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An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision


by

George Berkeley (1685-1753)



CONTENTS


Sect.

    1   Design
    2   Distance of itself invisible
    3   Remote distance perceived rather by experience than by sense
    4   Near distance thought to be perceived by the ANGLE of the
        OPTIC AXES
    5   Difference between this and the former manner of perceiving
        distance
    6   Also by diverging rays
    7   This depends not on experience
    8   These the common accounts, but not satisfactory
    9   Some IDEAS perceived by the mediation of others
   10   No IDEA which is not itself perceived, can be the means of
        perceiving another
   11   Distance perceived by means of some other IDEA
   12   Those lines and angles mentioned in optics, are not themselves
        perceived
   13   Hence the mind does not perceive distance by lines and angles
   14   Also because they have no real existence
   15   And because they are insufficient to explain the phenomena
   16   The IDEAS that suggest distance are, 1st, the sensation arising
        from the turn of the eyes
   17   Betwixt which and distance there is no necessary connection
   18   Scarce room for mistake in this matter
   19   No regard had to the angle of the OPTIC AXES
   20   Judgment of distance made with both eyes, the result of EXPERIENCE
   21   2ndly, Confusedness of appearance
   22   This the occasion of those judgments attributed to diverging rays
   23   Objection answered
   24   What deceives the writers of optics in this matter
   25   The cause why one IDEA may suggest another
   26   This applied to confusion and distance
   27   Thirrdly, the straining of the eye
   28   The occasions which suggest distance have in their own nature
        no relation to it
   29   A difficult case proposed by Dr. Barrow as repugnant to
        all the known theories
   30   This case contradicts a received principle in catoptrics
   31   It is shown to agree with the principles we have laid down
   32   This phenomenon illustrated
   33   It confirms the truth of the principle whereby it is explained
   34   Vision when distinct, and when confused
   35   The different effects of parallel diverging and converging rays
   36   How converging and diverging rays come to suggest the same
        distance
   37   A person extreme purblind would judge aright in the
        forementioned case
   38   Lines and angles, why useful in optics
   39   The not understanding this, a cause of mistake
   40   A query proposed, by Mr. Molyneux in his DIOPTRICS, considered
   41   One born blind would not at first have any IDEA of distance by
        sight
   42   This not agreeable to the common principles
   43   The proper objects of sight, not without the mind, nor the images
        of any thing without the mind
   44   This more fully explained
   45   In what sense we must be understood to see distance
        and external things
   46   Distance, and things placed at a distance, not otherwise perceived
        by the eye than by the ear
   47   The IDEAS of sight more apt to be confounded with the IDEAS
        of touch than those of hearing are
   48   How this comes to pass
   49   Strictly speaking, we never see and feel the same thing
   50   Objects of SIGHT twofold, mediate and immediate
   51   These hard to separate in our thoughts
   52   The received accounts of our perceiving magnitude by sight, false
   53   Magnitude perceived as immediately as distance
   54   Two kinds of sensible extension, neither of which is
        infinitely divisible
   55   The tangible magnitude of an OBJECT steady, the visible not
   56   By what means tangible magnitude is perceived by sight
   57   This further enlarged on
   58   No necessary connection between confusion or faintness
        of appearance, and small or great magnitude
   59   The tangible magnitude of an OBJECT more heeded than the visible,
        and why
   60   An instance of this
   61   Men do not measure by visible feet or inches
   62   No necessary connection between visible and tangible extension
   63   Greater visible magnitude might signify lesser tangible magnitude
   64   The judgments we make of magnitude depend altogether on experience
   65   Distance and magnitude seen as shame or anger
   66   But we are prone to think otherwise, and why
   67   The moon seems greater in the horizon than in the meridian
   68   The cause of this phenomenon assigned
   69   The horizontal moon, why greater at one time than another.
   70   The account we have given proved to be true
   71   And confirmed by the moon's appearing greater in a mist
   72   Objection answered
   73   The way wherein faintness suggests greater magnitude illustrated
   74   Appearance of the horizontal moon, why thought difficult to
        explain
   75   Attempts towards the solution of it made by several, but in vain
   76   The opinion of Dr. Wallis
   77   It is shown to be unsatisfactory
   78   How lines and angles may be of use in computing apparent
        magnitudes
   79   One born blind, being made to see, what judgment he would make
        of magnitude
   80   The MINIMUM VISIBLE the same to all creatures
   81   Objection answered
   82   The eye at all times perceives the same number of visible points
   83   Two imperfections in the VISIVE FACULTY
   84   Answering to which, we may conceive two perfections
   85   In neither of these two ways do microscopes improve the sight
   86   The case of microscopical eyes, considered
   87   The sight, admirably adapted to the ends of seeing
   88   Difficulty concerning erect vision
   89   The common way of explaining it
   90   The same shown to be false
   91   Not distinguishing between IDEAS of sight and touch, cause
        of mistake in this matter
   92   The case of one born blind, proper to be considered
   93   Such a one might by touch attain to have IDEAS of UPPER and LOWER
   94   Which modes of situation he would attribute only to things
        tangible
   95   He would not at first sight think anything he saw, high or low,
        erect or inverted
   96   This illustrated by an example
   97   By what means he would come to denominate visible OBJECTS,
        high or low, etc.
   98   Why he should think those OBJECTS highest, which are painted on
        the lowest part of his eye, and VICE VERSA
   99   How he would perceive by sight, the situation of external objects
  100   Our propension to think the contrary, no argument against
        what has been said
  101   Objection
  102   Answer
  103   An object could not be known at first sight by the colour
  104   Nor by the magnitude thereof
  105   Nor by the figure
  106   In the first act of vision, no tangible thing would be suggested
        by sight
  107   Difficulty proposed concerning number
  108   Number of things visible, would not at first sight suggest
        the like number of things tangible
  109   Number the creature of the mind
  110   One born blind would not at first sight number visible things
        as others do
  111   The situation of any object determined with respect only to
        objects of the same sense
  112   No distance, great or small, between a visible and tangible thing
  113   The not observing this, cause of difficulty in erect vision
  114   Which otherwise includes nothing unaccountable
  115   What is meant by the picture being inverted
  116   Cause of mistake in this matter
  117   Images in the eye, not pictures of external objects
  118   In what sense they are pictures
  119   In this affair we must carefully distinguish between ideas
        of sight and touch
  120   Difficult to explain by words the true Theory of Vision
  121   The question, whether there is any IDEA common to sight
        and touch, stated
  122   Abstract extension inquired into
  123   It is incomprehensible
  124   Abstract extension not the OBJECT of geometry
  125   The general IDEA of a triangle, considered
  126   Vacuum, or pure space, not common to sight and touch
  127   There is no idea, or kind of idea, common to both senses
  128   First argument in proof hereof
  129   Second argument
  130   Visible figure and extension, not distinct IDEAS from colour
  131   Third argument
  132   Confirmation drawn from Mr. Molyneux's problem of a sphere
        and a cube, published by Mr. Locke
  133   Which is falsely solved, if the common supposition be true
  134   More might be said in proof of our tenet, but this suffices
  135   Further reflection on the foregoing problem
  136   The same thing doth not affect both sight and touch
  137   The same idea of motion not common to sight and touch
  138   The way wherein we apprehend motion by sight, easily collected
        from what hath been said
  139   QU. How visible and tangible IDEAS came to have the same name
        if not of the same kind
  140   This accounted for without supposing them of the same kind
  141   OBJ. That a tangible square is liker to a visible square than
        to a visible circle
  142   ANS. That a visible square is fitter than a visible circle,
        to represent a tangible square
  143   But it doth not hence follow, that a visible square
        is like a tangible square
  144   Why we are more apt to confound visible with tangible IDEAS,
        than other signs with the things signified
  145   Several other reasons hereof, assigned
  146   Reluctancy in rejecting any opinion, no argument of its truth
  147   Proper objects of vision the language of nature
  148   In it there is much admirable, and deserving our attention
  149   Question proposed, concerning the object of geometry
  150   At first view we are apt to think visible extension the object
        of geometry
  151   Visible extension shown not to be the object of geometry
  152   Words may as well be thought the object of geometry,
        as visible extension
  153   It is proposed to inquire, what progress an intelligence that
        could see, but not feel, might make in geometry
  154   He cannot understand those parts which relate to solids, and
        their surfaces, and lines generated by their section
  155   Nor even the elements of plane geometry
  156   The proper objects of sight incapable of being managed as
        geometrical figures
  157   The opinion of those who hold plane figures to be the immediate
        objects of sight, considered
  158   Planes no more the immediate objects of sight, than solids
  159   Difficult to enter precisely into the thoughts of the
        above-mentioned intelligence
  160   The object of geometry, its not being sufficiently understood,
        cause of difficulty, and useless labour in that science




AN ESSAY TOWARDS A NEW THEORY OF VISION


1. My design is to show the manner wherein we perceive by sight the
distance, magnitude, and situation of OBJECTS. Also to consider the
difference there is betwixt the IDEAS of sight and touch, and whether
there be any IDEA common to both senses.

2. It is, I think, agreed by all that DISTANCE, of itself and
immediately, cannot be seen. For DISTANCE being a Line directed end-wise
to the eye, it projects only one point in the fund of the eye, which
point remains invariably the same, whether the distance be longer or
shorter.

3. I find it also acknowledged that the estimate we make of the distance
of OBJECTS considerably remote is rather an act of judgment grounded on
EXPERIENCE than of SENSE. For example, when I perceive a great number of
intermediate OBJECTS, such as houses, fields, rivers, and the like, which
I have experienced to take up a considerable space, I thence form a
judgment or conclusion that the OBJECT I see beyond them is at a great
distance. Again, when an OBJECT appears faint and small, which at a near
distance I have experienced to make a vigorous and large appearance, I
instantly conclude it to be far off: And this, it is evident, is the
result of EXPERIENCE; without which, from the faintness and littleness I
should not have inferred anything concerning the distance of OBJECTS.

4. But when an OBJECT is placed at so near a distance as that the
interval between the eyes bears any sensible proportion to it, the
opinion of speculative men is that the two OPTIC AXES (the fancy that we
see only with one eye at once being exploded) concurring at the OBJECT do
there make an ANGLE, by means of which, according as it is greater or
lesser, the OBJECT is perceived to be nearer or farther off.

5. Betwixt which and the foregoing manner of estimating distance there is
this remarkable difference: that whereas there was no apparent, necessary
connection between small distance and a large and strong appearance, or
between great distance and a little and faint appearance, there appears a
very necessary connection between an obtuse angle and near distance, and
an acute angle and farther distance. It does not in the least depend upon
experience, but may be evidently known by anyone before he had
experienced it, that the nearer the concurrence of the OPTIC AXES, the
greater the ANGLE, and the remoter their concurrence is, the lesser will
be the ANGLE comprehended by them.

6. There is another way mentioned by optic writers, whereby they will
have us judge of those distances, in respect of which the breadth of the
PUPIL hath any sensible bigness: And that is the greater or lesser
divergency of the rays, which issuing from the visible point do fall on
the PUPIL, that point being judged nearest which is seen by most
diverging rays, and that remoter which is seen by less diverging rays:
and so on, the apparent distance still increasing, as the divergency of
the rays decreases, till at length it becomes infinite, when the rays
that fall on the PUPIL are to sense parallel. And after this manner it is
said we perceive distance when we look only with one eye.

7. In this case also it is plain we are not beholding to experience: it
being a certain, necessary truth that the nearer the direct rays falling
on the eye approach to a PARALLELISM, the farther off is the point of
their intersection, or the visible point from whence they flow.

