Arranging Cavendish's Atom Poems: Choose Your Path

Welcome to the beginning of the game! In what follows you can take two different paths through Cavendish’s poems, the 1653 path or the 1664/1668 path. You may visualize the relationship between the two paths below: “The Bigness of Atoms” (1653, Poem 9; 1664/68, Poem 11) ______________“Of Elements” ______________(1653, Poem 76; 1664/68, Poem 87) ____“The Joining of Several Figured Atoms Make other Figures” ____(1653, Poem 10; 1664/68, Poem 88) ____“What Atoms Make Change” ____(1653, Poem 11; 1664/68, Poem 89) _____________“What Atoms Make Heat and Cold” _____________(1653, Poem 22; 1664/68, Poem 90) ____“All Things Last or Dissolve According to the Composure of Atoms” ____(1653, Poem 12; 1664/68, Poem 91) The first path, the 1653 path, follows the order of the poems as they exist in the 1653 edition, passing through the four poems to the left and in the middle (in the visualization above). The second path, the 1664/68 path, follows the order of the poems as they exist in the 1664 and 1668 editions, passing through the five poems on the right and on the middle (in the visualization above). In the game itself I sometimes point readers to a “main path”; this refers to the collated best text edition of each poem, incorporating choices from all three editions, with textual notes giving all substantive textual variants. Within each poem, you can also move across variant editions, to see, e.g., only the transcription of the 1664 edition, or the modernized version of 1653 only. If you don’t agree with conflation and prefer to follow one original edition only, multiple parallel paths can move you forward (so, e.g., you can follow the 1653 unmodernized path forward instead of jumping forward via the main, best-text path). READY TO PLAY? Choose between [[the 1653 text->Bigness (Conflated)]] or [[the 1664/68 text->Elements (Conflated)]]. [[Or go back to the Editorial Introduction.->EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION]]

The Bigness of Atoms When I say`*` atoms small as small can be, I mean quantity, quality, and weight agree.`*` Not in the`*` figure, for some may show`*` Much bigger, and some lesser: so`*` Take water fluid and ice, and you will see,`*` They do in weight but not in bulk agree.`*` So atoms: some are`*` soft, others more knit, According as each atom’s figurèd.`*` Atoms whose forms are hollow, long, and round`*` Bend more than flat`*` or sharp, which close are bound.`*` And being hollow, they are spread more thin Than other atoms which are close within. And atoms which are thin are softer much,`*` When atoms close are of a harder touch.`*` `*`1 When I say] Mhen I say 1653; I Mean by 1664, 1668 `*`2 I mean quantity, quality, and weight agree.] They do in Quantity, Weight, Quality agree, 1664; They do in Quantity, Weight, Quality, agree, 1668 `*`3 the] their outward 1664; their Outward 1668 `*`3 may show] may 1664, 1668 `*`4 Much bigger, and some lesser: so] Shew Bigger, and some others Less than they; 1664; Shew bigger, and some others, less than they. 1668 `*`5 ice, and you will see,] Ice thats firme, 1653 `*`6 They do in weight but not in bulk agree.] Though the Weight be just, the Bulke is not the same. 1653 `*`7 some are] are some 1653 `*`8 figurèd.] Figure’s fit; 1664; Figures fit. 1668 `*`9 Atoms whose forms are hollow, long, and round] Round and Long Atomes hollow are, more slacke 1653; Atomes whose Form is Hollow, Long, and Round, 1664; Atoms, whose Form is Hollow, Long, and Round, 1668 `*`10 Bend more than flat] Then Flat, 1653 `*`10 which close are bound.] for they are more compact: 1653 `*`13 are softer much,] more tender far, 1653 `*`14 When atoms close are of a harder touch.] For those that are more close, they harder are. 1653; When Atomes close are of an harder touch. 1664; When Atoms close, are of an harder t’uch. 1668 [[Go to the next poem in the 53 path.->Joining (Conflated)]] Compare the 1653 version of this poem, [[modernized->Bigness (53m)]] or [[unmodernized->Bigness (53u)]].

