Page:Truth and Error (1898).djvu/26

 and from which they may be taken away, leaving behind the particle, which is not a unit, an extension, a speed and a persistence, is a pseud-idea, the result of mythologizing, where the word is taken to represent more than the sum of the essentials of the object to which it is applied. A unit is a unit of an extension, a speed and a persistence. An extension is an extension of a unit, a speed and a persistence. A speed is a speed of a unit, an extension and a persistence. A persistence is a persistence of a unit, an extension and a speed.

Think of properties as number, space, motion and time; then consider the things which must exist if these properties exist and you have the essentials, as the term is here used. Thus think not of number, but of unity; think not of space, but of extension; think not of motion, but of speed; think not of time, but of persistence, and you have the essentials themselves.

This chapter is designed to define the essentials of an inanimate particle, and to show in what sense the terms for the essentials are used. The mathematician might say that A stands for unity, B for extension, C for speed, D for persistence, E for consciousness, and you would not find fault. Should he formulate an equation you would not quarrel with him about his symbols, because he uses A for apples, B for bushels, C for cents, D for division, and E for equality to show the equity of a transaction represented by F. Let me use my symbols in my manner, if you would understand my demonstration. Unity means one, extension means exclusive occupancy of space, speed means change of position, persistence means continuance in time.