The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 01 (of 11) — Thomas Hobbes — John Shaqi
The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 01 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
For (in the same second figure) let any body, as K L M N, be understood
to be moved with simple circular motion; and let the circle, which every
point thereof describes, have any determined quantity, suppose that of
the same K L M N. Wherefore the centre A and every other point, and
consequently the moved body itself, will be carried sometimes towards
the side where is K, and sometimes towards the other side where is M.
When therefore it is carried to K, the parts of the fluid medium on that
side will go back; and, supposing all space to be full, others on the
other side will succeed. And so it will be when the body is carried to
the side M, and to N, and every way. Now when the nearest parts of the
fluid medium go back, it is necessary that the parts next to those
nearest parts go back also; and supposing still all space to be full,
other parts will come into their places with succession perpetual and
infinite. Wherefore all, even the least parts of the fluid medium,
change their places, &c. Which was to be proved.
It is evident from hence, that simple motion, whether circular or not
circular, of bodies which make perpetual returns to their former places,
hath greater or less force to dissipate the parts of resisting bodies,
as it is more or less swift, and as the lines described have greater or
less magnitude. Now the greatest velocity that can be, may be understood
to be in the least circuit, and the least in the greatest; and may be so
supposed, when there is need.
[Sidenote: If a fluid be moved with simple circular motion, all the
points taken in it will describe their circles in times
proportional to the distances from the centre.]