86 /-77 to /-87
are the bodies. Bodies have these three properties: shape, size, weight.
Democritus said that there were two, size and shape, but Epicurus added
weight to these as a third. For, he says, it is necessary that the bodies
move by the blow of [an object with] weight, since [otherwise] they will
not move. The shapes of the atoms are ungraspably many, but not
unlimited. For there are none which are hooked or trident-shaped or
ring-shaped; for these shapes are easily broken and the atoms are impassi-
ble. They have their own shapes which can be contemplated by reason.
The atom is so called not because it is the minimal [particle], but because
it cannot be divided, since it is impassible and does not participate in void.
Aetius 1.20.2 = Dox. Gr. p. 318 (271 U) [1-78]
Epicurus [says that] void, place, and space differ [only] in name.Sextus M 8.329 (272 U) [1-79]
... Epicurus, for example, thinks that he has offered the most powerful
demonstration that the void exists: "If motion exists, void exists; but
motion does indeed exist; therefore void exists."
Sextus M 10.2 (271 U-addendum) [1-80]
Therefore, we must understand that according to Epicurus one part
of the nature which is termed intangible is called 'void', one part 'place',
and one part 'space'. The names vary according to different applications
[of the intellect], since the nature which is designated 'void' when it is
empty of every body is called 'place' when it is occupied by a body and
becomes 'space' when bodies pass through it. In Epicurus, however, it
is called by the general term 'intangible nature' because it is deprived of
'touch' in the sense of resistance.
Sextus M 3.98 (273* U-addendum) [1-81]
Then, as the Epicureans too say, the straight line in the void is indeed
straight, but it does not turn because even the void itself is not receptive
of motion either in whole or in part.
Sextus M 10.257 (275 U) [1-82]
... which Epicurus too agreed with when he said that body was
conceived as an aggregate of shape and size and resistance and weight.