Ocellus Lucanus On the Nature of the Universe (Taylor 1831)

figure, from motion, from time, and its essence; and, therefore, it may be concluded that the world is unbegotten and incorruptible. For the form of its figure is circular; but a circle is on all sides similar and equal, and is therefore without a beginning, and without an end. The motion also of the universe is circular, but this motion is stable and without transition. Time, likewise, in which motion exists is infinite, for this neither had a beginning, nor will have an end of its circulation. The essence, too, of the universe is without departure [into any other place], and is immutable, because it is not naturally adapted to be changed, either from the worse to the better, or from the better to the worse. From all these arguments, therefore, it is obviously credible that the world is unbegotten and incorruptible. And thus much concerning the whole and the universe.

CHAP. II.

Since, however, in the universe, one thing is generation, but another the cause of generation; and generation indeed takes place where there is a mutation and a departure from things which rank