8. I have here set down the common, current accounts that are given of
our perceiving near distances by sight, which, though they are
unquestionably received for true by MATHEMATICIANS, and accordingly made
use of by them in determining the apparent places of OBJECTS, do,
nevertheless seem to me very unsatisfactory: and that for these following
reasons:--

9. FIRST, It is evident that when the mind perceives any IDEA, not
immediately and of itself, it must be by the means of some other IDEA.
Thus, for instance, the passions which are in the mind of another are of
themselves to me invisible. I may nevertheless perceive them by sight,
though not immediately, yet by means of the colours they produce in the
countenance. We often see shame or fear in the looks of a man, by
perceiving the changes of his countenance to red or pale.

10. Moreover it is evident that no IDEA which is not itself perceived can
be the means of perceiving any other IDEA. If I do not perceive the
redness or paleness of a man's face themselves, it is impossible I should
perceive by them the passions which are in his mind.

11. Now from sect. 2 it is plain that distance is in its own nature
imperceptible, and yet it is perceived by sight. It remains, therefore,
that it be brought into view by means of some other IDEA that is itself
immediately perceived in the act of VISION.

12. But those LINES and ANGLES, by means whereof some MATHEMATICIANS
pretend to explain the perception of distance, are themselves not at all
perceived, nor are they in truth ever thought of by those unskilful in
optics. I appeal to anyone's experience whether upon sight of an OBJECT he
computes its distance by the bigness of the ANGLE made by the meeting of
the two OPTIC AXES? Or whether he ever thinks of the greater or lesser
divergency of the rays, which arrive from any point to his PUPIL? Everyone
is himself the best judge of what he perceives, and what not. In vain
shall all the MATHEMATICIANS in the world tell me, that I perceive certain
LINES and ANGLES which introduce into my mind the various IDEAS of
DISTANCE, so long as I myself am conscious of no such thing.

13. Since, therefore, those ANGLES and LINES are not themselves perceived
by sight, it follows from sect. 10 that the mind doth not by them judge
of the distance of OBJECTS.

14. Secondly, the truth of this assertion will be yet farther evident to
anyone that considers those LINES and ANGLES have no real existence in
nature, being only an HYPOTHESIS framed by the MATHEMATICIANS, and by them
introduced into OPTICS, that they might treat of that science in a
GEOMETRICAL way.

15. The third and last reason I shall give for rejecting that doctrine is,
that though we should grant the real existence of those OPTIC ANGLES,
etc., and that it was possible for the mind to perceive them, yet these
principles would not be found sufficient to explain the PHENOMENA of
DISTANCE, as shall be shown hereafter.

16. Now, it being already shown that distance is suggested to the mind by
the mediation of some other IDEA which is itself perceived in the act of
seeing, it remains that we inquire what IDEAS or SENSATIONS there be that
attend VISION, unto which we may suppose the IDEAS of distance are
connected, and by which they are introduced into the mind. And FIRST, it
is certain by experience that when we look at a near OBJECT with both
eyes, according as it approaches or recedes from us, we alter the
disposition of our eyes, by lessening or widening the interval between
the PUPILS. This disposition or turn of the eyes is attended with a
sensation, which seems to me to be that which in this case brings the
IDEA of greater or lesser distance into the mind.

17. Not that there is any natural or necessary connection between the
sensation we perceive by the turn of the eyes and greater or lesser
distance, but because the mind has by constant EXPERIENCE found the
different sensations corresponding to the different dispositions of the
eyes to be attended each with a different degree of distance in the
OBJECT: there has grown an habitual or customary connection between those
two sorts of IDEAS, so that the mind no sooner perceives the sensation
arising from the different turn it gives the eyes, In order to bring the
PUPILS nearer or farther asunder, but it withal perceives the different
IDEA of distance which was wont to be connected with that sensation; just
as upon hearing a certain sound, the IDEA is immediately suggested to the
understanding which custom had united with it.

18 Nor do I see how I can easily be mistaken in this matter. I know
evidently that distance is not perceived of itself. That by consequence
it must be perceived by means of some other IDEA which is immediately
perceived, and varies with the different degrees of distance. I know also
that the sensation arising from the turn of the eyes is of itself
immediately perceived, and various degrees thereof are connected with
different distances, which never fail to accompany them into my mind,
when I view an OBJECT distinctly with both eyes, whose distance is so
small that in respect of it the interval between the eyes has any
considerable magnitude.

19. I know it is a received opinion that by altering the disposition of
the eyes the mind perceives whether the angle of the OPTIC AXES is made
greater or lesser. And that accordingly by a kind of NATURAL
GEOMETRY it judges the point of their intersection to be nearer
or farther off. But that this is not true I am convinced by my own
experience, since I am not conscious that I make any such use of the
perception I have by the turn of my eyes. And for me to make those
judgments, and draw those conclusions from it, without knowing that I do
so, seems altogether incomprehensible.

20. From all which it follows that the judgment we make of the distance
of an OBJECT, viewed with both eyes, is entirely the RESULT OF
EXPERIENCE. If we had not constantly found certain sensations arising
from the various disposition of the eyes, attended with certain degrees
of distance, we should never make those sudden judgments from them
concerning the distance of OBJECTS; no more than we would pretend to
judge a man's thoughts by his pronouncing words we had never heard
before.

21. Secondly, an OBJECT placed at a certain distance from the eye, to
which the breadth of the PUPIL bears a considerable proportion, being
made to approach, is seen more confusedly: and the nearer it is brought
the more confused appearance it makes. And this being found constantly to
be so, there ariseth in the mind an habitual CONNECTION between the
several degrees of confusion and distance; the greater confusion still
implying the lesser distance, and the lesser confusion the greater
distance of the OBJECT.

22. This confused appearance of the OBJECT doth therefore seem to be the
MEDIUM whereby the mind judgeth of distance in those cases wherein the
most approved writers of optics will have it judge by the different
divergency with which the rays flowing from the radiating point fall on
the PUPIL. No man, I believe, will pretend to see or feel those imaginary
angles that the rays are supposed to form according to their various
inclinations on his eye. But he cannot choose seeing whether the OBJECT
appear more or less confused. It is therefore a manifest consequence from
what bath been demonstrated, that instead of the greater or lesser
divergency of the rays, the mind makes use of the greater or lesser
confusedness of the appearance, thereby to determine the apparent place
of an OBJECT.

23 Nor doth it avail to say there is not any necessary connection between
confused VISION and distance, great or small. For I ask any man what
necessary connection he sees between the redness of a blush and shame? And
yet no sooner shall he behold that colour to arise in the face of
another, but it brings into his and the IDEA of that passion which hath
been observed to accompany it.

24. What seems to have misled the writers of optics in this matter is
that they imagine men judge of distance as they do of a conclusion in
mathematics, betwixt which and the premises it is indeed absolutely
requisite there be an apparent, necessary connection: but it is far
otherwise in the sudden judgments men make of distance. We are not to
think that brutes and children, or even grown reasonable men, whenever
they perceive an OBJECT to approach, or depart from them, do it by virtue
of GEOMETRY and DEMONSTRATION.

25. That one IDEA may suggest another to the mind it will suffice that
they have been observed to go together, without any demonstration of the
necessity of their coexistence, or without so much as knowing what it is
that makes them so to coexist. Of this there are innumerable instances of
which no one can be ignorant.

26. Thus, greater confusion having been constantly attended with nearer
distance, no sooner is the former IDEA perceived, but it suggests the
latter to our thoughts. And if it had been the ordinary course of Nature
that the farther off an OBJECT were placed, the more confused it should
appear, it is certain the very same perception that now makes us think an
OBJECT approaches would then have made us to imagine it went farther off.
That perception, abstracting from CUSTOM and EXPERIENCE, being equally
fitted to produce the IDEA of great distance, or small distance, or no
distance at all.

27. Thirdly, an OBJECT being placed at the distance above specified, and
brought nearer to the eye, we may nevertheless prevent, at least for some
time, the appearances growing more confused, by straining the eye. In
which case that sensation supplies the place of confused VISION in aiding
the mind to judge of the distance of the OBJECT; it being esteemed so
much the nearer by how much the effort or straining of the eye in order
to distinct VISION is greater.

28. I have here set down those sensations or IDEAS that seem to be the
constant and general occasions of introducing into the mind the different
IDEAS of near distance. It is true in most cases that divers other
circumstances contribute to frame our IDEA of distance, to wit, the
particular number, size, kind, etc., of the things seen. Concerning
which, as well as all other the forementioned occasions which suggest
distance, I shall only observe they have none of them, in their own
nature, any relation or connection with it: nor is it possible they should
ever signify the various degrees thereof, otherwise than as by EXPERIENCE
they have been found to be connected with them.

29. I shall proceed upon these principles to account for a phenomenon
which has hitherto strangely puzzled the writers of optics, and is so far
from being accounted for by any of their THEORIES OF VISION that it is,
by their own confession, plainly repugnant to them; and of consequence,
if nothing else could be objected, were alone sufficient to bring their
credit in question. The whole difficulty I shall lay before you in the
words of the learned Dr. Barrow, with which he concludes his optic
lectures:--

'I have here delivered what my thoughts have suggested to me concerning
that part of optics which is more properly mathematical. As for the other
parts of that science (which being rather physical, do consequently
abound with plausible conjectures instead of certain principles), there
has in them scarce anything occurred to my observation different from what
has been already said by Kepler, Scheinerus, Descartes, and others. And
methinks, I had better say nothing at all, than repeat that which has
been so often said by others. I think it therefore high time to take my
leave of this subject: but before I quit it for good and all, the fair
and ingenuous dealing that I owe both to you and to truth obligeth me to
acquaint you with a certain untoward difficulty, which seems directly
opposite to the doctrine I have been hitherto inculcating, at least,
admits of no solution from it. In short it is this. Before the double
convex glass or concave speculum EBF, let the point A be placed at such a
distance that the rays proceeding from A, after refraction or reflection,
be brought to unite somewhere in the AxAB. And suppose the point of union
(i.e. the image of the point A, as hath been already set forth) to be Z;
between which and B, the vertex of the glass or speculum, conceive the
eye to be anywhere placed. The question now is, where the point A ought
to appear? Experience shows that it does not appear behind at the point
Z, and it were contrary to nature that it should, since all the
impression which affects the sense comes from towards A. But from our
tenets it should seem to follow that it would appear before the eye at a
vast distance off, so great as should in some sort surpass all sensible
distance. For since if we exclude all anticipations and prejudices, every
OBJECT appears by so much the farther off, by how much the rays it sends
to the eye are less diverging. And that OBJECT is thought to be most
remote from which parallel rays proceed unto the eye. Reason would make
one think that OBJECT should appear at yet a greater distance which is
seen by converging rays. Moreover it may in general be asked concerning
this case what it is that determines the apparent place of the point A,
and maketh it to appear after a constant manner sometimes nearer, at
other times farther off? To which doubt I see nothing that can be
answered agreeable to the principles we have laid down except only that
the point A ought always to appear extremely remote. But on the contrary
we are assured by experience that the point A appears variously distant,
according to the different situations of the eye between the points B and
Z. And that it doth never (if at all) seem farther off, than it would if
it were beheld by the naked eye, but on the contrary it doth sometimes
appear much nearer. Nay, it is even certain that by how much the rays
falling on the eye do more converge by so much the nearer doth the OBJECT
seem to approach. For the eye being placed close to the point B, the
OBJECT A appears nearly in its own natural place, if the point B is taken
in the glass, or at the same distance, if in the speculum. The eye being
brought back to O, the OBJECT seems to draw near: and being come to P it
beholds it still nearer. And so on little and little, till at length the
eye being placed somewhere, suppose at Q, the OBJECT appearing extremely
near, begins to vanish into mere confusion. All which doth seem repugnant
to our principles, at least not rightly to agree with them. Nor is our
tenet alone struck at by this experiment, but likewise all others that
ever came to my knowledge are, every whit as much, endangered by it. The
ancient one especially (which is most commonly received, and comes
nearest to mine) seems to be so effectually overthrown thereby that the
most learned Tacquet has been forced to reject that principle, as false
and uncertain, on which alone he had built almost his whole CATOPTRICS;
and consequently by taking away the foundation, hath himself pulled down
the superstructure he had raised on it. Which, nevertheless, I do not
believe he would have done had he but considered the whole matter more
thoroughly, and examined the difficulty to the bottom. But as for me,
neither this nor any other difficulty shall have so great an influence on
me as to make me renounce that which I know to be manifestly agreeable to
reason: especially when, as it here falls out, the difficulty is founded
in the peculiar nature of a certain odd and particular case. For in the
present case something peculiar lies hid, which being involved in the
subtilty of nature will, perhaps, hardly be discovered till such time as
the manner of vision is more perfectly made known. Concerning which, I
must own, I have hitherto been able to find out nothing that has the
least show of PROBABILITY, not to mention CERTAINTY. I shall, therefore,
leave this knot to be untied by you, wishing you may have better success
in it than I have had.'

