition, it appears that two points are necessary to constitute motion; that in all cases, when we are inquiring whether or no any body or point is in motion, we must recur to some other point which we can compare with it; and that if a single atom existed alone in the universe, it could neither be said to be in motion nor at rest.

“The space which we call quiescent is in general the earth’s surface; yet we well know, from astronomical considerations, that every point of the earth’s surface is perpetually in motion, and that in very various directions: nor are any material objects accessible to our senses which we can consider as absolutely motionless, or even as motionless with regard to each other; since the continual variation of temperature to which all bodies are liable, and the minute agitations arising from the motion of other bodies with which they are connected, will always tend to produce some imperceptible changes in their distances.”—Lectures on Natural Philosophy, &c., by Thomas Young, M.D. Edited by the Rev. P. Kelland. 1845.