Full Idea
A body is always the same, whether the parts of it be put together or dispersed; or whether it be congealed or dissolved.
Gist of Idea
A body is always the same, whether the parts are together or dispersed
Source
Thomas Hobbes (De Corpore (Elements, First Section) [1655], 2.11.07)
Book Reference
Hobbes,Thomas: 'Metaphysical Writings', ed/tr. Calkins,Mary Whiton [Open Court 1905], p.85
A Reaction
This appears to be a commitment by Hobbes to what we now call 'classical' mereology - that any bunch of things can count as a whole, whether they are together or dispersed. He seems to mean more than a watch surviving dismantling.