INERTIA of matter

INERTIA of matter, in philosophy, is defined by Sir Isaac Newton to be a passive principle by which bodies persist in their motion or rest, receive motion in pro-

portion to the force impressing it, and resist as much as they are resisted. It is also defined by the same author to be a power implanted in all matter, whereby it resists any change endeavoured to be made in its state. See MECHANICS.