(16a) We must, however, bear in mind, that these general
notions are not formed by all men in the same way, but vary in each
individual according as the point varies, whereby the body has been most
often affected and which the mind most easily imagines or remembers.
(40:17) For instance, those who have most often regarded with admiration
the stature of man, will by the name of man understand an animal of erect
stature; those who have been accustomed to regard some other attribute,
will form a different general image of man, for instance, that man is a
laughing animal, a two-footed animal without feathers, a rational animal,
and thus, in other cases, everyone will form general images of things
according to the habit of his body.
(40:18) It is thus not to be wondered at, that among philosophers, who
seek to explain things in nature merely by the images formed of them,
so many controversies should have arisen.
Note II.- [40:19] From all that has been said above it is clear, that we,
in many cases, perceive and form our general notions:-
(1.) (40:20) From particular things represented to our intellect
fragmentarily, confusedly, and without order through our
senses ([xxix] Coroll.); I have settled to call such
perceptions by the name of knowledge from the mere
suggestions of experience.
(2.) (40:21) From symbols, e.g., from the fact of having
read or heard certain words we remember things and
form certain ideas concerning them, similar to those
through which we imagine things ([xviii] note).
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