30. The ancient and received principle, which Dr. Barrow here mentions as
the main foundation of Tacquet's CATOPTRICS, is that: 'every visible point
seen by reflection from a speculum shall appear placed at the intersection
of the reflected ray, and the perpendicular of incidence:' which
intersection in the present case, happening to be behind the eye, it
greatly shakes the authority of that principle, whereon the
aforementioned author proceeds throughout his whole CATOPTRICS in
determining the apparent place of OBJECTS seen by reflection from any kind
of speculum.

31. Let us now see how this phenomenon agrees with our tenets. The eye
the nearer it is placed to the point B in the foregoing figures, the more
distinct is the appearance of the OBJECT; but as it recedes to O the
appearance grows more confused; and at P it sees the OBJECT yet more
confused; and so on till the eye being brought back to Z sees the OBJECT
in the greatest confusion of all. Wherefore by sect. 21 the OBJECT should
seem to approach the eye gradually as it recedes from the point B, that
is, at O it should (in consequence of the principle I have laid down in
the aforesaid section) seem nearer than it did at B, and at P nearer than
at O, and at Q nearer than at P; and so on, till it quite vanishes at Z.
Which is the very matter of fact, as anyone that pleases may easily
satisfy himself by experiment.

32. This case is much the same as if we should suppose an Englishman to
meet a foreigner who used the same words with the English, but in a
direct contrary signification. The Englishman would not fail to make a
wrong judgment of the IDEAS annexed to those sounds in the mind of him
that used them. Just so, in the present case the OBJECT speaks (if I may
so say) with words that the eye is well acquainted with, that is,
confusions of appearance; but whereas heretofore the greater confusions
were always wont to signify nearer distances, they have in this case a
direct, contrary signification, being connected with the greater
distances. Whence it follows that the eye must unavoidably be mistaken,
since it will take the confusions in the sense it has been used to, which
is directly opposed to the true.

33. This phenomenon as it entirely subverts the opinion of those who will
have us judge of distance by lines and angles, on which supposition it is
altogether inexplicable, so it seems to me no small confirmation of the
truth of that principle whereby it is explained. But in order co a more
full explication of this point, and to show how far the hypothesis of the
mind's judging by the various divergency of rays may be of use in
determining the apparent place of an OBJECT, it will be necessary to
premise some few things, which are already well known to those who have
any skill in dioptrics.

34. FIRST, any radiating point is then distinctly seen when the rays
proceeding from it are, by the refractive power of the crystalline,
accurately reunited in the retina or fund of the eye: but if they are
reunited, either before they arrive at the retina, or after they have
passed it, then there is confused vision.



35. SECONDLY, suppose in the adjacent figures NP represent an eye duly
framed and retaining its natural figure. In Fig. 1 the rays falling
nearly parallel on the eye, are by the crystalline AB refracted, so as
their focus or point of union F falls exactly on the retina: but if the
rays fall sensibly diverging on the eye, as in Fig. 2, then their focus
falls beyond the retina: or if the rays are made to converge by the lens
QS before they come at the eye, as in Fig. 3, their focus F will fall
before the retina. In which two last cases it is evident from the
foregoing section that the appearance of the point Z is confused. And by
how much the greater is the convergency, or divergency, of the rays
falling on the pupil, by so much the farther will the point of their
reunion be from the retina, either before or behind it, and consequently
the point Z will appear by so much the more confused. And this, by the
bye, may show us the difference between confused and faint vision.
Confused vision is when the rays proceedings from each distinct point of
the OBJECT are not accurately recollected in one corresponding point on
the retina, but take up some space thereon, so that rays from different
points become mixed and confused together. This is opposed to a distinct
vision, and attends near objects. Faint vision is when by reason of the
distance of the object or grossness of the interjacent medium few rays
arrive from the object to the eye. This is opposed to vigorous or clear
vision, and attends remote objects. But to return.

36. The eye, or (to speak truly) the mind, perceiving only the confusion
itself, without ever considering the cause from which it proceeds, doth
constantly annex the same degree of distance to the same degree of
confusion. Whether that confusion be occasioned by converging or by
diverging rays, it matters not. Whence it follows that the eye viewing
the object Z through the glass QS (which by refraction causeth the rays
ZQ, ZS, etc., to converge) should judge it to be at such a nearness at
which if it were placed it would radiate on the eye with rays diverging
to that degree as would produce the same confusion which is now produced
by converging rays, i.e. would cover a portion of the retina equal to DC
(VID. Fig. 3 supra). But then this must be understood (to use Dr.
Barrow's phrase) SECLUSIS PRAENOTIONIBUS ET PRAEJUDICIIS, in case we
abstract from all other circumstances of vision, such as the figure,
size, faintness, etc. of the visible objects; all which do ordinarily
concur to form our idea of distance, the mind having by frequent
experience observed their several sorts or degrees to be connected with
various distances.

37. It plainly follows from what hath been said that a person perfectly
purblind (i.e. that could not see an object distinctly but when placed
close to his eye) would not make the same wrong judgment that others do
in the forementioned case. For to him greater confusions constantly
suggesting greater distances, he must, as he recedes from the glass and
the object grows more confused, judge it to be at a farther distance,
contrary to what they do who have had the perception of the objects
growing more confused connected with the idea of approach.

38. Hence also it doth appear there may be good use of computation by
lines and angles in optics; not that the mind judgeth of distance
immediately by them, but because it judgeth by somewhat which is
connected with them, and to the determination whereof they may be
subservient. Thus the mind judging of the distance of an object by the
confusedness of its appearance, and this confusedness being greater or
lesser to the naked eye, according as the object is seen by rays more or
less diverging, it follows that a man may make use of the divergency of
the rays in computing the apparent distance, though not for its own sake,
yet on account of the confusion with which it is connected. But, so it
is, the confusion itself is entirely neglected by mathematicians as
having no necessary relation with distance, such as the greater or lesser
angles of divergency are conceived to have. And these (especially for
that they fall under mathematical computation) are alone regarded in
determining the apparent places of objects, as though they were the sole
and immediate cause of the judgments the mind makes of distance. Whereas,
in truth, they should not at all be regarded in themselves, or any
otherwise, than as they are supposed to be the cause of confused vision.

39. The not considering of this has been a fundamental and perplexing
oversight. For proof whereof we need go no farther than the case before
us. It having been observed that the most diverging rays brought into the
mind the idea of nearest distance, and that still, as the divergency
decreased, the distance increased: and it being thought the connexion
between the various degrees of divergency and distance was immediate;
this naturally leads one to conclude, from an ill-grounded analogy, that
converging rays shall make an object appear at an immense distance: and
that, as the convergency increases, the distance (if it were possible)
should do so likewise. That this was the cause of Dr. Barrow's mistake is
evident from his own words which we have quoted. Whereas had the learned
doctor observed that diverging and converging rays, how opposite soever
they may seem, do nevertheless agree in producing the same effect, to
wit, confusedness of vision, greater degrees whereof are produced
indifferently, either as the divergency or convergency and the rays
increaseth. And that it is by this effect, which is the same in both,
that either the divergency or convergency is perceived by the eye; I say,
had he but considered this, it is certain he would have made a quite
contrary judgment, and rightly concluded that those rays which fall on
the eye with greater degrees of convergency should make the object from
whence they proceed appear by so much the nearer. But it is plain it was
impossible for any man to attain to a right notion of this matter so long
as he had regard only to lines and angles, and did not apprehend the true
nature of vision, and how far it was of mathematical consideration.

40. Before we dismiss this subject, it is fit we take notice of a query
relating thereto, proposed by the ingenious Mr. Molyneux, is his TREATISE
OF DIOPTRICS,[Par. I. Prop. 31, Sect. 9.] where speaking of this
difficulty, he has these words: 'And so he (i.e. Dr. Barrow) leaves this
difficulty to the solution of others, which I (after so great an example)
shall do likewise; but with the resolution of the same admirable author of
not quitting the evident doarine which we have before laid down, for
determining the LOCUS OBJECTI, on account of being pressed by one
difficulty which seems inexplicable till a more intimate knowledge of the
visive faculty be obtained by mortals. In the meantime, I propose it to
the consideration of the ingenious, whether the LOCUS APPARENS of an
object placed as in this 9th section be not as much before the eye as the
distinct base is behind the eye!' To which query we may venture to answer
in the negative. For in the present case the rule for determining the
distance of the distinct base, or respective focus from the glass, is this:
as the difference between the distance of the object and focus is to the
focus or focal length, so the distance of the object from the glass is to
the distance of the respective focus or distinct base from the glass.
[Molyneux Dioptr., Par. I. Prop. 5.] Let us now suppose the object to be
placed at the distance of the focal length, and one half of the focal
length from the glass, and the eye close to the glass, hence it will follow
by the rule that the distance of the distinct base behind the eye is double
the true distance of the object before the eye. If therefore Mr. Molyneux's
conjecture held good, it would follow that the eye should see the object
twice as far off as it really is; and in other cases at three or four times
its due distance, or more. But this manifestly contradicts experience, the
object never appearing, at farthest, beyond its due distance. Whatever,
therefore, is built on this supposition (VID. COROL. I. PROP. 57, IBID.)
comes to the ground along with it.

41. From what hath been premised it is a manifest consequence that a man
born blind, being made to see, would, at first, have no idea of distance
by sight; the sun and stars, the remotest objects as well as the nearer,
would all seem to be in his eye, or rather in his mind. The objects
intromitted by sight would seem to him (as in truth they are) no other
than a new set of thoughts or sensations, each whereof is as near to him
as the perceptions of pain or pleasure, or the most inward passions of
his soul. For our judging objects provided by sight to be at any
distance, or without the mind, is (VID. sect. 28) entirely the effect of
experience, which one in those circumstances could not yet have attained
to.

42. It is indeed otherwise upon the common supposition that men judge of
distance by the angle of the optic axes, just as one in the dark, or a
blind-man by the angle comprehended by two sticks, one whereof he held in
each hand. For if this were true, it would follow that one blind from his
birth being made to see, should stand in need of no new experience in
order to perceive distance by sight. But that this is false has, I think,
been sufficiently demonstrated.

43. And perhaps upon a strict inquiry we shall not find that even those
who from their birth have grown up in a continued habit of seeing are
irrecoverably prejudiced on the other side, to wit, in thinking what they
see to be at a distance from them. For at this time it seems agreed on
all hands, by those who have had any thoughts of that matter, that
colours, which are the proper and immediate object of sight, are not
without the mind. But then it will be said, by sight we have also the
ideas of extension, and figure, and motion; all which may well be thought
without, and at some distance from the mind, though colour should not. In
answer to this I appeal to any man's experience, whether the visible
extension of any object doth not appear as near to him as the colour of
that object; nay, whether they do not both seem to be in the very same
place. Is not the extension we see coloured, and is it possible for us,
so much as in thought, to separate and abstract colour from extension?
Now, where the extension is there surely is the figure, and there the
motion too. I speak of those which are perceived by sight.

