ABSTRACT
THE last Attributes of Magnitudes we considered were their Equality and Inequality, whose genuine Notions we have asserted as far as we are able. Reason or Proportion now follows in Order, because this is almost nothing else but a certain Determination of Equality or Inequality refulting from the Coniparison of Quantities, For since generally speaking Quantities, which are comparable with one another, may receive infinite Modes of Inequality, by receiving from Equality (which is simple, and as I may say of one Mode), therefore the Determination expressed in Numbers, or other fit Terms, of some of these particular Modes appropriated to the Things compared, is wont to be called their Proportion, whereby is signified, whether they are equals or upon what certain peculiar Account they are unequal. Yet this principal Property of Magnitudes, that we may the more distinctly and clearly explain it, seems to require both, that we first expound Mensurability that noble Affection of Magnitudes, because of the Symmetry and Assymetry which necessarily intervenes with the Doctrine of Proportion, and that we consider a little the Aptitude and Ineptitude of Quantities for Comparison, which Things being well understood it will be easy to judge of the Nature of Proportion.
