Page:The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy - 1729 - Volume 1.djvu/16

Rh. ''the Sytem of the World. For by the propoitions mathematically demontrated in the firt book, we there derive from the celetial phenomena the forces of Gravity with which bodies tend to the Sun and the several Planets. Then, from thee forces, by other propoitions which are alo mathematical, we deduce the motions of the Planets, the Comets, the Moon, and the Sea. I wih we could derive the ret of the phenomena of Nature by the same kind of reaoning from mechanical principles. For I am induced by many reaons to upect that they may all depend upon certain forces by which the particles of bodies, by ome caues hitherto unknown, are either mutually impelled towards each other, and cohere in regular figures, or are repelled and recede from each other; which forces being unknown, Philoophers have hitherto attempted the search of Nature in vain. But I hope the principles here laid down will afford ome light either to that, or ome truer, method of Philoophy. ''

In the publication of this Work, the mot acute and universally learned Mr. Edmund Halley not only aited me with his pains in correcting the pres and taking care of the chemes, but it was to