TIME, a succession of phenomena in the universe ; or a mode of duration, marked by certain periods or measures, chiefly by the motion and revolution of the sun. The idea of time, in the gene ral, Mr. Locke observes, we acquire by considering any part of infinite duration as set out by periodical, measures : the idea ofany particular time, or length of dura tion, as a day, an liour„&c. we acquire, first, by observing certain appearances at regular, and, seemingly, at equidistant _periods. Now, by being able to repeat those lengths or measures of time, as of ten as we will, we can imagine duration, where nothing really endures or exists ; i and thus we imagine to-morrow, next year, &c. Some of the latter school-phi losophers define time to be the duration of a thing, whose existence is neither without beginning nor end ; by which time is distingished from eternity. Time is distinguished into absolute and rela tive. Absolute time, is time considered in itself, and without any relation to bo dies, or their motions. This flows equal ly, i e. never proceeds faster or slower, but glides on in a constant, equable tenor. Relative time, is the sensible measure of any duration, by means of motion. For, since that equable flux of time does not affect our senses, nor -is any way imme diately cognizable thereby, there is a ne cessity for calling in the help of some nearly equable motion to a sensible mea sure, whereby we may determine its quantity by the correspondency of the parts of this with those of that. Hence, as
we judge those times to be equal which pass while a moving body, proceeding with an equable velocity, passes over equal spaces ; so we judge those times to be equal, which flow while the sun, moon, and other luminaries, perform their revo lutions, which, to our senses, are equal. But since the flux of time cannot be ac celerated, nor retarded, whereas all bo dies move sometimes faster and some - times slower, and there is, perhaps, no perfectly equable motion in all nature, it appears hence to follow, that absolute time should be something truly and real ly distinct from motion. But, according to Lucretius : " Time, of itself, is nothing, but from thought Receives its rise ; by labouring fancy wrought From things consider'd, whilst we think on some As present, some as past, or yet to come. No thought can think on time, that's still confest, But thinks on things in motion, or at rest." Trans astronomical, is that taken purely from the motion of the heavenly bodies, without any other regard.