Book 2
19.9
And so with all those things, the productive principles of which reside in those things which we can control by force or persuasion, when they depend upon those whose superiors, masters, or friends we are.
19.10
And if the parts are possible, so also is the whole; and if the whole is possible, so also are the parts, speaking generally; for instance, if the front, toe-cap, and upper leather,The meaning of the Greek words is quite uncertain. can be made, then shoes can be made, and if shoes, then the above parts.
19.11
And if the whole genus is among things possible to be made, so is the species, and if the species, so the genus; for example, if a vessel can be built, so can a trireme, if a trireme can, so can a vessel.
19.12
If of two naturally corresponding things one is possible, so also is the other; for instance, if the double is possible, so is the half, if the half, so the double.
19.13
If a thing can be made without art or preparation, much the more can it be made with the help of art and carefulness. Whence it was said by AgathonT.G.F. p. 765.: And moreover we have to do some things by art, while others fall to our lot by compulsion or chance.
19.14
And if a thing is possible for those who are inferior, or weaker, or less intelligent, it will be still more so for those whose qualities are the opposite; as Isocrates said, it would be very strange if he were unable by himself to find out what Euthynus had learnt [with the help of others].
19.15
As for the impossible, it is clear that there is a supply of arguments to be derived from the opposite of what has been said about the possible.
19.16
The question whether a thing has or has not happened must be considered from the following points of view.
19.17
In the first place, if that which is naturally less likely has happened, then that which is more likely will most probably have happened. If that which usually happens afterwards has happened, then that which precedes must also have happened; for instance, if a man has forgotten a thing, he must once have learnt it.
