Note 35 — Chapter IV

“The atomic philosophy of Epicurus, in its mere physical contemplation, allows of nothing but matter and space, which are equally infinite and unbounded, which have equally existed from all eternity, and from different combinations of which every visible form is created. These elementary principles have no common property with each other; for whatever matter is, that space is the reverse of; and whatever space is, matter is the contrary to. The actual solid part of all bodies, therefore, are matter, their actual pores space, and the parts which are not altogether solid, but an intermixture of solidity and pore, are space and matter combined.

“The infinite groups of atoms, flying through all time and space in different directions and under different laws, have interchangeably tried and exhibited every possible mode of rencounter: sometimes repelled from each other by concussion, and sometimes adhering to each other from their own jagged or pointed construction, or from the casual interstices which two or more connected atoms must produce, and which may be just adapted to those of other figures,—as globular, oval, or square. Hence the origin of compound and visible bodies; hence the origin of large masses of matter; hence, eventually, the origin of the world itself.”—Dr. Good’s Book of Nature.