 Descartes had held that the essence of body is extension, and that as a result matter can be divided without end. If it is the nature of a body to take up space in three dimensions, that is, to have width, length, and height, then we can always conceive of that width, length, or height being divided. Further, according to Cartesian metaphysics, extension is the principle attribute of body, and as such cannot exist independently of body (nor can body exist independently of it). Thus according to Descartes, anywhere there is extended space, there is body occupying that space, making the existence of a void impossible. And so it is surprising to find Cordemoy, whose metaphysics is in most other respects quite Cartesian, arguing at the beginning of the Discernement for the existence of both indivisible atoms and empty space.