BOOK I PART III
beside the communication of motion, implies a
formal contradiction; and it is impossible not
only that it can exist, but also that it can be con-
ceived. But we may soon satisfy ourselves of
the contrary, by forming a clear and consistent
idea of one body’s moving upon another, and
of its rest immediately upon the contact, or of
its returning back in the same line in which it
came; or of its annihilation; or circular or ellip-
tical motion: and in short, of an infinite number
of other changes, which we may suppose it to
undergo. These suppositions are all consistent
and natural; and the reason, Why we imagine
the communication of motion to be more con-
sistent and natural not only than those suppo-
sitions, but also than any other natural effect,
is founded on the relation of resemblance be-
twixt the cause and effect, which is here united
to experience, and binds the objects in the clos-