44. But for a fuller explication of this point, and to show that the
immediate objects of sight are not so much as the ideas or resemblances
of things placed at a distance, it is requisite that we look nearer into
the matter and carefully observe what is meant in common discourse, when
one says that which he sees is at a distance from him. Suppose, for
example, that looking at the moon I should say it were fifty or sixty
semidiameters of the earth distant from me. Let us see what moon this is
spoken of: it is plain it cannot be the visible moon, or anything like
the visible moon, or that which I see, which is only a round, luminous
plane of about thirty visible points in diameter. For in case I am
carried from the place where I stand directly towards the moon, it is
manifest the object varies, still as I go on; and by the time that I am
advanced fifty or sixty semidiameters of the earth, I shall be so far
from being near a small, round, luminous flat that I shall perceive
nothing like it; this object having long since disappeared, and if I
would recover it, it must be by going back to the earth from whence I set
out. Again, suppose I perceive by sight the faint and obscure idea of
something which I doubt whether it be a man, or a tree, or a tower, but
judge it to be at the distance of about a mile. It is plain I cannot mean
that what I see is a mile off, or that it is the image or likeness of
anything which is a mile off, since that every step I take towards it the
appearance alters, and from being obscure, small, and faint, grows clear,
large, and vigorous. And when I come to the mile's end, that which I saw
first is quite lost, neither do I find anything in the likeness of it.

45. In these and the like instances the truth of the matter stands thus:
having of a long time experienced certain ideas, perceivable by touch, as
distance, tangible figure, and solidity, to have been connected with
certain ideas of sight, I do upon perceiving these ideas of sight
forthwith conclude what tangible ideas are, by the wonted ordinary course
of Nature like to follow. Looking at an object I perceive a certain
visible figure and colour, with some degree of faintness and other
circumstances, which from what I have formerly observed, determine me to
think that if I advance forward so many paces or miles, I shall be
affected with such and such ideas of touch: so that in truth and
strictness of speech I neither see distance itself, nor anything that I
take to be at a distance. I say, neither distance nor things placed at a
distance are themselves, or their ideas, truly perceived by sight. This I
am persuaded of, as to what concerns myself: and I believe whoever will
look narrowly into his own thoughts and examine what he means by saying
he sees this or that thing at a distance, will agree with me that what he
sees only suggests to his understanding that after having passed a
certain distance, to be measured by the motion of his body, which is
perceivable by touch, he shall come to perceive such and such tangible
ideas which have been usually connected with such and such visible ideas.
But that one might be deceived by these suggestions of sense, and that
there is no necessary connexion between visible and tangible ideas
suggested by them, we need go no farther than the next looking-glass or
pictures to be convinced. Note that when I speak of tangible ideas, I
take the word idea for any the immediate object of sense or
understanding, in which large signification it is commonly used by the
moderns.

46. From what we have shown it is a manifest consequence that the ideas
of space, outness, and things placed at a distance are not, strictly
speaking, the object of sight; they are not otherwise perceived by the
eye than by the ear. Sitting in my study I hear a coach drive along the
street; I look through the casement and see it; I walk out and enter into
it; thus, common speech would incline one to think I heard, saw, and
touched the same thing, to wit, the coach. It is nevertheless certain,
the ideas intromitted by each sense are widely different and distinct
from each other; but having been observed constantly to go together, they
are spoken of as one and the same thing. By the variation of the noise I
perceive the different distances of the coach, and know that it
approaches before I look out. Thus by the ear I perceive distance, just
after the same manner as I do by the eye.

47. I do not nevertheless say I hear distance in like manner as I say
that I see it, the ideas perceived by hearing not being so apt to be
confounded with the ideas of touch as those of sight are. So likewise a
man is easily convinced that bodies and external things are not properly
the object of hearing; but only sounds, by the mediation whereof the idea
of this or that body or distance is suggested to his thoughts. But then
one is with more difficulty brought to discern the difference there is
betwixt the ideas of sight and touch: though it be certain a man no more
sees and feels the same thing than he hears and feels the same thing.

48. One reason of which seems to be this. It is thought a great absurdity
to imagine that one and the same thing should have any more than one
extension, and one figure. But the extension and figure of a body, being
let into the mind two ways, and that indifferently either by sight or
touch, it seems to follow that we see the same extension and the same
figure which we feel.

49. But if we take a close and accurate view of things, it must be
acknowledged that we never see and feel one and the same object. That
which is seen is one thing, and that which is felt is another. If the
visible figure and extension be not the same with the tangible figure and
extension, we are not to infer that one and the same thing has divers
extensions. The true consequence is that the objects of sight and touch
are two distinct things. It may perhaps require some thought rightly to
conceive this distinction. And the difficulty seems not a little
increased, because the combination of visible ideas hath constantly the
same name as the combination of tangible ideas wherewith it is connected:
which doth of necessity arise from the use and end of language.

50. In order therefore to treat accurately and unconfusedly of vision, we
must bear in mind that there are two sorts of objects apprehended by the
eye, the one primarily and immediately, the other secondarily and by
intervention of the former. Those of the first sort neither are, nor
appear to be, without the mind, or at any distance off; they may indeed
grow greater or smaller, more confused, or more clear, or more faint, but
they do not, cannot approach or recede from us. Whenever we say an object
is at a distance, whenever we say it draws near, or goes farther off, we
must always mean it of the latter sort, which properly belong to the
touch, and are not so truly perceived as suggested by the eye in like
manner as thoughts by the ear.

51. No sooner do we hear the words of a familiar language pronounced in
our ears, but the ideas corresponding thereto present themselves to our
minds: in the very same instant the sound and the meaning enter the
understanding: so closely are they united that it is not in our power to
keep out the one, except we exclude the other also. We even act in all
respects as if we heard the very thoughts themselves. So likewise the
secondary objects, or those which are only suggested by sight, do often
more strongly affect us, and are more regarded than the proper objects of
that sense; along with which they enter into the mind, and with which
they have a far more strict connexion, than ideas have with words. Hence
it is we find it so difficult to discriminate between the immediate and
mediate objects of sight, and are so prone to attribute to the former
what belongs only to the latter. They are, as it were, most closely
twisted, blended, and incorporated together. And the prejudice is
confirmed and riveted in our thoughts by a long tract of time, by the use
of language, and want of reflexion. However, I believe anyone that shall
attentively consider what we have already said, and shall say, upon this
subject before we have done (especially if he pursue it in his own
thoughts) may be able to deliver himself from that prejudice. Sure I am
it is worth some attention, to whoever would understand the true nature
of vision.

52. I have now done with distance, and proceed to show how it is that we
perceive by sight the magnitude of objects. It is the opinion of some
that we do it by angles, or by angles in conjunction with distance: but
neither angles nor distance being perceivable by sight, and the things we
see being in truth at no distance from us, it follows that as we have
shown lines and angles not to be the medium the mind makes use of in
apprehending the apparent place, so neither are they the medium whereby
it apprehends the apparent magnitude of objects.

53. It is well known that the same extension at a near distance shall
subtend a greater angle, and at a farther distance a lesser angle. And by
this principle (we are told) the mind estimates the magnitude of an
object, comparing the angle under which it is seen with its distance, and
thence inferring the magnitude thereof. What inclines men to this mistake
(beside the humour of making one see by geometry) is that the same
perceptions or ideas which suggest distance do also suggest magnitude.
But if we examine it we shall find they suggest the latter as immediately
as the former. I say, they do not first suggest distance, and then leave
it to the judgment to use that as a medium whereby to collect the
magnitude; but they have as close and immediate a connexion with the
magnitude as with the distance; and suggest magnitude as independently of
distance as they do distance independently of magnitude. All which will
be evident to whoever considers what hath been already said, and what
follows.

54. It hath been shown there are two sorts of objects apprehended by
sight; each whereof hath its distinct magnitude, or extension. The one,
properly tangible, i.e. to be perceived and measured by touch, and not
immediately falling under the sense of seeing: the other, properly and
immediately visible, by mediation of which the former is brought in view.
Each of these magnitudes are greater or lesser, according as they contain
in them more or fewer points, they being made up of points or minimums.
For, whatever may be said of extension in abstract, it is certain sensible
extension is not infinitely divisible. There is a MINIMUM TANGIBILE and a
MINIMUM VISIBILE, beyond which sense cannot perceive. This everyone's
experience will inform him.

55. The magnitude of the object which exists without the mind, and is at
a distance, continues always invariably the same: but the visible object
still changing as you approach to, or recede from, the tangible object,
it hath no fixed and determinate greatness. Whenever, therefore, we speak
of the magnitude of anything, for instance a tree or a house, we must
mean the tangible magnitude, otherwise there can be nothing steady and
free from ambiguity spoken of it. But though the tangible and visible
magnitude in truth belong to two distinct objects: I shall nevertheless
(especially since those objects are called by the same name, and are
observed to coexist), to avoid tediousness and singularity of speech,
sometimes speak of them as belonging to one and the same thing.

56. Now in order to discover by what means the magnitude of tangible
objects is perceived by sight. I need only reflect on what passes in my
own mind, and observe what those things be which introduce the ideas of
greater or lesser into my thoughts, when I look on any object. And these
I find to be, FIRST, the magnitude or extension of the visible object,
which being immediately perceived by sight, is connected with that other
which is tangible and placed at a distance. SECONDLY, the confusion or
distinctness. And thirdly, the vigorousness or faintness of the aforesaid
visible appearance. CETERIS PARIBUS, by how much the greater or lesser
the visible object is, by so much the greater or lesser do I conclude the
tangible object to be. But, be the idea immediately perceived by sight
never so large, yet if it be withal confused, I judge the magnitude of
the thing to be but small. If it be distinct and clear, I judge it
greater. And if it be faint, I apprehend it to be yet greater. What is
here meant by confusion and faintness hath been explained in sect. 35.

57. Moreover the judgments we make of greatness do, in like manner as
those of distance, depend on the disposition of the eye, also on the
figure, number, and situation of objects and other circumstances that
have been observed to attend great or small tangible magnitudes. Thus,
for instance, the very same quantity of visible extension, which in the
figure of a tower doth suggest the idea of great magnitude, shall in the
figure of a man suggest the idea of much smaller magnitude. That this is
owing to the experience we have had of the usual bigness of a tower and a
man no one, I suppose, need be told.

58. It is also evident that confusion or faintness have no more a
necessary connexion with little or great magnitude than they have with
little or great distance. As they suggest the latter, so they suggest the
former to our minds. And by consequence, if it were not for experience,
we should no more judge a faint or confused appearance to be connected
with great or little magnitude, than we should that it was connected with
great or little distance.

59. Nor will it be found that great or small visible magnitude hath any
necessary relation to great or small tangible magnitude: so that the one
may certainly be inferred from the other. But before we come to the proof
of this, it is fit we consider the difference there is betwixt the
extension and figure which is the proper object of touch, and that other
which is termed visible; and how the former is principally, though not
immediately taken notice of, when we look at any object. This has been
before mentioned, but we shall here inquire into the cause thereof. We
regard the objects that environ us in proportion as they are adapted to
benefit or injure our own bodies, and thereby produce in our minds the
sensation of pleasure or pain. Now bodies operating on our organs, by an
immediate application, and the hurt or advantage arising therefrom,
depending altogether on the tangible, and not at all on the visible,
qualities of any object: this is a plain reason why those should be
regarded by us much more than these: and for this end the visive sense
seems to have been bestowed on animals, to wit, that by the perception of
visible ideas (which in themselves are not capable of affecting or any
wise altering the frame of their bodies) they may be able to foresee
(from the experience they have had what tangible ideas are connected with
such and such visible ideas) and damage or benefit which is like to
ensue, upon the application of their own bodies to this or that body
which is at a distance. Which foresight, how necessary it is to the
preservation of an animal, everyone's experience can inform him. Hence it
is that when we look at an object, the tangible figure and extension
thereof are principally attended to; whilst there is small heed taken of
the visible figure and magnitude, which, though more immediately
perceived, do less concern us, and are not fitted to produce any
alteration in our bodies.

