(13:13) We may thus recognize the superiority of one
mind over others, and may further see the cause, why we have only a very
confused knowledge of our body, and also many kindred questions, which
I will, in the following propositions, deduce from what has been advanced.
(13:14) Wherefore I have thought it worth while to explain and prove more
strictly my present statements. (15) In order to do so, I must premise
a few propositions concerning the nature of bodies.
[AXIOMS]
[A.VI] All bodies are either in motion or at rest.
[A.VII] Every body is moved sometimes more
slowly, sometimes more quickly.
[LEMMAS]
[L.I] Bodies are distinguished from one another in
respect of motion and rest, quickness and
slowness, and not in respect of substance.
Proof.- The first part of this proposition is, I take it,
self-evident. That bodies are not distinguished in respect
of substance, is plain both from I:[v]. and I:viii. It is
brought out still more clearly from I:[xv] note.
[L.II] All bodies agree in certain respects.
Proof.- All bodies agree in the fact, that they involve
the conception of one and the same attribute ([D.i] ).
Further, in the fact that they may be moved less or more
quickly, and may be absolutely in motion or at rest.
[L.III] A body in motion or at rest must be determined
to motion or rest by another body, which other
body has been determined to motion or rest by
a third body, and that third again by a fourth,
and so on to infinity.
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