An attempt to demonstrate, that all the phoenomena [sic] in nature may be explained by two simple active principles, attraction and repulsion : wherein the attractions of cohesion, gravity, and magnetism, are shewn to be one and the same, and the phoenomena of the latter are more particularly explained / by Gowin Knight.

  • Knight, Gowin, 1713-1772.
Date:
[1748]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An attempt to demonstrate, that all the phoenomena [sic] in nature may be explained by two simple active principles, attraction and repulsion : wherein the attractions of cohesion, gravity, and magnetism, are shewn to be one and the same, and the phoenomena of the latter are more particularly explained / by Gowin Knight. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    4/98 (page 2)
    Colours, from whence an infinite Variety ot other Truths were eafily deduceable to his penetrating Genius. When we confider the vaft Variety of EffeCts, that are ex¬ plicable from Attraction alone; it will appear more than probable, that a fpw other Principles, as extenfive, and as clearly explained, may open a Door to the moil fecret Myfteries of Nature. In purfuing this Thought I was gradually led to examine whether Repulfion was not a Principle of this Kind; and whether that and Attraction might not alone be fuflicient to account for all the Fhoenomena with which we are acquainted. There are few Perfons, even among thofe that are well acquainted with Nature’s Simplicity, to whom this Thought will not at the firft View appear too bold, if not wild and extravagant. But who can determine how much may be effected by two fuch Principles, when directed by a Being of Infinite Wifdom ? Even human Invention affords us an Inftance of a Thing,which (if it be of mere human Invention) is fcarce lefs furprifing, I mean the Ufe of Letters. The Art being common and familiar to us, we feldorn refleCt upon the won¬ derful Contrivance. But an entire Stranger to it would never comprehend how it was poffibie to exprefs all the various Sounds, not only in this, but every other Language,by twenty- four Characters, efpecially if he was told that live of them alone gave the others all their Force. The Language of Na¬ ture, though more copious, is far more fimple than ours; and a few Characters once decyphered will help us to difcover the reft. If Reafon and Experience fhall appear to countenance this Suppofition (however extraordinary it fhould feem at firft) it may very well deferve to be ferioufly examined. As far as I have hitherto gone, I have endeavour’d at the Sim¬ plicity and Clearnefs of a Mathematical Demonftration: Firft laying down fuch Truths as are plain to common Senfe; and from them, byneceffary Conclufions, deducing others lefs obvious. PR OP CL