Cleomedis Meteora Graece et Latine (Balfour 1605) (1605) - Page 23

CLEOMEDES’

TWO BOOKS

ON THE CIRCULAR THEORY OF METEORS.

Since the world is spoken of in many ways,
our present discourse
concerns the one named for its
adornment: which they define thus, The World
is a system consisting of heaven and earth, and
the natures contained within it. Furthermore, it
encompasses all bodies, with
nothing existing simply outside of it; as is shown
in other places. It is not infinite,
but is finite. As this is clear from the fact
that it is governed by nature; for it is
impossible for anything infinite to have a nature.
For nature must master
that of which it is. That it has a nature
administering it is well-known.
First, from the order of the parts
in it; second, from the order of the things
produced in it; third, from the sympathy
of the parts in it toward one another.
Fourth, from the fact that each thing
was made for a purpose. Finally, from the fact
that all things provide the most
beneficial needs. Which are also properties
of particular natures.
So, since the world has a nature
governing it, it itself is finite.

CLEOMEDES’ TWO BOOKS

ON THE CONTEMPLATION OF THE

HEAVENLY ORBS.

Since the world is spoken of in many
ways, our present discourse
concerns the one named for its
adornment: which they define thus. The World
is that which consists of heaven and earth,
and the natures which are contained within them.
This indeed encompasses all bodies, nor is there
any thing at all outside it, as is demonstrated
elsewhere. It is not, however, infinite,
but definite, as is clear from the fact
that it is governed by nature. For nothing
that is infinite can have a nature.
Since it is necessary for nature to overcome,
and to coerce that which belongs to it. That it has a nature,
however, which administers it, is manifest.
First from the order of the parts which
are in it: then from the order of those things
which are produced in it: third from the common
consent of its parts toward one another:
fourth from the fact that all things are made for
some sake: finally because all things have
the most necessary and convenient uses. Which are
peculiar to the individual natures.
Therefore, since the world has a governing
nature, it must be finite.