On the Proportion of Percussions Carried Out in a Body Absolutely Stable, or Movable

Abstract

After dealing with the diffusion and propagation of the impetus produced by the impelling body in the impelled one, the force and the energy of the blow which press the impelled body must be analysed. Percussion is a compressive action of the impelling body, sustained and slowed down by the body receiving the blow. Thus, in a percussion two bodies are necessary. One is the agent, the other is the patient or the one resisting the action. The action of the agent actually results not only from its impetus or its degree of velocity but also from other causes which we will discuss in the following propositions, after expressing this axiom.