Of the Elements`*` Some hold four perfect elements there be, Which do surmount each other by degree. And some opinions think that one is all, The rest from that and to that one shall`*` fall: This single`*` element itself doth`*` turn To several qualities, as fire to burn, Then`*` water moist to quench that heat,`*` and then To subtle air, and so to earth again. Like fluid water, which when turned with frost`*` To snow or ice, its outward form has lost.`*` But whenas`*` heat doth melt that icy chain, Then into water doth it`*` turn again. Or like as vapor thick, which doth ascend`*` From th’Earth, and to thin air itself doth spend,`*` Or else it will condense itself to`*` rain, And by its weight will fall to`*` Earth again. So`*` what is very thin doth subtle grow,`*` Turns into`*` fire, and a`*` bright flame doth show.`*` But`*` what is dull, heavy, and slow`*` to move Of a cold quality doth often`*` prove. Thus by contracting and dilating parts Is all the skill of Nature’s working arts. `*`0 the Elements] Elements 1653 `*`4 shall] do 1664, 1668 `*`5 This single] And that this 1664; And, that this 1668 `*`5 doth] to 1653 `*`7 Then] So 1653 `*`7 to quench that heat,] that heate to quench, 1653 `*`9 when turned with frost] turnes with the Cold, 1653 `*`10 To snow or ice, its outward form has lost.] Flakes of Snow, or in firme Ice to hold. 1653 `*`11 whenas] that 1653 `*`12 doth it] it doth 1664, 1668 `*`13 Or like as vapor thick, which doth ascend] So from the Earth a Vapour thicke ascends, 1653 `*`14 From th’Earth, and to thin air itself doth spend,] That Vapour thicke it selfe to thin Aire spends; 1653 `*`15 it will condense itself to] it self condenseth into 1664, 1668 `*`16 will fall to] falls to the 1664, 1668 `*`17 So] And 1653 `*`17 doth subtle grow,] so subtle growes, 1653 `*`18 Turns into] As it turnes 1653 `*`18 a] so a 1653 `*`18 doth show.] shewes. 1653 `*`19 But] And 1653 `*`19 heavy, and slow] or heavy, slow 1653 `*`20 doth often] it oft doth 1653 [[Go to the next poem in the 64/68 path.->Joining (Conflated)]] Compare the 1664 version of this poem, [[modernized->Elements (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Elements (64u)]]. Compare the 1668 version of this poem, [[modernized->Elements (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Elements (68u)]].

The Joining of Several Figured Atoms Make Other Figures. When several`*` figured atoms well agreeing Do join, they`*` give another figure being. For as those figures join in`*` several ways, So they the fabric of each`*` creature raise. `*`1 When several] Severall 1653 `*`2 Do join, they] When joyn’d, do 1653 `*`3 join in] joyned 1653 `*`4 So they the fabric of each] The Fabrick of each severall 1653; So, they fabric of each 1668 [[Go to the next poem in the 53 and 64/68 paths.->Change (Conflated)]] Compare the 1653 version of this poem, [[modernized->Joining (53m)]] or [[unmodernized->Joining (53u)]]. Compare the 1664 version of this poem, [[modernized->Joining (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Joining (64u)]]. Compare the 1668 version of this poem, [[modernized->Joining (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Joining (68u)]].

What Atoms Make Change ’Tis several figured atoms that make change, When several bodies meet as they do range. For if they sympathize and do agree, They join together, as`*` one body be. But if they meet,`*` like to a rabble rout, Without all order running in and out, Then disproportionable things they make, Because they did not their right places take. `*`4 together, as] togeth’r and as 1664; togeth’r, and as 1668 `*`5 meet] joyne 1653 [[Go to the next poem in the 53 path.->Composure (Conflated)]] [[Go to the next poem in the 64/68 path.->Heat and Cold (Conflated)]] Compare the 1653 version of this poem, [[modernized->Change (53m)]] or [[unmodernized->Change (53u)]]. Compare the 1664 version of this poem, [[modernized->Change (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Change (64u)]]. Compare the 1668 version of this poem, [[modernized->Change (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Change (68u)]].

