in philosophy, denotes a space empty or devoid of all matter or body.

It has been a matter of much dispute among philosophers whether there be in nature a perfect vacuum, or space void of all matter; but if bodies consist of material solid atoms, it is evident that there must be vacuities, or motion would be impossible (See Metaphysics, no 193). We can even produce something very near a vacuum in the receiver of an air pump and in the Torricellian tube (see Pneumatics, pafim); and it is very doubtful whether the particles of the densest bodies known be in perfect contact. See Optics, no 63–68.