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Full Idea
Although there are atoms of substance, namely monads, which lack parts, there are no atoms of bulk [moles], that is, atoms of the least possible extension, nor are there any ultimate elements, since a continuum cannot be composed out of points.
Gist of Idea
There are atoms of substance, but no atoms of bulk or extension
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (On Nature Itself (De Ipsa Natura) [1698], §11)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.162
A Reaction
Leibniz has a constant battle for the rest of his career to explain what these 'atoms of substance' are, since they have location but no extension, they are self-sufficient yet generate force, and are non-physical but interact with matter.
12755 | Final causes can help with explanations in physics [Leibniz] |
11854 | If there is some trace of God in things, that would explain their natural force [Leibniz] |
12756 | Substance is a force for acting and being acted upon [Leibniz] |
12758 | It is plausible to think substances contain the same immanent force seen in our free will [Leibniz] |
12759 | There are atoms of substance, but no atoms of bulk or extension [Leibniz] |
12718 | Secondary matter is active and complete; primary matter is passive and incomplete [Leibniz] |
12760 | Something rather like souls (though not intelligent) could be found everywhere [Leibniz] |
19408 | To say that nature or the one universal substance is God is a pernicious doctrine [Leibniz] |