OF THE LETTERS

...it hinders, and it does not help as much as it obstructs. It is far from being the sole cause of acceleration. Furthermore, gravity, or an innate quality of heaviness original: "gravitas". Gassendi argues that weight is not an internal property of an object, but a result of external forces. that is distinct from attraction, does not exist. Therefore, it cannot produce motion either in a vacuum or in the air, even if air were the only substance in the universe. Ap 209. in 220.

ON ARTICLE 48. Regarding the Conclusion of the Response.

It was permissible to prioritize truth over friendship, though respect for that friendship was still maintained. It was within the power of the Reverend Father original: "R. P.", referring to Marin Mersenne, a prominent priest and mathematician. to make whatever deletions original: "lituras" he wished, or even to order the entire work to be suppressed. It is not understood why he believes he is presenting truth that is already clarified and rescued from error, yet he still hopes that truth might be found more certainly in the future from his corrected false experiment. It was the Reverend Father himself who, being otherwise unknown to the Author, first issued a challenge. Nothing would have been answered or even opposed if he were believed to be a person struck by the mere novelty of the matter, as he now claims, as if no one else until now had found or raised any conflict or contradiction in his assertions and decrees. Therefore, he can rest assured that no further inquiry will be made into those matters which he says are more obscure and uncertain. instead, he will always find the usual affection and respect.