60. That the matter of fact is true will be evident to anyone who
considers that a man placed at ten foot distance is thought as great as
if he were placed at a distance only of five foot: which is true not with
relation to the visible, but tangible greatness of the object: the
visible magnitude being far greater at one station: than it is at the
other.

61. Inches, feet, etc., are settled stated lengths whereby we measure
objects and estimate their magnitude: we say, for example, an object
appears to be six inches or six foot long. Now, that this cannot be meant
of visible inches, etc., is evident, because a visible inch is itself no
constant, determinate magnitude, and cannot therefore serve to mark out
and determine the magnitude of any other thing. Take an inch marked upon
a ruler: view it, successively, at the distance of half a foot, a foot, a
foot and a half, etc., from the eye: at each of which, and at all the
intermediate distances, the inch shall have a different visible
extension, i.e. there shall be more or fewer points discerned in it. Now
I ask which of all these various extensions is that stated, determinate
one that is agreed on for a common measure of other magnitudes? No reason
can be assigned why we should pitch on one more than another: and except
there be some invariable, determinate extension fixed on to be marked to
the word inch, it is plain it can be used to little purpose; and to say a
thing contains this or that number of inches shall imply no more than
that it is extended, without bringing any particular idea of that
extension into the mind. Farther, an inch and a foot, from different
distances, shall both exhibit the same visible magnitude, and yet at the
same time you shall say that one seems several times greater than the
other. From all which it is manifest that the judgments we make of the
magnitude of objects by sight are altogether in reference to their
tangible extension. Whenever we say an object is great, or small, of this
or that determinate measure, I say it must be meant of the tangible, and
not the visible extension, which, though immediately perceived, is
nevertheless little taken notice of.

62. Now, that there is no necessary connexion between these two distinct
extensions is evident from hence: because our eyes might have been framed
in such a manner as to be able to see nothing but what were less than the
MINIMUM TANGIBILE. In which case it is not impossible we might have
perceived all the immediate objects of sight, the very same that we do
now: but unto those visible appearances there would not be connected
those different tangible magnitudes that are now. Which shows the
judgments we make of the magnitude of things placed at a distance from
the various greatness of the immediate objects of sight do not arise from
any essential or necessary but only a customary tie, which has been
observed between them.

63. Moreover, it is not only certain that any idea of sight might not
have been connected with this or that idea of touch, which we now observe
to accompany it: but also that the greater visible magnitudes might have
been connected with, and introduced into our minds lesser tangible
magnitudes and the lesser visible magnitudes greater tangible magnitudes.
Nay, that it actually is so we have daily experience; that object which
makes a strong and large appearance, not seeming near so great as
another, the visible magnitude whereof is much less, but more faint, and
the appearance upper, or which is the same thing painted lower on the
RETINA, which faintness and situation suggest both greater magnitude and
greater distance.

64. From which, and from sect. 57 and 58, it is manifest that as we do
not perceive the magnitudes of objects immediately by sight, so neither
do we perceive them by the mediation of anything which has a necessary
connexion with them. Those ideas that now suggest unto us the various
magnitudes of external objects before we touch them, might possibly have
suggested no such thing: or they might have signified them in a direct
contrary manner: so that the very same ideas, on the perception whereof
we judge an object to be small, might as well have served to make us
conclude it great. Those ideas being in their own nature equally fitted
to bring into our minds the idea of small or great, or no size at all of
outward objects; just as the words of any language are in their own
nature indifferent to signify this or that thing or nothing at all.

65. As we see distance, so we see magnitude. And we see both in the same
way that we see shame or anger in the looks of a man. Those passions are
themselves invisible, they are nevertheless let in by the eye along with
colours and alterations of countenance, which are the immediate object of
vision: and which signify them for no other reason than barely because
they have been observed to accompany them. Without which experience we
should no more have taken blushing for a sign of shame than of gladness.

66. We are nevertheless exceeding prone to imagine those things which are
perceived only by the mediation of others to be themselves the immediate
objects of sight; or, at least, to have in their own nature a fitness to
be suggested by them, before ever they had been experienced to coexist
with them. From which prejudice everyone, perhaps, will not find it easy
to emancipate himself, by any [but] the clearest convictions of reason.
And there are some grounds to think that if there was one only invariable
and universal languages in the world, and that men were born with the
faculty of speaking it, it would be the opinion of many that the ideas of
other men's minds were properly perceived by the ear, or had at least a
necessary and inseparable tie with the sounds that were affixed to them.
All which seems to arise from want of a due application of our discerning
faculty, thereby to discriminate between the ideas that are in our
understandings, and consider them apart from each other; which would
preserve us from confounding those that are different, and make us see
what ideas do, and what do not include or imply this or that other idea.

67. There is a celebrated phenomenon, the solution whereof I shall
attempt to give by the principles that have been laid down, in reference
to the manner wherein we apprehend by sight the magnitude of objects. The
apparent magnitude of the moon when placed in the horizon is much greater
than when it is in the meridian, though the angle under which the
diameter of the moon is seen be not observed greater in the former case
than in the latter: and the horizontal moon doth not constantly appear of
the same bigness, but at some times seemeth far greater than at others.

68. Now in order to explain the reason of the moon's appearing greater
than ordinary in the horizon, it must be observed that the particles
which compose our atmosphere intercept the rays of light proceeding from
any object to the eye; and by how much the greater is the portion of
atmosphere interjacent between the object and the eye, by so much the
more are the rays intercepted; and by consequence the appearance of the
object rendered more faint, every object appearing more vigorous or more
faint in proportion as it sendeth more or fewer rays into the eye. Now
between the eye and the moon, when situated in the horizon, there lies a
far greater quantity of atmosphere than there does when the moon is in
the meridian. Whence it comes to pass that the appearance of the
horizontal moon is fainter, and therefore by sect. 56 it should be
thought bigger in that situation than in the meridian, or in any other
elevation above the horizon.

69. Farther, the air being variously impregnated, sometimes more and
sometimes less, with vapours and exhalations fitted to retund and
intercept the rays of light, it follows that the appearance of the
horizontal moon hath not always an equal faintness, and by consequence
that luminary, though in the very same situation, is at one time judged
greater than at another.

70. That we have here given the true account of the phenomena of the
horizontal moon will, I suppose, be farther evident to anyone from the
following considerations. FIRST, it is plain that which in this case
suggests the idea of greater magnitude must be something which is itself
perceived; for that which is unperceived cannot suggest to our perception
any other thing. SECONDLY, it must be something that does not constantly
remain the same, but is subject to some change or variation, since the
appearance of the horizontal moon varies, being at one time greater than
at another. And yet, THIRDLY, it cannot be the visible figure or
magnitude, since that remains the same, or is rather lesser, by how much
the moon is nearer to the horizon. It remains therefore that the true
cause is that affection or alteration of the visible appearance which
proceeds from the greater paucity of rays arriving at the eye, and which
I term FAINTNESS: since this answers all the forementioned conditions,
and I am not conscious of any other perception that doth.

71. Add to this that in misty weather it is a common observation that the
appearance of the horizontal moon is far larger than usual, which greatly
conspires with and strengthens our opinion. Neither would it prove in the
least irreconcilable with what we have said, if the horizontal moon
should chance sometimes to seem enlarged beyond its usual extent, even in
more serene weather. For we must not only have regard to the mist which
happens to be in the place where we stand; we ought also to take into our
thoughts the whole sum of vapours and exhalations which lie betwixt the
eye and the moon: all which cooperating to render the appearance of the
moon more faint, and thereby increase its magnitude, it may chance to
appear greater than it usually does, even in the horizontal position, at
a time when, though there be no extraordinary fog or haziness, just in
the place where we stand, yet the air between the eye and the moon, taken
all together, may be loaded with a greater quantity of interspersed
vapours and exhalations than at other times.

72. It may be objected that in consequence of our principles the
interposition of a body in some degree opaque, which may intercept a
great part of the rays of light, should render the appearance of the moon
in the meridian as large as when it is viewed in the horizon. To which I
answer, it is not faintness anyhow applied that suggests greater
magnitude, there being no necessary but only an experimental connexion
between those two things. It follows that the faintness which enlarges
the appearance must be applied in such sort, and with such circumstances,
as have been observed to attend the vision of great magnitudes. When from
a distance we behold great objects, the particles of the intermediate air
and vapours, which are themselves unperceivable, do interrupt the rays of
light, and thereby render the appearance less strong and vivid: now,
faintness of appearance caused in this sort hath been experienced to
coexist with great magnitude. But when it is caused by the interposition
of an opaque sensible body, this circumstance alters the case, so that a
faint appearance this way caused doth not suggest greater magnitude,
because it hath not been experienced to coexist with it.

73. Faintness, as well as all other ideas or perceptions which suggest
magnitude or distance, doth it in the same way that words suggest the
notions to which they are annexed. Now, it is known a word pronounced
with certain circumstances, or in a certain context with other words,
hath not always the same import and signification that it hath when
pronounced in some other circumstances or different context of words. The
very same visible appearance as to faintness and all other respects, if
placed on high, shall not suggest the same magnitude that it would if it
were seen at an equal distance on a level with the eye. The reason
whereof is that we are rarely accustomed to view objects at a great
height; our concerns lie among things situated rather before than above
us, and accordingly our eyes are not placed on the top of our heads, but
in such a position as is most convenient for us to see distant objects
standing in our way. And this situation of them being a circumstance
which usually attends the vision of distant objects, we may from hence
account for (what is commonly observed) an object's appearing of
different magnitude, even with respect to its horizontal extension, on
the top of a steeple, for example, an hundred feet high to one standing
below, from what it would if placed at an hundred feet distance on a
level with his eye. For it hath been shown that the judgment we make on
the magnitude of a thing depends not on the visible appearance alone, but
also on divers other circumstances, any one of which being omitted or
varied may suffice to make some alteration in our judgment. Hence, the
circumstances of viewing a distant object in such a situation as is
usual, and suits with the ordinary posture of the head and eyes being
omitted, and instead thereof a different situation of the object, which
requires a different posture of the head taking place, it is not to be
wondered at if the magnitude be judged different: but it will be demanded
why an high object should constantly appear less than an equidistant low
object of the same dimensions, for so it is observed to be: it may indeed
be granted that the variation of some circumstances may vary the judgment
made on the magnitude of high objects, which we are less used to look at:
but it does not hence appear why they should be judged less rather than
greater? I answer that in case the magnitude of distant objects was
suggested by the extent of their visible appearance alone, and thought
proportional thereto, it is certain they would then be judged much less
than now they seem to be (VIDE sect. 79). But several circumstances
concurring to form the judgment we make on the magnitude of distant
objects, by means of which they appear far larger than others, whose
visible appearance hath an equal or even greater extension; it follows
that upon the change or omission of any of those circumstances which are
wont to attend the vision of distant objects, and so come to influence
the judgments made on their magnitude, they shall proportionably appear
less than otherwise they would. For any of those things that caused an
object to be thought greater than in proportion to its visible extension
being either omitted or applied without the usual circumstances, the
judgment depends more entirely on the visible extension, and consequently
the object must be judged less. Thus in the present case the situation of
the thing seen being different from what it usually is in those objects
we have occasion to view, and whose magnitude we observe, it follows that
the very same object, being an hundred feet high, should seem less than
if it was an hundred feet off on (or nearly on) a level with the eye.
What has been here set forth seems to me to have no small share in
contributing to magnify the appearance of the horizontal moon, and
deserves not to be passed over in the explication of it.

