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and subject to no change but what is induced by a prior change in the Agent.  The general rule by which it acts is one only, to which all particular cases may be reduced; and it is this, that the grosser and heavier part [[strikethrough]] press [[/strikethrough]] of the fluid always presses toward the lighter, and rarer, endeavouring to preserve the Equilibrium established in nature; whence it will follow, that whatever bodies [[strikethrough]] lie in its way will be moved, carried (or at least affected) by it according to their different capacities, and that an inequality of pressure must always produce motion, in a degree proportioned to the inequality, and in a direction toward the weakened or interrupted part of the fluid.  It will follow also, that some parts of this fluid will pass the pores of solid bodies, and act upon their whole content, while others too gross to enter the pores, will press upon the surface.
    These are the Principles by which we account for the various effects that are daily arising in the æconomy of the world, as far at least as those effects lie open to our observation.  They are so plain and easy, and in the main so far confirm'd by common experience, that one would almost be tempted to think they could find no adversaries; but Mankind, who never yet agreed in any science, have differed very much in that of natural Philosophy.  The works of God, like that other vohemn of his word, are capable of many interpretations; and every Age almost has had its fashionable System of Physics.
In the last age Descartes was the Philosopher: a man of a subtile and inquisitive disposition, and of no ordinary skill in the Mathematical knowledge.  His Principles were these; That the Elements of the æther was created in solid parts of a cubic figure, among which a motion, being introduced, their corners would be rubbed off by the attrition, and supply a finer sort of matter, which he called the [[/underline]] Materia primi elementi [[/underline]], as being of much more subtilty and force than the ([[strikethrough]] [[?]] [[/strikethrough]])

Transcription Notes:
TC says in project header "*Notes on the item: 1. sometimes "S" looks like an "f" this occurs more often with the lower case." Transcribe "f" looking s as an "s".