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It is not an aerial substance, because, if it were, instead of

passing from one body to another, it would fly off to its sphere;

it is not a watery substance, because it would be dried up by the

wind; it is not igneous, because it would burn; it is not earthy,

because it would be visible. Moreover, it is not a compound

substance, because it would be sensible to the eye, or to the

touch; and who has seen it? or touched it? It remains to see if

it be an accident. This is still less probable. The doctors say

it is communicated from body to body; this is their Achilles; the

pretext for so many useless regulations. Now, supposing it an

accident, it would be a transferable accident, which is an

incongruity.