What Atoms Make Heat and Cold Such kind of atoms which`*` make heat, make cold, Like pincers sharp that`*` nip and do take hold. But atoms that are pointed sharp pierce through,`*` And atoms which are sharp and`*` hooked pull to. Yet all must into pointed figures turn, For atoms blunt will never freeze nor burn. ’Cause blunt figures do to a soft form`*` bend, And soft do`*` unto wet or liquid tend. `*`1 which] as 1664, 1668 `*`2 that] which 1653 `*`3 But atoms that are pointed sharp pierce through,] For sharply pointed Atomes thorow go, 1664; For, sharply pointed Atoms, thorow go; 1668 `*`4 and] but 1653 `*`7 ’Cause blunt figures do to a soft form] Because to a soft Form blunt Figures 1664; Because to a soft Form, blunt Figures 1668 `*`8 do] doth 1664, 1668 [[Go to the next poem in the 64/68 path.->Composure (Conflated)]] Compare the 1664 version of this poem, [[modernized->Heat and Cold (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Heat and Cold (64u)]]. Compare the 1668 version of this poem, [[modernized->Heat and Cold (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Heat and Cold (68u)]].

All Things Last or Dissolve According to the Composure of Atoms. Atoms which loosely join`*` do not remain So long as those which closeness do maintain. Those make all things i’th’world to ebb`*` and flow, According as the moving atoms go. Others in bodies, they do join so close, As in long time, they never stir nor loose. And some will join so close and knit so fast, As if unstirred they would forever last. In smallest vegetables, loosest atoms`*` lie, Which is the reason they so quickly die. In animals, much closer they are laid, Which is the cause their life is longer`*` stayed. Some vegetables and animals do join In equal strength, if atoms so combine. But animals, where atoms close lie`*` in, Are stronger than some vegetables thin. But in vegetables, where atoms do stick`*` fast, As in`*` strong trees, the longer they do last.`*` In minerals, they so together cleave,`*` As they not any space for motion leave.`*` Being pointed all, the closer they do lie, Which makes`*` them not like vegetables die. Those bodies where`*` loose atoms most move in, Are soft and porous, and many times thin; Those porous`*` bodies never do live long. So why?`*` Loose atoms never can be strong. For motion’s power tosseth`*` them about, Keeps them`*` from their right places:`*` so life goes out. `*`1 Atoms which loosely joyn] Those Atomes loosely joyn’d 1653 `*`3 to ebb] ebb 1653 `*`9 In smallest vegetables, loosest atoms] Loose Atoms in small Vegetables 1664, 1668 `*`12 their life is longer] Life is the longer 1653 `*`15 lie] lay 1653 `*`17 But in vegetables, where atoms do stick] And Vegetables, wherein Atomes 1664; And Vegetables, wherein Atoms 1668 `*`18 As in] Do stick, as in 1664, 1668 `*`18 the longer they do last.] they longer last. 1664, 1668 `*`19 so together cleave,] are so hard wedg’d in, 1653 `*`20 As they not any space for motion leave.] No space they leave for Motion to get in: 1653 `*`22 makes] make 1653 `*`23 where] which 1664, 1668 `*`25 Those porous] And those soft 1664, 1668 `*`26 Why so?] For why, 1653 `*`27 For motion’s power tosseth] There Motion having power, tosses 1653 `*`28 Keeps them] And 1664, 1668 `*`28 right places:] places keeps; 1664, 1668 [[Return to the beginning and follow another path!->START GAME HERE]] Compare the 1653 version of this poem, [[modernized->Composure (53m)]] or [[unmodernized->Composure (53u)]]. Compare the 1664 version of this poem, [[modernized->Composure (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Composure (64u)]]. Compare the 1668 version of this poem, [[modernized->Composure (64/68m)]] or [[unmodernized->Composure (68u)]].

The Bigness of Atoms When I say “atoms small as small can be,” I mean quantity, quality, and weight agree— Not in the figure, for some may show Much bigger, and some lesser (so Take water fluid, and ice that’s firm: Though the weight be just, the bulk is not the same); So atoms are some soft, others more knit, According as each atom’s figurèd; Round and long atoms hollow are, more slack Than flat or sharp, for they are more compact, And being hollow they are spread more thin Than other atoms which are close within, And atoms which are thin more tender far, For those that are more close, they harder are. [[Go to the next poem in the 53 modernized path.->Joining (53m)]] [[Compare the unmodernized version of this poem.->Bigness (53u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 53 path).->Bigness (Conflated)]]

The bignesse of Atomes: [M]HEN I say Atomes small, as small can bee; I mean Quantity, quality, and Weight agree Not in the Figure, for some may shew Much bigger, and some lesser: so Take Water fluid, and Ice thats firme, Though the Weight be just, the Bulke is not the same. So Atomes are some soft, others more knit, According as each Atome’s Figured; Round and Long Atomes hollow are, more slacke Then Flat, or Sharpe, for they are more compact: And being hollow they are spread more thin, Then other Atomes which are close within: And Atomes which are thin more tender far, For those that are more close, they harder are. [[Go to the next poem in the 53 unmodernized path.->Joining (53u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Bigness (53m)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 53 path).->Bigness (Conflated)]]

