Part 41

When I say, _A thing is forced_, I do not mean that the forced body receives strength without Matter; but that some Corporeal Motions joyn with other Corporeal Motions, and so double the strength by joyning their parts, or are at least an occasion to make other parts more industrious.

By _Prints_ I understand the figures of the objects which are patterned or copied out by the sensitive and rational corporeal figurative Motions; as for example, when the sensitive corporeal motions pattern out the figure of an exteriour object, and the rational motions again pattern out a figure made by the sensitive motions, those figures of the objects that are patterned out, I name Prints; as for example, _The sense of Seeing is not capable to receive the Print_,[25] that is, the figure or pattern _of the object of the whole Earth_. And again, _The rational Motions are not alwayes exactly after the sensitive Prints_, that is, after the figures made by the sensitive motions. Thus by Prints I understand Patterns, and by printing patterning; not that the exteriour object prints its figure upon the exteriour sensitive organs, but that the sensitive motions in the organs pattern out the figure of the object: but though all printing is done by the way of patterning, yet all patterning is not printing. Therefore when I say,[26] that _solid bodies print their figures in that which is more porous and soft, and that those solid bodies make new prints perpetually; and as they remove, the prints melt out, like verbal or vocal sounds, which print words and set notes in the Air_; I mean, the soft body by its own self-motion patterns out the figure of the solid body, and not that the solid body makes its own print, and so leaves the place of its own substance with the print in the soft body; for place remains always with its own body, and cannot be separated from it, they being but one thing: for example; when a Seal is printed in Wax, the Seal gives not any thing to the Wax, but is onely an object patterned out by the figurative motions of the Wax in the action of printing or sealing.

When I make mention[27] _of what the Senses bring in_, I mean what the sensitive Motions pattern out of forreign objects: And when I say,[28] _that the pores being shut, touch cannot enter_, I mean, the sensitive corporeal motions cannot make patterns of outward objects.

Also when I say, _our Ears may be as knowing as our Eyes_, and so of the rest of the sensitive organs; I mean the sensitive motions in those parts or organs.

When I say,[29] _The more the Body is at rest, the more active or busie is the Mind_, I mean when the sensitive Motions are not taken up with the action of patterning out forreign objects.

When I say,[30] the Air is fill'd with sound, and that words are received into the ears, as figures of exterior objects are received into the eyes, I mean, the sensitive motions of the Air pattern out sound, and the sensitive motions of the Ears pattern out words, as the sensitive figurative motions of the Eyes pattern out the figures of external objects.

Also when I speak of _Thunder_ and _Lightning_, to wit, _That Thunder makes a great noise by the breaking of lines_: My meaning is, That the Air patterns out this sound or noise of the lines; and by reason there are so many patterns made in the air by its sensitive motions, the Ear cannot take so exact a copy thereof, but somewhat confusedly; and this is the reason why Thunder is represented, or rather pattern'd out with some terrour; for Thunder is a confused noise, because the patterns are made confusedly.

But concerning Sound and Light, I am forced to acquaint you, _Madam_, that my meaning thereof is not so well expressed in my Book of Philosophy, by reason I was not of the same opinion at that time when I did write that Book which I am now of; for upon better consideration, and a more diligent search into the causes of natural effects, I have found it more probable, that all sensitive perception is made by the way of Patterning, and so consequently the perception of Sound and of Light; wherefore, I beseech you, when you find in my mentioned Book any thing thereof otherwise expressed, do not judg of it as if I did contradict my self, but that I have alter'd my opinion since upon more probable reasons.

Thus, _Madam_, you have a true declaration of my sence and meaning concerning those places, which in my _Philosophical Opinions_ you did note, as being obscure; but I am resolved to bestow so much time and labour as to have all other places in that Book rectified and cleared, which seem not perspicuous, lest its obscurity may be the cause of its being neglected: And I pray God of his mercy to assist me with his Grace, and grant that my Works may find a favourable acceptance. In the mean time, I confess my self infinitely bound to your Ladyship, that you would be pleased to regard so much the Honour of your Friend, and be the chief occasion of it; for which I pray Heaven may bless, prosper, and preserve you, and lend me some means and ways to express my self,

Madam,

_Your thankfull Friend,_

_and humble Servant._

[1] _Part._ 3. _c._ 13.

[2] _Ibid._

[3] _Part._ 1. _c._ 11.

[4] _Part._ 1. _c._ 13, 14.

[5] _P._ 1. _c._ 8.

[6] _P._ 6. _c._ 3.

[7] _P._ 3. _c._ 10.

[8] _P._ 1. _Ch._ 3.

[9] _P._ 4. _c._ 3, 32.

[10] _P._ 1. _c._ 22.

[11] _P._ 3. _c._ 15.

[12] _Ibid._

[13] _P._ 6. _c._ 11.

[14] _P._ 3. _c._ 21.

[15] _c._ 14.

[16] _P._ 5. _c._ 51.

[17] _P._ 6. _c._ 8.

[18] _P._ 4. _c._ 34.

[19] _Ibid._

[20] _P._ 5. _c._ 4.

[21] _P._ 5. _c._ 13.

[22] _P._ 5. _c._ 27.

[23] _P._ 5. _c._ 45.

[24] _P._ 7. _c._ 11.

[25] _P._ 3. _c._ 2.

[26] _P._ 5. _c._ 23.

[27] _P._ 6. _c._ 13.

[28] _P._ 7. _c._ 12.

[29] _P._ 6. _c._ 13.

[30] _P._ 6. _c._ 29.

_Eternal God, Infinite Deity, Thy Servant_, NATURE, _humbly prays to Thee, That thou wilt please to favour Her, and give Her parts, which are Her Creatures, leave to live, That in their shapes and forms, what e're they be, And all their actions they may worship thee; For 'tis not onely Man that doth implore, But all Her parts, Great God, do thee adore; A finite Worship cannot be to thee, Thou art above all finites in degree: Then let thy Servant Nature mediate Between thy Justice, Mercy, and our state, That thou may'st bless all Parts, and ever be Our Gracious God to all Eternity._

FINIS.