ABSTRACT
The allusion in the term to corporeal objects has given occasion to various misconceptions. It has been represented that those who recognize the principles of a combination among states founded on an equal balance of power, had in view the most perfect possible equality or equalization of powers. True equality, and the other equality attainable by legitimate means that the smallest as well as the greatest is secured in the possession of right, and that it can neither be forced from him nor encroached upon by lawless power. Men were soon aware that there were certain fundamental principles, arising out of the proportional power of each of the component parts to the whole, without the constant influence of which order could not be secured. The maxims contain the only intelligible theory of a balance of power in the political world.