Of the Elements. [S]Ome hold four perfect Elements there be, Which do surmount each other by degree; And some Opinions think that One is all, The rest from that and to that One do fall; And that this Element it self doth turn To several qualities, as Fire to burn, Then Water moist to quench that heat, and then To subtile Air, and so to Earth agen: Like fluid Water, which when turn’d with Frost To Snow or Ice, its outward form has lost, But when as Heat doth melt that Icy chain, Then into Water it doth turn again; Or like as Vapour thick, which doth ascend From th’Earth, and to thin Air it self doth spend, Or else it self condenseth into Rain, And by its weight falls to the Earth again; So what is very Thin, doth Subtile grow, Turns into Fire and a bright Flame doth show; But what is Dull, Heavy, and Slow to move, Of a Cold quality doth often prove. Thus by Contracting and Dilating parts, Is all the Skil of Nature’s working Arts. [[Go to the next poem in the 64 unmodernized path.->Joining (64u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Elements (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1668 unmodernized version of this poem.->Elements (68u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Elements (Conflated)]]

Of the Elements Some hold four perfect elements there be, Which do surmount each other by degree. And some opinions think that one is all, The rest from that and to that one do fall, And that this element itself doth turn To several qualities: as fire to burn, Then water moist to quench that heat, and then To subtle air, and so to earth again, Like fluid water which, when turned with frost To snow or ice, its outward form has lost— But whenas heat doth melt that icy chain, Then into water it doth turn again— Or like as vapor thick, which doth ascend From th’Earth, and to thin air itself doth spend, Or else itself condenseth into rain, And by its weight falls to the Earth again. So what is very thin doth subtle grow, Turns into fire, and a bright flame doth show. But what is dull, heavy, and slow to move Of a cold quality doth often prove. Thus by contracting and dilating parts, Is all the skill of Nature’s working arts. [[Go to the next poem in the 64/68 modernized path.->Joining (64/68m)]] Compare the unmodernized version of this poem, in [[1664->Elements (64u)]] or [[1668->Elements (68u)]] versions. [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Elements (Conflated)]]

The Joyning of several Figur’d Atomes make other Figures. [W]Hen several Figur’d Atomes, well agreeing, Do joyn, they give an other Figure being; For as those Figures joyn in several ways, So they the Fabrick of each Creature raise. [[Go to the next poem in the 64 unmodernized path.->Change (64u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Joining (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1668 unmodernized version of this poem.->Joining (68u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Joining (Conflated)]]

The Joining of Several Figured Atoms Make Other Figures. When several figured atoms, well agreeing, Do join, they give another figure being: For as those figures join in several ways, So they the fabric of each creature raise. [[Go to the next poem in the 64/68 modernized path.->Change (64/68m)]] Compare the unmodernized version of this poem, in [[1664->Joining (64u)]] or [[1668->Joining (68u)]] versions. [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Joining (Conflated)]]

The joyning of severall Figur’d Atomes make other Figures. [S]Everall Figur’d Atomes well agreeing, When joyn’d, do give another Figure being. For as those Figures joyned, severall waies, The Fabrick of each severall Creature raise. [[Go to the next poem in the 53 unmodernized path.->Change (53u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Joining (53m)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 53 path).->Joining (Conflated)]]

The Joining of Several Figured Atoms Make Other Figures. Several figured atoms well agreeing, When joined, do give another figure being. For as those figures joined, several ways, The fabric of each several creature raise. [[Go to the next poem in the 53 modernized path.->Change (53m)]] [[Compare the unmodernized version of this poem.->Joining (53u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 53 path).->Joining (Conflated)]]

What Atoms make Heat and Cold. [S]Uch kind of Atoms as make Heat, make Cold; Like Pincers sharp, that nip, and do take hold: For, sharply pointed Atoms, thorow go; And Atoms which are sharp, and hook’t, pull to. Yet all must into pointed Figures turn; For Atoms blunt, will never freeze, nor burn: Because to a soft Form, blunt Figures bend; And Soft, doth unto Wet or Liquid tend. [[Go to the next poem in the 68 unmodernized path.->Composure (68u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Heat and Cold (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1664 unmodernized version of this poem.->Heat and Cold (64u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Heat and Cold (Conflated)]]

