(15:40) If anyone asks me the further question, Why are we naturally so
prone to divide quantity? (41) I answer, that quantity is conceived by
us in two ways; in the abstract and superficially, as we imagine it; or
as substance, as we conceive it solely by the intellect. (42) If, then,
we regard quantity as it is represented in our imagination, which we often
and more easily do, we shall find that it is finite, divisible, and
compounded of parts; but if we regard it as it is represented in our
intellect, and conceive it as substance, which it is very difficult to do,
we shall then, as I have sufficiently proved, find that it is infinite,
one, and indivisible. (43) This will be plain enough to all, who make a
distinction between the intellect and the imagination, especially if it be
remembered, that matter is everywhere the same, that its parts are not
distinguishable, except in so far as we conceive matter as diversely
modified, whence its parts are distinguished, not really, but modally.
(15:44) For instance, water, in so far as it is water, we conceive to be
divided, and its parts to be separated one from the other; but not in so
far as it is extended substance; from this point of view it is neither
separated nor divisible. (45) Further, water, in so far as it is water,
is produced and corrupted; but, in so far as it is substance, it is neither
produced nor corrupted.
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