BOOK I PART II
thing concerning the proportions of quantity,
we ought not to look for the utmost precision
and exactness. None of its proofs extend so far.
It takes the dimensions and proportions of fig-
ures justly; but roughly, and with some liberty.
Its errors are never considerable; nor would it
err at all, did it not aspire to such an absolute
perfection.
I first ask mathematicians, what they mean
when they say one line or surface is EQUAL to,
or GREATER or LESS than another? Let any
of them give an answer, to whatever sect he
belongs, and whether he maintains the compo-
sition of extension by indivisible points, or by
quantities divisible in infinitum. This question
will embarrass both of them.
There are few or no mathematicians, who de-
fend the hypothesis of indivisible points; and