What Atoms Make Heat and Cold Such kind of atoms as make heat make cold, Like pincers sharp that nip and do take hold, For sharply pointed atoms thorough go, And atoms which are sharp and hooked pull to. Yet all must into pointed figures turn, For atoms blunt will never freeze nor burn, Because to a soft form blunt figures bend, And soft doth unto wet or liquid tend. [[Go to the next poem in the 64/68 modernized path.->Composure (64/68m)]] Compare the unmodernized version of this poem, in [[1664->Heat and Cold (64u)]] or [[1668->Heat and Cold (68u)]] versions. [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Heat and Cold (Conflated)]]

What Atomes make Change. ’[T]Is several Figur’d Atomes that make Change, When several Bodies meet, as they do range; For if they Sympathize, and do agree, They joyn togeth’r and as one Body be; But if they meet, like to a Rabble rout, Without all Order running in and out, Then Disproportionable things they make, Because they did not their right places take. [[Go to the next poem in the 64 unmodernized path.->Heat and Cold (64u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Change (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1668 unmodernized version of this poem.->Change (68u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Change (Conflated)]]

What Atoms Make Change ’Tis several figured atoms that make change, When several bodies meet as they do range, For if they sympathize, and do agree, They join togeth’r and as one body be. But if they meet, like to a rabble rout, Without all order, running in and out, Then disproportionable things they make, Because they did not their right places take. [[Go to the next poem in the 64/68 modernized path.->Heat and Cold (64/68m)]] Compare the unmodernized version of this poem, in [[1664->Change (64u)]] or [[1668->Change (68u)]] versions. [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Change (Conflated)]]

What Atomes make Change. [T]IS severall Figur’d Atomes that make Change, When severall Bodies meet as they do range. For if they sympathise, and do agree, They joyne together, as one Body bee. But if they joyne like to a Rabble-rout, Without all order running in and out; Then disproportionable things they make, Because they did not their right places take. [[Go to the next poem in the 53 unmodernized path.->Composure (53u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Change (53m)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 53 path).->Change (Conflated)]]

What Atoms Make Change ’Tis several figured atoms that make change, When several bodies meet as they do range. For if they sympathize and do agree They join together, as one body be. But if they join like to a rabble rout, Without all order running in and out, Then disproportionable things they make, Because they did not their right places take. [[Go to the next poem in the 53 modernized path.->Composure (53m)]] [[Compare the unmodernized version of this poem.->Change (53u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 53 path).->Change (Conflated)]]

All things last, or dissolve, according to the Composure of Atomes. [T]Hose Atomes loosely joyn’d, do not remaine So long as those, which Closenesse do maintaine. Those make all things i’th World ebb, and flow; According as the moving Atomes go. Others in Bodies, they do joyne so close, As in long time, they never stir, nor loose: And some will joyne so close, and knit so fast, As if unstir’d, they would for ever last. In smallest Vegetables, loosest Atomes lye, Which is the reason, they so quickly dye. In Animals, much closer they are laid, Which is the cause, Life is the longer staid. Some Vegetables, and Animals do joyne In equall strength, if Atomes so combine. But Animals, where Atomes close lay in, Are stronger, then some Vegetables thin. But in Vegetables, where Atomes do stick fast, As in strong Trees, the longer they do last. In Minerals, they are so hard wedg’d in, No space they leave for Motion to get in: Being Pointed all, the closer they do lye, Which make them not like Vegetables dye. Those Bodies, where loose Atomes most move in, Are Soft, and Porous, and many times thin. Those Porous Bodies never do live long. For why, loose Atomes never can be strong. There Motion having power, tosses them about, Keeps them from their right places, so Life goes out. [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Composure (53m)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 53 path).->Composure (Conflated)]] [[Return to the beginning and follow another path!->START GAME HERE]]

