=Will.= This verb signifies to wish, to resolve, to exercise volition, in reference to a certain thing or action.  “I will go.”  I now resolve to perform the act of going.  When applied to inanimate things incapable of volition, it signifies what is analogous to it, inherent tendency; as, paper will burn; iron will sink; water will run.  All these things have an inherent or active tendency to change.  Water is composed of minute particles of a round form, piled together.  While on a level they do not move; but let a descent be made, and these particles, under the influence of gravitation, will change position, and roll one over another with a rapidity equalled to the condition in which they are placed.  The same may be observed in a quantity of shot opened at one side which will run thro the aperture; but the particles being larger, they will not find a level like water.  Grain, sand, and any thing composed of small particles, will exhibit the same tendency.  Iron, lead, or any mineral, in a state of igneous solution, will run, has the same inclination to run as water, or any other liquid.  In oil, tallow, and lard, when expanded by heat, the same tendency is observed; but severely chilled with the cold, it congeals, and will not, has no such tendency, to run.

You have doubtless observed a cask filled with water and nearly tight, (if it is possible, make it quite so,) and when an aperture is made in the side, it will run but a trifle before it will stop.  Open a vent upon the top of the cask and it will run freely.  This will or tendency was counteracted by other means which I will not stop here to explain.

This is a most important word in science, physical and moral, and may be traced thro various languages where it exerts the same influence in the expression of thought.

“To avoid multiplying of words, I would crave leave here, under the word action, to comprehend the forbearance too of any action proposed; sitting still, or holding one’s peace, when walking or speaking are proposed, tho mere forbearances, requiring as much the determination of the will, and being as often weighty in their consequences as the contrary actions, may, on that consideration, well enough pass for actions too.  For he that shall turn his thoughts inwards upon what passes in his mind when he wills, shall see that the will or power of volition is conversant about nothing.”—­Locke’s Essay, b.  II. c. 21.  Sec. 30.

It is correctly applied by writers to matter as well as mind, as may be seen by consulting their works.

    “Meanwhile as nature wills, night bids us rest.”
                              Milton.

The lupulis, or common hop, feels for some elevated object which will assist it in its high aspirations, and will climb it by winding from left to right, and will not be obliged to go in an opposite direction; while the phaseolus, or kidney bean, takes the opposite direction.  Neither will be compelled to change its course.  They will have their own way, and grow as they please, or they will die in the contest for liberty.