74. If we attentively consider the phenomenon before us, we shall find
the not discerning between the mediate and immediate objects of sight to
be the chief cause of the difficulty that occurs in the explication of
it. The magnitude of the visible moon, or that which is the proper and
immediate object of vision, is not greater when the moon is in the
horizon than when it is in the meridian. How comes it, therefore, to seem
greater in one situation than the other? What is it can put this cheat on
the understanding? It has no other perception of the moon than what it
gets by sight: and that which is seen is of the same extent, I say, the
visible appearance hath the same, or rather a less, magnitude when the
moon is viewed in the horizontal than when in the meridional position:
and yet it is esteemed greater in the former than in the latter. Herein
consists the difficulty, which doth vanish and admit of a most easy
solution, if we consider that as the visible moon is not greater in the
horizon than in the meridian, so neither is it thought to be so. It hath
been already shown that in any act of vision the visible object
absolutely, or in itself, is little taken notice of, the mind still
carrying its view from that to some tangible ideas which have been
observed to be connected with it, and by that means come to be suggested
by it. So that when a thing is said to appear great or small, or whatever
estimate be made of the magnitude of any thing, this is meant not of the
visible but of the tangible object. This duly considered, it will be no
hard matter to reconcile the seeming contradiction there is, that the
moon should appear of a different bigness, the visible magnitude thereof
remaining still the same. For by sect. 56 the very same visible
extension, with a different faintness, shall suggest a different tangible
extension. When therefore the horizontal moon is said to appear greater
than the meridional moon, this must be understood not of a greater
visible extension, but a of greater tangible or real extension, which by
reason of the more than ordinary faintness of the visible appearance, is
suggested to the mind along with it.

75. Many attempts have been made by learned men to account for this
appearance. Gassendus, Descartes, Hobbes, and several others have
employed their thoughts on that subject; but how fruitless and
unsatisfactory their endeavours have been is sufficiently shown in THE
TRANSACTIONS,[Phil. Trans. Num. 187. p. 314] where you may
see their several opinions at large set forth and confuted, not without
some surprize at the gross blunders that ingenious men have been forced
into by endeavouring to reconcile this appearance with the ordinary
Principles of optics. Since the writing of which there hath been published
in the TRANSACTIONS [Numb. 187. P. 323] another paper relating to the same
affair by the celebrated Dr. Wallis, wherein he attempts to account for
that phenomenon which, though it seems not to contain anything new or
different from what had been said before by others, I shall nevertheless
consider in this place.

76. His opinion, in short, is this; we judge not of the magnitude of an
object by the visual angle alone, but by the visual angle in conjunction
with the distance. Hence, though the angle remain the same, or even
become less, yet if withal the distance seem to have been increased, the
object shall appear greater. Now, one way whereby we estimate the
distance of anything is by the number and extent of the intermediate
objects: when therefore the moon is seen in the horizon, the variety of
fields, houses, etc., together with the large prospect of the wide
extended land or sea that lies between the eye and the utmost limb of the
horizon, suggest unto the mind the idea of greater distance, and
consequently magnify the appearance. And this, according to Dr. Wallis,
is the true account of the extraordinary largeness attributed by the mind
to the horizontal moon at a time when the angle subtended by its diameter
is not one jot greater than it used to be.

77. With reference to this opinion, not to repeat what hath been already
said concerning distance, I shall only observe, FIRST, that if the
prospect of interjacent objects be that which suggests the idea of
farther distance, and this idea of farther distance be the cause that
brings into the mind the idea of greater magnitude, it should hence
follow that if one looked at the horizontal moon from behind a wall, it
would appear no bigger than ordinary. For in that case the wall
interposing cuts off all that prospect of sea and land, etc. which might
otherwise increase the apparent distance, and thereby the apparent
magnitude of the moon. Nor will it suffice to say the memory doth even
then suggest all that extent of land, etc., which lies within the
horizon; which suggestion occasions a sudden judgment of sense that the
moon is farther off and larger than usual. For ask any man who, from such
a station beholding the horizontal moon, shall think her greater than
usual, whether he hath at that time in his mind any idea of the
intermediate objects, or long tract of land that lies between his eye and
the extreme edge of the horizon? And whether it be that idea which is the
cause of his making the aforementioned judgment? He will, I suppose,
reply in the negative, and declare the horizontal moon shall appear
greater than the meridional, though he never thinks of all or any of
those things that lie between him and it. SECONDLY, it seems impossible
by this hypothesis to account for the moon's appearing in the very same
situation at one time greater than at another; which nevertheless has
been shown to be very agreeable to the principles we have laid down, and
receives a most easy and natural explication from them. For the further
clearing' up of this point it is to be observed that what we immediately
and properly see are only lights and colours in sundry situations and
shades and degrees of faintness and clearness, confusion and
distinctness. All which visible objects are only in the mind, nor do they
suggest ought external, whether distance or magnitude, otherwise than by
habitual connexion as words do things. We are also to remark that, beside
the straining of the eyes, and beside the vivid and faint, the distinct
and confused appearances (which, bearing some proportion to lines and
angles, have been substituted instead of them in the foregoing part of
this treatise), there are other means which suggest both distance and
magnitude; particularly the situation of visible points of objects, as
upper or lower; the one suggesting a farther distance and greater
magnitude, the other a nearer distance and lesser magnitude: all which is
an effect only of custom and experience; there being really nothing
intermediate in the line of distance between the uppermost and lowermost,
which are both equidistant, or rather at no distance from the eye, as
there is also nothing in upper or lower, which by necessary connexion
should suggest greater or lesser magnitude. Now, as these customary,
experimental means of suggesting distance do likewise suggest magnitude,
so they suggest the one as immediately as the other. I say they do not
(VIDE sect. 53) first suggest distance, and then leave the mind from
thence to infer or compute magnitude, jut suggest magnitude as
immediately and directly as they suggest distance.

78. This phenomenon of the horizontal moon is a clear instance of the
insufficiency of lines and angles for explaining the way wherein the mind
perceives and estimates the magnitude of outward objects. There is
nevertheless a use of computation by them in order to determine the
apparent magnitude of things, so far as they have a connexion with, and
are proportional to, those other ideas or perceptions which are the true
and immediate occasions that suggest to the mind the apparent magnitude
of things. But this in general may, I think, be observed concerning
mathematical computation in optics: that it can never be very precise and
exact since the judgments we make of the magnitude of external things do
often depend on several circumstances, which are not proportionable to,
or capable of being defined by, lines and angles.

79. From what has been said we may safely deduce this consequence; to
wit, that a man born blind and made to see would, at first opening of his
eyes, make a very different judgment of the magnitude of objects
intromitted by them from what others do. He would not consider the ideas
of sight with reference to, or as having any connexion with, the ideas of
touch: his view of them being entirely terminated within themselves, he
can no otherwise judge them great or small than as they contain a greater
or lesser number of visible points. Now, it being certain that any
visible point can cover or exclude from view only one other visible
point, it follows that whatever object intercepts the view of another
hath an equal number of visible points with it; and consequently they
shall both be thought by him to have the same magnitude. Hence it is
evident one in those circumstances would judge his thumb, with which he
might hide a tower or hinder its being seen, equal to that tower, or his
hand, the interposition whereof might conceal experimental means the
firmament from his view, equal to the firmament: how great an inequality
soever there may in our apprehensions seem to be betwixt those two
things, because of the customary and close connexion that has grown up in
our minds between the objects of sight and touch; whereby the very
different and distinct ideas of those two senses are so blended and
confounded together as to be mistaken for one and the same thing; out of
which prejudice we cannot easily extricate ourselves.

80. For the better explaining the nature of vision, and setting the
manner wherein we perceive magnitudes in a due light, I shall proceed to
make some observations concerning matters relating thereto, whereof the
want of reflexion, and duly separating between tangible and visible
ideas, is apt to create in us mistaken and confused notions. And FIRST, I
shall observe that the MINIMUM VISIBILE is exactly equal in all beings
whatsoever that are endowed with the visive faculty. No exquisite
formation of the eye, no peculiar sharpness of sight, can make it less in
one creature than in another; for it not being distinguishable into
parts, nor in any wise a consisting of them, it must necessarily be the
same to all. For suppose it otherwise, and that the MINIMUM VISIBILE of a
mite, for instance, be less than the MINIMUM VISIBILE of a man: the
latter therefore may by detraction of some part be made equal to the
former: it doth therefore consist of parts, which is inconsistent with
the notion of a MINIMUM VISIBILE or point.

81. It will perhaps be objected that the MINIMUM VISIBILE of a man doth
really and in itself contain parts whereby it surpasses that of a mite,
though they are not perceivable by the man. To which I answer, the
MINIMUM VISIBILE having (in like manner as all other the proper and
immediate objects of sight) been shown not to have any existence without
the mind of him who sees it, it follows there cannot be any pan of it
that is not actually perceived, and therefore visible. Now for any object
to contain distinct visible parts, and at the same time to be a MINIMUM
VISIBILE, is a manifest contradiction.

82. Of these visible points we see at all times an equal number. It is
every whit as great when our view is contracted and bounded by near
objects as when it is extended to larger and remoter. For it being
impossible that one MINIMUM VISIBILE should obscure or keep out of sight
mote than one other, it is a plain consequence that when my view is on
all sides bounded by the walls of my study see just as many visible
points as I could, in case that by the removal of the study-walls and all
other obstructions, I had a full prospect of the circumjacent fields,
mountains, sea, and open firmament: for so long as I am shut up within
the walls, by their interposition every point of the external objects is
covered from my view: but each point that is seen being able to cover or
exclude from sight one only other corresponding point, it follows that
whilst my sight is confined to those narrow walls I see as many points,
or MINIMA VISIBILIA, as I should were those walls away, by looking on all
the external objects whose prospect is intercepted by them. Whenever
therefore we are said to have a greater prospect at one time than
another, this must be understood with relation, not to the proper and
immediate, but the secondary and mediate objects of vision, which, as
hath been shown, properly belong to the touch.

83. The visive faculty considered with reference to its immediate objects
may be found to labour of two defects. FIRST, in respect of the extent or
number of visible points that are at once perceivable by it, which is
narrow and limited to a certain degree. It can take in at one view but a
certain determinate number of MINIMA VISIBILIA, beyond which it cannot
extend its prospect. Secondly, our sight is defective in that its view is
not only narrow, but also for the most part confused: of those things
that we take in at one prospect we can see but a few at once clearly and
unconfusedly: and the more we fix our sight on any one object, by so much
the darker and more indistinct shall the rest appear.

84. Corresponding to these two defects of sight, we may imagine as many
perfections, to wit, 1ST, that of comprehending in one view a greater
number of visible points. 2DLY, of being able to view them all equally
and at once with the utmost clearness and distinction. That those
perfections are not actually in some intelligences of a different order
and capacity from ours it is impossible for us to know.

85. In neither of those two ways do microscopes contribute to the
improvement of sight; for when we look through a microscope we neither
see more visible points, nor are the collateral points more distinct than
when we look with the naked eye at objects placed in a due distance. A
microscope brings us, as it were, into a new world: it presents us with a
new scene of visible objects quite different from what we behold with the
naked eye. But herein consists the most remarkable difference, to wit,
that whereas the objects perceived by the eye alone have a certain
connexion with tangible objects, whereby we are taught to foresee what
will ensue upon the approach or application of distant objects to the
parts of our own body, which much conduceth to its preservation, there is
not the like connexion between things tangible and those visible objects
that are perceived by help of a fine microscope.