All Things Last or Dissolve According to the Composure of Atoms. Those atoms loosely joined do not remain So long as those which closeness do maintain. Those make all things i’th’world ebb and flow, According as the moving atoms go. Others in bodies, they do join so close, As in long time they never stir nor loose, And some will join so close, and knit so fast, As if unstirred they would forever last. In smallest vegetables loosest atoms lie, Which is the reason they so quickly die. In animals much closer they are laid, Which is the cause life is the longer stayed. Some vegetables and animals do join In equal strength, if atoms so combine. But animals, where atoms close lay in, Are stronger than some vegetables thin. But in vegetables, where atoms do stick fast, As in strong trees, the longer they do last. In minerals they are so hard wedged in, No space they leave for motion to get in: Being pointed all, the closer they do lie, Which make them not like vegetables die. Those bodies where loose atoms most move in Are soft and porous, and many times thin. Those porous bodies never do live long, For why loose atoms never can be strong. There motion, having power, tosses them about, Keeps them from their right places: so life goes out. [[Compare the unmodernized version of this poem.->Composure (53u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 53 path).->Composure (Conflated)]] [[Return to the beginning and follow another path!->START GAME HERE]]

All Things Last or Dissolve According to the Composure of Atoms. Atoms which loosely join do not remain So long as those which closeness do maintain: Those make all things i’th’world to ebb and flow, According as the moving atoms go. Others, in bodies they do join so close, As in long time they never stir nor loose. And some will join so close, and knit so fast, As if unstirred they would forever last. Loose atoms in small vegetables lie, Which is the reason they so quickly die. In animals, much closer they are laid, Which is the cause their life is longer stayed. Some vegetables and animals do join In equal strength, if atoms so combine. But animals, where atoms close lie in, Are stronger than some vegetables thin, And vegetables wherein atoms fast Do stick, as in strong trees, they longer last. In minerals, they so together cleave As they not any space for motion leave: Being pointed all, the closer they do lie, Which makes them not like vegetables die. Those bodies which loose atoms most move in Are soft and porous and many times thin. And those soft bodies never do live long. Why so? Loose atoms never can be strong, For motion’s power tosseth them about, And from their places keeps: so life goes out. Compare the unmodernized version of this poem, in [[1664->Composure (64u)]] or [[1668->Composure (68u)]] versions. [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Composure (Conflated)]] [[Return to the beginning and follow another path!->START GAME HERE]]

All things last or dissolve according to the Composure of Atomes. [A]Tomes, which loosely joyn, do not remain So long, as those, which closeness do maintain; Those make all things i’th’VVorld to ebb and flow, According as the moving Atomes go; Others in Bodies they do joyn so close, As in long time they never stir nor loose; And some will joyn so close, and knit so fast, As if unstirr’d they would for ever last. Loose Atomes in small Vegetables lye, Which is the reason, they so quickly Dye; In Animals much closer they are laid, Which is the cause, their Life is longer staid. Some Vegetables and Animals do joyn In equal strength, if Atomes so combine; But Animals, where Atomes close lye in, Are stronger, than some Vegetables thin; And Vegetables, wherein Atomes fast Do stick, as in strong Trees, they longer last. In Minerals they so together cleave, As they not any space for Motion leave, Being pointed all the closer they do lye, Which makes them not like Vegetables dye. Those Bodies which loose Atomes most move in, Are Soft and Porous and many times thin, And those soft Bodies never do Live long, Why so? loose Atomes never can be strong; For Motion’s power tosseth them about, And from their places keeps; so Life goes out. [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Composure (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1668 unmodernized version of this poem.->Composure (68u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Composure (Conflated)]] [[Return to the beginning and follow another path!->START GAME HERE]]

The Joyning of several Figur’d Atoms, make other Figures. [W]Hen several Figur’d Atoms, well agreeing, Do joyn, they give another Figure beeing: For, as those Figures joyn in several ways; So, they the Fabrick of each Creature raise. [[Go to the next poem in the 68 unmodernized path.->Change (68u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Joining (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1664 unmodernized version of this poem.->Joining (64u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Joining (Conflated)]]

Of the Elements. [S]Ome hold, Four perfect Elements there be, Which do surmount each other by degree. And some Opinions think, that One is All; The rest, from that, and to that One do fall: And, that this Element it self, doth turn To several Qualities; as, Fire to burn: Then VVater moist, to quench that Heat: and then, To subtil Air; and so to Earth agen. Like fluid VVater, which when turn’d with Frost, To Snow or Ice, its outward Form has lost. But when as Heat doth melt that Icy Chain, Then into VVater it doth turn again. Or, like as Vapour thick, which doth ascend From th’Earth, and to thin Air it self doth spend: Or else, it self condenseth into Rain, And, by its weight, falls to the Earth again. So, what is very Thin, doth Subtil grow, Turns into Fire, and a bright Flame doth show. But what is Dull, Heavy, and Slow to move, Of a Cold quality doth often prove. Thus by Contracting and Dilating Parts, Is all the Skill of Nature’s working Arts. [[Go to the next poem in the 68 unmodernized path.->Joining (68u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Elements (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1664 unmodernized version of this poem.->Elements (64u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Elements (Conflated)]]

