that from whence any thing proceeds, or by virtue of which any thing is done: it stands opposed to effect. We get the ideas of cause and effect from our observation of the vicissitude of things, while we perceive some qualities or substances begin to exist, and that they receive their existence from the due application and operation of other beings. That which produces, is the cause; and that which is produced, the effect: thus, fluidity in wax is the effect of a certain degree of heat, which we observe to be constantly produced by the application of such heat.

First Cause, that which acts of itself, and of its own proper power or virtue: God is the only first cause in this sense.

Second Causes are those which derive the power and faculty of action from a first cause.

Efficient Causes are the agents employed in the production of any thing.

Material Causes, the subjects whereon the agents work; or the materials whereof the thing is produced.

Final Causes are the motives inducing an agent to act, or the design and purpose for which the thing was done.

Physical Cause, that which produces a sensible corporal effect; as the sun is the physical cause of light.

Moral Cause, that which produces a real effect, but in things immaterial: as repentance is the cause of forgiveness. A moral cause is also defined, That which determines us, though not necessarily, to do, or not to do, any thing; as advice, intreates, commands, menaces, &c.

It is to be observed, that, in this sense, a moral cause is only applicable to a free intelligent agent: it is also observable, that the latter notion of a physical as well as a moral cause is the most just, clear, and distinct.

Cause, among civilians, the same with action. See Action.

Cause, among physicians. The cause of a disease is defined by Galen to be that during the presence of which we are ill, and which being removed the disorder immediately ceases. The doctrine of the causes of diseases is called Etiology.

Physicians divide causes into procatarctic, antecedent, and continent.

Procatarctic Cause, aitia praecursoria, called also primitive and incipient cause, is either an occasion which of its own nature does not beget a disease, but, happening on a body inclined to diseases, breeds a fever, gout, &c. (such as are watching, fasting, and the like); or an evident and manifest cause, which immediately produces the disease, as being sufficient thereto, such as is a sword in respect of a wound.

Antecedent Cause, aitia sequentia, a latent disposition of the body, from whence some disease may arise; such as a plethora in respect of a fever, a cachexy in respect of a fever.

Continent, Conjunct, or Proximate Cause, that principle in the body, which immediately adheres to the disease, and which being present, the disease is also present; or, which being removed, the disease is taken away: such is the stone in a nephritic patient.