86. Hence it is evident that were our eyes turned into the nature of
microscopes, we should not be much benefited by the change; we should be
deprived of the forementioned advantage we at present receive by the
visive faculty, and have left us only the empty amusement of seeing,
without any other benefit arising from it. But in that case, it will
perhaps be said, our sight would be endued with a far greater sharpness
and penetration than it now hath. But it is certain from what we have
already shown that the MINIMUM VISIBILE is never greater or lesser, but
in all cases constantly the same: and in the case of microscopical eyes I
see only this difference, to wit, that upon the ceasing of a certain
observable connexion betwixt the divers perceptions of sight and touch,
which before enabled us to regulate our actions by the eye, it would now
be rendered utterly unserviceable to that purpose.

87. Upon the whole it seems that if we consider the use and end of sight,
together with the present state and circumstances of our being, we shall
not find any great cause to complain of any defect or imperfection in it,
or easily conceive how it could be mended. With such admirable wisdom is
that faculty contrived, both for the pleasure and convenience of life.

88. Having finished what I intended to say concerning the distance and
magnitude of objects, I come now to treat of the manner wherein the mind
perceives by sight their situation. Among the discoveries of the last
age, it is reputed none of the least that the manner of vision hath been
more clearly explained than ever it had been before. There is at this day
no one ignorant that the pictures of external objects are painted on the
RETINA, or fund of the eye: that we can see nothing which is not so
painted: and that, according as the picture is more distinct or confused,
so also is the perception we have of the object: but then in this
explication of vision there occurs one mighty difficulty. The objects are
painted in an inverted order on the bottom of the eye: the upper part of
any object being painted on the lower part of the eye, and the lower part
of the object on the upper part of the eye: and so also as to right and
left. Since therefore the pictures are thus inverted, it is demanded how
it comes to pass that we see the objects erect and in their natural
posture?

89. In answer to this difficulty we are told that the mind, perceiving an
impulse of a ray of light on the upper part of the eye, considers this
ray as coming in a direct line from the lower part of the object; and in
like manner tracing the ray that strikes on the lower part of the eye, it
is directed to the upper part of the object. Thus in the adjacent figure,
C, the lower point of the object ABC, is projected on C the upper part of
the eye. So likewise the highest point A is projected on A the lowest
part of the eye, which makes the representation CBA inverted: but the
mind considering the stroke that is made on C as coming in the straight
line CC from the lower end of the object; and the stroke or impulse on a
as coming in the line AA from the upper end of the object, is directed to
make a right judgment of the situation of the object ABC, notwithstanding
the picture of it is inverted. This is illustrated by conceiving a blind
man who, holding in his hands two sticks that cross each other, doth with
them touch the extremities of an object, placed in a perpendicular
situation. It is certain this man will judge that to be the upper part of
the object which he touches with the stick held in the undermost hand,
and that to be the lower part of the object which he touches with the
stick in his uppermost hand. This is the common explication of the erect
appearance of objects, which is generally received and acquiesced in,
being (as Mr. Molyneux tells us [Diopt. par. 2. c. 7. P. 289.]) 'allowed
by all men as satisfactory'.

90. But this account to me does not seem in any degree true. Did I
perceive those impulses, decussations, and directions of the rays of
light in like manner as hath been set forth, then indeed it would not be
altogether void of probability. And there might be some pretence for the
comparison of the blind man and his cross sticks. But the case is far
otherwise. I know very well that I perceive no such thing. And of
consequence I cannot thereby make an estimate of the situation of
objects. I appeal to anyone's experience, whether he be conscious to
himself that he thinks on the intersection made by the radious [SIC]
pencils, or pursues the impulses they give in right lines, whenever he
perceives by sight the position of any object? To me it seems evident
that crossing and tracing of the rays is never thought on by children,
idiots, or in truth by any other, save only those who have applied
themselves to the study of optics. And for the mind to judge of the
situation of objects by those things without perceiving them, or to
perceive them without knowing it, is equally beyond my comprehension. Add
to this that the explaining the manner of vision by the example of cross
sticks and hunting for the object along the axes of the radious pencils,
doth suppose the proper objects of sight to be perceived at a distance
from us, contrary to what hath been demonstrated.

91. It remains, therefore, that we look for some other explication of
this difficulty: and I believe it not impossible to find one, provided we
examine it to the bottom, and carefully distinguish between the ideas of
sight and touch; which cannot be too oft inculcated in treating of
vision: but more especially throughout the consideration of this affair
we ought to carry that distinction in our thoughts: for that from want of
a right understanding thereof the difficulty of explaining erect vision
seems chiefly to arise.

92. In order to disentangle our minds from whatever prejudices we may
entertain with relation to the subject in hand, nothing seems more
apposite than the taking into our thoughts the case of one born blind,
and afterwards, when grown up, made to see. And though, perhaps, it may
not be an easy task to divest ourselves entirely of the experience
received from sight, so as to be able to put our thoughts exactly in the
posture of such a one's, we must, nevertheless, as far as possible,
endeavour to frame true conceptions of what might reasonably be supposed
to pass in his mind.

93. It is certain that a man actually blind, and who had continued so
from his birth, would by the sense of feeling attain to have ideas of
upper and lower. By the motion of his hand he might discern the situation
of any tangible object placed within his FI reach. That part on which he
felt himself supported, or towards which he perceived his body to
gravitate, he would term lower, and the contrary to this upper; and
accordingly denominate whatsoever objects he touched.

94. But then, whatever judgments he makes concerning the situation of
objects are confined to those only that are perceivable by touch. All
those things that are intangible and of a spiritual nature, his thoughts
and desires, his passions, and in general all the modifications of the
soul, to these he would never apply the terms UPPER and LOWER, except
only in a metaphorical sense. He may, perhaps, by way of allusion, speak
of high or low thoughts: but those terms in their proper signification
would never be applied to anything that was not conceived to exist
without the mind. For a man born blind, and remaining in the same state,
could mean nothing else by the words HIGHER and LOWER than a greater or
lesser distance from the earth; which distance he would measure by the
motion or application of his hand or some other part of his body. It is
therefore evident that all those things which, in respect of each other,
would by him be thought higher or lower, must be such as were conceived
to exist without his mind, in the ambient space.

95. Whence it plainly follows that such a one, if we suppose him made to
see, would not at first sight think anything he saw was high or low,
erect or inverted; for it hath been already demonstrated in sect. 41 that
he would not think the things he perceived by sight to be at any distance
from him, or without his mind. The objects to which he had hitherto been
used to apply the terms UP and DOWN, HIGH and LOW, were such only as
affected or were some way perceived by his couch: but the proper objects
of vision make a new set of ideas, perfectly distinct and different from
the former, and which can in no sort make themselves perceived by touch.
There is, therefore, nothing at all that could induce him to think those
terms applicable to them: nor would he ever think it till such time as he
had observed their connexion with tangible objects, and the same
prejudice began to insinuate itself into his understanding, which from
their infancy had grown up in the understandings of other men.

96. To set this matter in a clearer light I shall make use of an example.
Suppose the above-mentioned blind person by his touch perceives a man to
stand erect. Let us inquire into the manner of this. By the application
of his hand to the several parts of a human body he had perceived
different tangible ideas, which being collected into sundry complex ones,
have distinct names annexed to them. Thus one combination of a certain
tangible figure, bulk, and consistency of parts is called the head,
another the hand, a third the foot, and so of the rest: all which complex
ideas could, in his understanding, be made up only of ideas perceivable
by touch. He had also by his touch obtained an idea of earth or ground,
towards which he perceives the parts of his body to have a natural
tendency. Now, by ERECT nothing more being meant than that perpendicular
position of a man wherein his feet are nearest to the earth, if the blind
person by moving his hand over the parts of the man who stands before him
perceives the tangible ideas that compose the head to be farthest from,
and those that compose the feet to be nearest to, that other combination
of tangible ideas which he calls earth, he will denominate that man
erect. But if we suppose him on a sudden to receive his sight, and that
he behold a man standing before him, it is evident in that case he would
neither judge the man he sees to be erect nor inverted; for he never
having known those terms applied to any other save tangible things, or
which existed in the space without him, and what he sees neither being
tangible nor perceived as existing without, he could not know that in
propriety of language they were applicable to it.

97. Afterwards, when upon turning his head or eyes up and down to the
right and left he shall observe the visible objects to change, and shall
also attain to know that they are called by the same names, and connected
with the objects perceived by touch; then indeed he will come to speak of
them and their situation, in the same terms that he has been used to
apply to tangible things; and those that he perceives by turning up his
eyes he will call upper, and those that by turning down his eyes he will
call lower.

98. And this seems to me the true reason why he should think those
objects uppermost that are painted on the lower part of his eye: for by
turning the eye up they shall be distinctly seen; as likewise those that
are painted on the highest part of the eye shall be distinctly seen by
turning the eye down, and are for that reason esteemed lowest; for we
have shown that to the immediate objects of sight considered in
themselves, he would not attribute the terms HIGH and LOW. It must
therefore be on account of some circumstances which are observed to
attend them: and these, it is plain, are the actions of turning the eye
up and down, which suggest a very obvious reason why the mind should
denominate the objects of sight accordingly high or low. And without this
motion of the eye, this turning it up and down in order to discern
different objects, doubtless ERECT, INVERSE, and other the like terms
relating to the position of tangible objects, would never have been
transferred, or in any degree apprehended to belong to the ideas of
sight: the mere act of seeing including nothing in it to that purpose;
whereas the different situations of the eye naturally direct the mind to
make a suitable judgment of the situation of objects intromitted by it.

99. Farther, when he has by experience learned the connexion there is
between the several ideas of sight and touch, he will be able, by the
perception he has of the situation of visible things in respect of one
another, to make a sudden and true estimate of the situation of outward,
tangible things corresponding to them. And thus it is he shall perceive
by sight the situation of external objects which do not properly fall
under that sense.

100. I know we are very prone to think that, if just made to see, we
should judge of the situation of visible things as we do now: but we are
also as prone to think that, at first sight, we should in the same way
apprehend the distance and magnitude of objects as we do now: which hath
been shown to be a false and groundless persuasion. And for the like
reasons the same censure may be passed on the positive assurance that
most men, before they have thought sufficiently of the matter, might have
of their being able to determine by the eye at first view, whether
objects were erect or inverse.

101. It will, perhaps, be objected co our opinion that a man, for
instance, being thought erect when his feet are next the earth, and
inverted when his head is next the earth, it doth hence follow that by
the mere act of vision, without any experience or altering the situation
of the eye, we should have determined whether he were erect or inverted:
for both the earth itself, and the limbs of the man who stands thereon,
being equally perceived by sight, one cannot choose seeing what part of
the man is nearest the earth, and what part farthest from it, i.e.
whether he be erect or inverted.

102. To which I answer, the ideas which constitute the tangible earth and
man are entirely different from those which constitute the visible earth
and man. Nor was it possible, by virtue of the visive faculty alone,
without superadding any experience of touch, or altering the position of
the eye, ever to have known, or so much as suspected, there had been any
relation or connexion between them. Hence a man at first view would not
denominate anything he saw earth, or head, or foot; and consequently he
could not tell by the mere act of vision whether the head or feet were
nearest the earth: nor, indeed, would we have thereby any thought of
earth or man, erect or inverse, at all: which will be made yet more
evident if we nicely observe, and make a particular comparison between,
the ideas of both senses.

