the first [prime, only] principles of the universe are atoms and empty space [void]. everything else is merely thought to exist. the worlds are unlimited. they come into being and perish. nothing can come into being from that which is not nor pass away into that which is not. further, the atoms are unlimited in size and number, and they are borne along in the whole universe in a vortex, and thereby generate all composite things —fire, water, air, earth. for even these are conglomerations [id est molecules] of given atoms. and it is because of their solidarity that these atoms are impassive and unalterable. the sun and the moon have been composed of such smooth and spherical masses [id est atoms], and so also the soul, which is identical with reason.