On The Heavens   

therefore impossible, and the same reasoning applies also to

infinite lightness. Bodies then of infinite weight and of infinite

lightness are equally impossible.

That there is no infinite body may be shown, as we have shown it, by

a detailed consideration of the various cases. But it may also be

shown universally, not only by such reasoning as we advanced in our

discussion of principles (though in that passage we have already

determined universally the sense in which the existence of an infinite

is to be asserted or denied), but also suitably to our present purpose

in the following way. That will lead us to a further question. Even if

the total mass is not infinite, it may yet be great enough to admit

a plurality of universes. The question might possibly be raised

whether there is any obstacle to our believing that there are other

universes composed on the pattern of our own, more than one, though

stopping short of infinity. First, however, let us treat of the

infinite universally.



7



Every body must necessarily be either finite or infinite, and if

infinite, either of similar or of dissimilar parts. If its parts are

dissimilar, they must represent either a finite or an infinite

number of kinds. That the kinds cannot be infinite is evident, if

our original presuppositions remain unchallenged. For the primary

movements being finite in number, the kinds of simple body are

necessarily also finite, since the movement of a simple body is

simple, and the simple movements are finite, and every natural body

must always have its proper motion. Now if the infinite body is to

be composed of a finite number of kinds, then each of its parts must

necessarily be infinite in quantity, that is to say, the water,

fire, &c., which compose it. But this is impossible, because, as we

have already shown, infinite weight and lightness do not exist.