FIRMNESS

, is the consistence of a body; or that state when its sensible parts cohere, or are united together, so that the motion of one part induces a mo- | tion of the rest. In which sense firmness stands opposed to fluidity.

The sirmness of bodies then depends on the connexion or cohesion of their particles; and the cause of cohesion the Newtonians hold to be an attractive force, inherent in bodies, which binds their small particles together; exerting itself only at the points of contact, or extremely near them, and vanishing at greater distances.

FIRST Mover, in the old Astronomy, is the Primum Mobile, or that which gives motion to the other parts of the universe.