) the idea of this modification, in so far as it involves the
property A, will be adequate in God, in so far as God is affected by
the idea of the human body; that is ([xiii] ), in so far as he
constitutes the nature of the human mind; therefore ([xi] Coroll.)
this idea is also adequate in the human mind. Q.E.D.
Corollary.- (39:3) Hence it follows that the mind is fitted to perceive
adequately more things, in proportion as its body has more in common with
other bodies.
Prop.[XL] Whatsoever ideas in the mind follow from
ideas which are therein adequate, are also
themselves adequate.
Proof.- (40:1) This proposition is self-evident. (2) For when we say
that an idea in the human mind follows from ideas which are therein
adequate, we say, in other words ([xi] Coroll.), that an idea is in the
divine intellect, whereof God is the cause, not in so far as he is
infinite, nor in so far as he is affected by the ideas of very many
particular things, but only in so far as he constitutes the essence
of the human mind.
Note I.- (40:3) I have thus set forth the cause of those notions, which
are common to all men, and which form the basis of our ratiocination.
(4) But there are other causes of certain axioms or notions, which it
would be to the purpose to set forth by this method of ours; for it
would thus appear what notions are more useful than others, and what
notions have scarcely any use at all.
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