BOOK I PART II
livers his arms.
Thus it appears, that the definitions of math-
ematics destroy the pretended demonstrations;
and that if we have the idea of indivisible
points, lines and surfaces conformable to the
definition, their existence is certainly possible:
but if we have no such idea, it is impossible we
can ever conceive the termination of any figure;
without which conception there can be no geo-
metrical demonstration.
But I go farther, and maintain, that none
of these demonstrations can have sufficient
weight to establish such a principle, as this
of infinite divisibility; and that because with
regard to such minute objects, they are not
properly demonstrations, being built on ideas,
which are not exact, and maxims, which are not
precisely true. When geometry decides any-