For, one might argue, if this
cause is not present, these phenomena will have some other cause: if
it is present, its effect will be at once implied by it-the eclipse by
the earth's interposition, the fall of the leaves by the possession of
broad leaves; but if so, they will be logically coincident and each
capable of proof through the other. Let me illustrate: Let A be
deciduous character, B the possession of broad leaves, C vine. Now
if A inheres in B (for every broad-leaved plant is deciduous), and B
in C (every vine possessing broad leaves); then A inheres in C
(every vine is deciduous), and the middle term B is the cause. But
we can also demonstrate that the vine has broad leaves because it is
deciduous. Thus, let D be broad-leaved, E deciduous, F vine. Then E
inheres in F (since every vine is deciduous), and D in E (for every
deciduous plant has broad leaves): therefore every vine has broad
leaves, and the cause is its deciduous character. If, however, they
cannot each be the cause of the other (for cause is prior to effect,
and the earth's interposition is the cause of the moon's eclipse and
not the eclipse of the interposition)-if, then, demonstration
through the cause is of the reasoned fact and demonstration not
through the cause is of the bare fact, one who knows it through the
eclipse knows the fact of the earth's interposition but not the
reasoned fact.
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