What Atoms make Change. ’[T]IS several Figur’d Atoms, that make Change, When several Bodies meet, as they do range: For, if they sympathize, and do agree, They joyn togeth’r, and as one Body be: But if they meet, like to a Rabble rout, Without all Order, running in and out; Then Disproportionable things they make, Because they did not their right Places take. [[Go to the next poem in the 68 unmodernized path.->Heat and Cold (68u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Change (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1664 unmodernized version of this poem.->Change (64u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Change (Conflated)]]

What Atomes make Heat and Cold. [S]Uch kind of Atomes as make Heat make Cold, Like Pincers sharp that nip and do take hold; For sharply pointed Atomes thorow go, And Atomes which are Sharp and Hookt pull to; Yet all must into pointed Figures turn; For Atomes blunt will never freeze nor burn, Because to a soft Form blunt Figures bend, And soft doth unto Wet or Liquid tend. [[Go to the next poem in the 64 unmodernized path.->Composure (64u)]] [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Heat and Cold (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1668 unmodernized version of this poem.->Heat and Cold (68u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Heat and Cold (Conflated)]]

All things last or dissolve, according to the Composure of Atoms. [A]Toms, which loosely joyn, do not remain So long, as those which closeness do maintain: Those make all things i’th’World, to ebb and flow, According as the Moving-Atoms go. Others, in Bodies, they do joyn so close, As, in long time, they never stir nor loose. And some will joyn so close, and knit so fast, As, if unstirr’d, they would for ever last. Loose Atoms in small Vegetables lye, Which is the reason, they so quickly dye. In Animals, much closer they are laid; Which is the cause, their Life is longer staid. Some Vegetables and Animals, do joyn In equal strength, if Atoms so combine: But Animals, where Atoms close lye in, Are stronger than some Vegetables thin: And Vegetables, wherein Atoms fast Do stick, as in strong Trees, they longer last. In Minerals, they so together cleave, As they not any space for Motion leave: Being pointed all, the closer they do lye, Which makes them not, like Vegetables, dye. Those Bodies which loose Atoms most move in, Are Soft, and Porous, and, many times, Thin: And those soft Bodies never do live long; Why so? Loose Atoms never can be strong: For Motion’s Power, tosseth them about, And from their places keeps; so Life goes out. [[Compare the modernized version of this poem.->Composure (64/68m)]] [[Compare the 1664 unmodernized version of this poem.->Composure (64u)]] [[Compare the best text edition of this poem with textual notes (main 64/68 path).->Composure (Conflated)]] [[Return to the beginning and follow another path!->START GAME HERE]]

