The First Principles of Natural Things

...a Simple The non-extended mathematical point that serves as the origin of all things., or from the first Finite, in succession to the fifth Finite. These five Finites have a mutual relation to each other, are similar to each other, and differ only in degree and dimension—that is, in their mathematical proportion original: "ratio" to each other—as they are raised to successively higher powers or degrees.

Again, since all Finites are capable of becoming Actives, or of performing circular rotations original: "gyres" from a similar inherent and accompanying force or cause—that is to say, from a spiral motion of the parts—and since they can pass also into a local motion Movement from one place to another in space., provided there is space and nothing in it to present any obstacle; it follows, of course, that there may be a fivefold series of Actives. There is an Active of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth Finite points respectively. Hence, by means of the last or fifth Active, the fire of our solar system may pass into our atmosphere.

The same law applies to the compounds or Elementary particles, which I hold to consist of two principles: namely, Actives and Finites. The Finites occupy the surface, while the Actives occupy the interiors. Because there is thus a series of Finites and of Actives, there will also be a series of Elements, such as the first or most universal Element; the second, or Magnetic or vortical Related to the motion of a vortex or whirlpool. Element; the third, or Ethereal Element; and the fourth, or Aerial Element, before the elementary kingdom belonging to the world has been fully completed.

Since every single particle of each Element is elastic, encloses Actives, and possesses the faculty [vi] of passivity and activity, the first Element encloses within it the Actives of the first Finite; the second encloses the Actives of both the first and second Finites; the third encloses the first Elementary particles; and the fourth encloses both the first and second Elementary particles. These latter two Elements participate in each principle, although they enclose Elementary particles rather than "real" Actives.

For the Elementary particles are not only passive but active; they are consequently elastic, and are movable both as individual particles and in larger volumes. The motion and mechanism of their volume depend upon the motion and mechanism of their individual particles, although they are not mobile and elastic in the same degree as the enclosed first and second Elementary particles from which they receive their elasticity. Thus, we show that the Elements also differ in degrees and dimension...