is perhaps more a consequence of solidity, than solidity itself.  This, of all other, seems the idea most intimately connected with, and essential to body; so as nowhere else to be found or imagined, but only in matter.  And though our senses take no notice of it, but in masses of matter, of a bulk sufficient to cause a sensation in us:  yet the mind, having once got this idea from such grosser sensible bodies, traces it further, and considers it, as well as figure, in the minutest particle of matter that can exist; and finds it inseparably inherent in body, wherever or however modified.

2.  Solidity fills Space.

This is the idea which belongs to body, whereby we conceive it to fill space.  The idea of which filling of space is,—­that where we imagine any space taken up by a solid substance, we conceive it so to possess it, that it excludes all other solid substances; and will for ever hinder any other two bodies, that move towards one another in a straight line, from coming to touch one another, unless it removes from between them in a line not parallel to that which they move in.  This idea of it, the bodies which we ordinarily handle sufficiently furnish us with.

3.  Distinct from Space.

This resistance, whereby it keeps other bodies out of the space which it possesses, is so great, that no force, how great soever, can surmount it.  All the bodies in the world, pressing a drop of water on all sides, will never be able to overcome the resistance which it will make, soft as it is, to their approaching one another, till it be removed out of their way:  whereby our idea of solidity is distinguished both from pure space, which is capable neither of resistance nor motion; and from the ordinary idea of hardness.  For a man may conceive two bodies at a distance, so as they may approach one another, without touching or displacing any solid thing, till their superficies come to meet; whereby, I think, we have the clear idea of space without solidity.  For (not to go so far as annihilation of any particular body) I ask, whether a man cannot have the idea of the motion of one single body alone, without any other succeeding immediately into its place?  I think it is evident he can:  the idea of motion in one body no more including the idea of motion in another, than the idea of a square figure in one body includes the idea of a square figure in another.  I do not ask, whether bodies do so exist, that the motion of one body cannot really be without the motion of another.  To determine this either way, is to beg the question for or against a vacuum.  But my question is,—­whether one cannot have the idea of one body moved, whilst others are at rest?  And I think this no one will deny.  If so, then the place it deserted gives us the idea of pure space without solidity; whereinto any other body may enter, without either resistance or protrusion of anything.  When the sucker in a pump is drawn, the space it filled