Arranging Cavendish’s Atom Poems: Choose Your Path Introductions, editorial work, and game by Liza Blake (link: "(see faculty profile)")[(open-url: 'http://www.english.utoronto.ca/facultystaff/facultyprofiles/blakel.htm')] [[(Skip these introductions and get right to the game by clicking on this sentence.)->START GAME HERE]] Introduction In 1653, poet, scientist, and playwright Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle, published a book of poems entitled Poems and Fancies. The first part of this collection contains a fragmented, atomized treatise on natural philosophy, including a number of short, combinable poems about how atomism could explain matter, motion, and life. The 106 short poems end with six poems about worlds within worlds. By the 1660s, Cavendish had abandoned ideas of atomism, developing a vitalist monist theory of matter; nevertheless, she completed a comprehensive rearrangement and revision of her earlier work, reprinting her poems in 1664 and 1668. Arrangement was a central concept in ancient and early modern atomism, and also to Cavendish’s atomistic poetics: each poem is not a stand-alone, self-complete, well-wrought urn, but a kind of tile that can be rearranged into different mosaics of thought. Cavendish undertakes one such rearrangement in her 1664 edition, where the poems appear in a radically new configuration, and with new lines, ideas, and word-choices. The shuffling of the poems across editions, I argue, is not a correction, but an experiment on Cavendish’s part, an attempt to think through concepts of arrangement, atomism, and the logic of collection. Her experiment changes how we read her poetry, and, in a larger scale, helps us rethink histories of early reading practices as well as poetry’s contributions to atomistic philosophy during the rise of science. I currently have a multi-modal project entitled Choose Your Own Poems and Fancies under contract with Electric Press(link: "(see more here)")[(open-url: 'http://electric.press/books/cavendish.html')]. At the heart of this project is a branching, rearrangable edition of Part I of Cavendish’s Poems and Fancies, which will allow readers to explore her two different arrangements. While I hope to eventually build my own site to allow this, for this miniature exploration of arrangement I have used the online program Twine (link: "(see here)")[(open-url: 'http://twinery.org/')], which was primarily designed to allow people to build choose-your-own-adventure stories. Marking each of the six poems that I have included as its own chapter or “passage” (in Twine terminology), I have embedded links that will allow readers to follow either the 1653 order of poems, or the 1664 and 1668 order of poems. The four poems in the 1653 path are found near the beginning of the work (poems 9-12); the five poems in the 1664/68 path (three of which overlap with the 1653 path; see the next page) are found close to the end (poems 87-91). The three poems shared by the two paths all think in particular not just about the shapes of particular atoms, but about their abilities to join and combine into different configurations. “The Joining of Several Figured Atoms Make Other Figures,” one poem’s title tells us, and it is the orderly or disorderly joining of atoms that causes the changes of the universe in “What Atoms Make Change.” Do these poems, like the atoms they discuss, “sympathize” (“Joining”, l. 3), or do they meet “without all order” and thereby make “disproportionable things” (“What Atoms,” ll. 6-7)? The final poem in each sequence, “All Things Last or Dissolve According to the Composure of Atoms,” says that the duration of a life depends on how closely knit its atoms are; minerals pack atoms in tightly, while loosely joined atoms make porous (l. 25, 1653 variant) or soft (l. 25, 1664/1668 variant) bodies, which “never do live long” (l. 25). How coherent, how well joined, are Cavendish’s “atoms” (a word she frequently uses to describe her atom poems)? And given that many of the atom poems discuss a personified Motion’s desire to be constantly moving—and Life and Nature’s desire for constant change—is it possible that she intends not for perfect packing, but for loose sympathies between her poems, enabling them to be broken apart and rearranged again? The assumption of the game that follows is that the aim of her poems is not monumentality, one fixed and durable arrangement; rather, the game assumes that she wants you to explore the different forms of association both figured and embodied in the poems themselves. [[If you are ready to begin the game click on this sentence to learn how it works.->START GAME HERE]] Otherwise, keep reading if you want more information on the editorial process and decisions. Editorial Introduction In addition to rearranging poems between the 1653 and 1664 editions, Cavendish also made multiple textual changes: on average, throughout all of Poems and Fancies, there is a substantive textual variant on more than every other line. Working in tandem with several of my undergraduates over several years, I have produced a full collation of all textual differences across all three editions. I have drawn on this collaborative editorial work to produce this game-ified edition. As the “main” path through the poems, I give the collaboratively-produced “best text” editions, produced with my two undergraduate RAs Shalini Nanayakkara and Crimson Craighead. This means that we chose, on a point by point basis for every textual variant, the reading that we decided was “best” (usually, most intelligible, most poetically ambiguous, etc.). Many of Cavendish’s revisions in the 1660s, following some scathing critiques of her faulty form, were designed to fix meter or rhyme, though sometimes at the expense of clarity; we have attempted to strike a balance between sense and regularity of rhyme and meter (giving her a chance to appear as polished as she wished in the 1660s), and to present her poems in the best light possible. Textual notes in the “main” paths note all substantive differences across the three editions. Those who are morally opposed to conflation and best-text editions can refer themselves to textual notes to see all variants, or, in this online edition, can choose to see different versions of the poems beyond best-text, e.g., reading only the poems exactly as they appear in the 1664 edition. As Paul Salzman notes in his introduction to Mary Wroth’s poetry, one advantage of online editions is that they no longer “require the choice of a copy-text” (link: "(see here)")[(open-url: 'http://wroth.latrobe.edu.au/textual-introduction.html')]; the same holds with this site. [[Start the game!->START GAME HERE]]