But the World being once fram'd, and the course of Nature…
“But the World being once fram'd, and the course of Nature establish'd, the Naturalist, (except in some few cases, where God, or Incorporeal Agents interpose), has recourse to the first Cause but for its general and ordinary Support and Influence, whereby it preserves Matter and Motion from Annihilation or Desition; and in explicating particular phenomena, considers onely the Size, Shape, Motion, (or want of it) Texture, and the resulting Qualities and Attributes of the small particles of Matter.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Natural phenomena are explained by basic properties like size, shape, motion, and texture, assuming a primary cause sustains matter and motion.
In simple terms: Matter’s behavior follows simple physical traits.
Key Takeaway
Study fundamental properties to understand complex systems.
Themes
science
philosophy
causality
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
theoretical
educational
When to use this quote
- laboratory experiments
- engineering design
- material science
- education
- policymaking
Key Concepts
atomism
mechanics
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- What basic properties are most overlooked?
- How does causality shape scientific inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Complex systems may involve emergent properties beyond basic traits.