103. That which I see is only variety of light and colours. That which I
feel is hard or soft, hot or cold, rough or smooth. What similitude, what
connexion have those ideas with these? Or how is it possible that anyone
should see reason to give one and the same name to combinations of ideas
so very different before he had experienced their coexistence? We do not
find there is any necessary connexion betwixt this or that tangible
quality and any colour whatsoever. And we may sometimes perceive colours
where there is nothing to be felt. All which doth make it manifest that
no man, at first receiving of his sight, would know there was any
agreement between this or that particular object of his sight and any
object of touch he had been already acquainted with: the colours,
therefore, of the head would to him no more suggest the idea of head than
they would the idea of foot.

104. Farther, we have at large shown (VID. sect. 63 and 64) there is no
discoverable necessary connexion between any given visible magnitude and
any one particular tangible magnitude; but that it is entirely the result
of custom and experience, and depends on foreign and accidental
circumstances that we can by the perception of visible extension inform
ourselves what may be the extension of any tangible object connected with
it. Hence it is certain that neither the visible magnitude of head or
foot would bring along with them into the mind, at first opening of the
eyes, the respective tangible magnitudes of those parts.

105. By the foregoing section it is plain the visible figure of any part
of the body hath no necessary connexion with the tangible figure thereof,
so as at first sight to suggest it to the mind. For figure is the
termination of magnitude; whence it follows that no visible magnitude
having in its own nature an aptness to suggest any one particular
tangible magnitude, so neither can any visible figure be inseparably
connected with its corresponding tangible figure: so as of itself and in
a way prior to experience, it might suggest it to the understanding. This
will be farther evident if we consider that what seems smooth and round
to the touch may to sight, if viewed through a microscope, seem quite
otherwise.

106. From all which laid together and duly considered, we may clearly
deduce this inference. In the first act of vision no idea entering by the
eye would have a perceivable connexion with the ideas to which the names
EARTH, MAN, HEAD, FOOT, etc., were annexed in the understanding of a
person blind from his birth; so as in any sort to introduce them into his
mind, or make themselves be called by the same names, and reputed the
same things with them, as afterwards they come to be.

107. There doth, nevertheless, remain one difficulty, which perhaps may
seem to press hard on our opinion, and deserve not to be passed over: for
though it be granted that neither the colour, size, nor figure of the
visible feet have any necessary connexion with the ideas that compose the
tangible feet, so as to bring them at first sight into my mind, or make
me in danger of confounding them before I had been used to, and for some
time experienced their connexion: yet thus much seems undeniable, namely,
that the number of the visible feet being the same with that of the
tangible feet, I may from hence without any experience of sight
reasonably conclude that they represent or are connected with the feet
rather than the head. I say, it seems the idea of two visible feet will
sooner suggest to the mind the idea of two tangible feet than of one
head; so that the blind man upon first reception of the visive faculty
might know which were the feet or two, and which the head or one.

108. In order to get clear of this seeming difficulty we need only
observe that diversity of visible objects doth not necessarily infer
diversity of tangible objects corresponding to them. A picture painted
with great variety of colours affects the touch in one uniform manner; it
is therefore evident that I do not by any necessary consecution,
independent of experience, judge of the number of things tangible from
the number of things visible. I should not, therefore, at first opening
my eyes conclude that because I see two I shall feel two. How, therefore,
can I, before experience teaches me, know that the visible legs, because
two, are connected with the tangible legs, or the visible head, because
one, is connected with the tangible head? The truth is, the things I see
are so very different and heterogeneous from the things I feel that the
perception of the one would never have suggested the other to my
thoughts, or enabled me to pass the least judgment thereon, until I had
experienced their connexion.

109. But for a fuller illustration of this matter it ought to be
considered that number (however some may reckon it amongst the primary
qualities) is nothing fixed and settled, really existing in things
themselves. It is entirely the creature of the mind, considering either
an idea by itself, or any combination of ideas to which it gives one
name, and so makes it pass for an unit. According as the mind variously
combines its ideas the unit varies: and as the unit, so the number, which
is only a collection of units, doth also vary. We call a window one, a
chimney one, and yet a house in which there are many windows and many
chimneys hath an equal right to be called one, and many houses go to the
making of the city. In these and the like, instances it is evident the
unit constantly relates to the particular draughts the mind makes of its
ideas, to which it affixes names, and wherein it includes more or less as
best suits its own ends and purposes. Whatever, therefore, the mind
considers as one, that is an unit. Every combination of ideas is
considered as one thing by the mind, and in token thereof is marked by
one name. Now, this naming and combining together of ideas is perfectly
arbitrary, and done by the mind in such sort as experience shows it to be
most convenient: without which our ideas had never been collected into
such sundry distinct combinations as they now are.

110. Hence it follows that a man born blind and afterwards, when grown
up, made to see, would not in the first act of vision parcel out the
ideas of sight into the same distinct collections that others do, who
have experienced which do regularly coexist and are proper to be bundled
up together under one name. He would not, for example, make into one
complex idea, and thereby esteem an unit, all those particular ideas
which constitute the visible head or foot. For there can be no reason
assigned why he should do so, barely upon his seeing a man stand upright
before him. There crowd into his mind the ideas which compose the visible
man, in company with all the other ideas of sight perceived at the same
time: but all these ideas offered at once to his view, he would not
distribute into sundry distinct combinations till such time as by
observing the motion of the parts of the man and other experiences he
comes to know which are to be separated and which to be collected
together.

111. From what hath been premised it is plain the objects of sight and
touch make, if I may so say, two sets of ideas which are widely different
from each other. To objects of either kind we indifferently attribute the
terms high and low, right and left, and suchlike, denoting the position
or situation of things: but then we must well observe that the position
of any object is determined with respect only to objects of the same
sense. We say any object of touch is high or low, according as it is more
or less distant from the tangible earth: and in like manner we denominate
any object of sight high or low in proportion as it is more or less
distant from the visible earth: but to define the situation of visible
things with relation to the distance they bear from any tangible thing,
or VICE VERSA, this were absurd and perfectly unintelligible. For all
visible things are equally in the mind, and take up no part of the
external space: and consequently are equidistant from any tangible thing
which exists without the mind.

112. Or rather, to speak truly, the proper objects of sight are at no
distance, neither near nor far, from any tangible thing. For if we
inquire narrowly into the matter we shall find that those things only are
compared together in respect of distance which exist after the same
manner, or appertain unto the same sense. For by the distance between any
two points nothing more is meant than the number of intermediate points:
if the given points are visible the distance between them is marked out
by the number of the interjacent visible points: if they are tangible,
the distance between them is a line consisting of tangible points; but if
they are one tangible and the other visible, the distance between them
doth neither consist of points perceivable by sight nor by touch, i.e. it
is utterly inconceivable. This, perhaps, will not find an easy admission
into all men's understanding: however, I should gladly be informed
whether it be not true by anyone who will be at the pains to reflect a
little and apply it home to his thoughts.

113. The not observing what has been delivered in the two last sections
seems to have occasioned no small part of the difficulty that occurs in
the business of erect appearances. The head, which is painted nearest the
earth, seems to be farthest from it: and on the other hand the feet,
which are painted farthest from the earth, are thought nearest to it.
Herein lies the difficulty, which vanishes if we express the thing more
clearly and free from ambiguity, thus: how comes it that to the eye the
visible head which is nearest the tangible earth seems farthest from the
earth, and the visible feet, which are farthest from the tangible earth
seem nearest the earth? The question being thus proposed, who sees not
the difficulty is founded on a supposition that the eye, or visive
faculty, or rather the soul by means thereof, should judge of the
situation of visible objects with reference to their distance from the
tangible earth? Whereas it is evident the tangible earth is not perceived
by sight: and it hath been shown in the two last preceding sections that
the location of visible objects is determined only by the distance they
bear from one another; and that it is nonsense to talk of distance, far
or near, between a visible and tangible thing.

114. If we confine our thoughts to the proper objects of sight, the whole
is plain and easy. The head is painted farthest from, and the feet
nearest to, the visible earth; and so they appear to be. What is there
strange or unaccountable in this? Let us suppose the pictures in the fund
of the eye to be the immediate objects of the sight. The consequence is
that things should appear in the same posture they are painted in; and is
it not so? The head which is seen seems farthest from the earth which is
seen; and the feet which are seen seem nearest to the earth, which is
seen; and just so they are painted.

115. But, say you, the picture of the man is inverted, and yet the
appearance is erect: I ask, what mean you by the picture of the man, or,
which is the same thing, the visible man's being inverted? You tell me it
is inverted, because the heels are uppermost and the head undermost?
Explain me this. You say that by the head's being undermost you mean that
it is nearest to the earth; and by the heels being uppermost that they
are farthest from the earth. I ask again what earth you mean? You cannot
mean the earth that is painted on the eye, or the visible earth: for the
picture of the head is farthest from the picture of the earth, and the
picture of the feet nearest to the picture of the earth; and accordingly
the visible head is farthest from the visible earth, and the visible feet
nearest to it. It remains, therefore, that you mean the tangible earth,
and so determine the situation of visible things with respect to tangible
things; contrary to what hath been demonstrated in sect. 111 and 112. The
two distinct provinces of sight and touch should be considered apart, and
as if their objects had no intercourse, no manner of relation one to
another, in point of distance or position.

116. Farther, what greatly contributes to make us mistake in this matter
is that when we think of the pictures in the fund of the eye, we imagine
ourselves looking on the fund of another's eye, or another looking on the
fund of our own eye, and beholding the pictures painted thereon. Suppose
two eyes A and B: A from some distance looking on the pictures in B sees
them inverted, and for that reason concludes they are inverted in B: but
this is wrong. There are projected in little on the bottom of A the
images of the pictures of, suppose, man, earth, etc., which are painted
on B. And besides these the eye B itself, and the objects which environ
it, together with another earth, are projected in a larger size on A.
Now, by the eye A these larger images are deemed the true objects, and
the lesser only pictures in miniature. And it is with respect to those
greater images that it determines the situation of the smaller images: so
that comparing the little man with the great earth, A judges him
inverted, or that the feet are farthest from and the head nearest to the
great earth. Whereas, if A compare the little man with the little earth,
then he will appear erect, i.e. his head shall seem farthest from, and
his feet nearest to, the little earth. But we must consider that B does
not see two earths as A does: it sees only what is represented by the
little pictures in A, and consequently shall judge the man erect. For, in
truth, the man in B is not inverted, for there the feet are next the
earth; but it is the representation of it in A which is inverted, for
there the head of the representation of the picture of the man in B is
next the earth, and the feet farthest from the earth, meaning the earth
which is without the representation of the pictures in B. For if you take
the little images of the pictures in B, and consider them by themselves,
and with respect only to one another, they are all erect and in their
natural posture.

117. Farther, there lies a mistake in our imagining that the pictures of
external objects are painted on the bottom of the eye. It hath been shown
there is no resemblance BETWEEN the ideas of sight and things tangible.
It hath likewise been demonstrated that the proper objects of sight do
not exist without the mind. Whence it clearly follows that the pictures
painted on the bottom of the eye are not the pictures of external
objects. Let anyone consult his own thoughts, and then say what affinity,
what likeness there is between that certain variety and disposition of
colours which constitute the visible man, or picture of a man, and that
other combination of far different ideas, sensible by touch, which
compose the tangible man. But if this be the case, how come they to be
accounted pictures or images, since that supposes them to copy or
represent some originals or other?

118. To which I answer: in the forementioned instance the eye A takes the
little images, included within the representation of the other eye B, to
be pictures or copies, whereof the archetypes are not things existing
without, but the larger pictures projected on its own fund: and which by
A are not thought pictures, but the originals, or true things themselves.
Though if we suppose a third eye C from a due distance to behold the fund
of A, then indeed the things projected thereon shall, to C, seem pictures
or images in the same sense that those projected on B do to A.

119. Rightly to conceive this point we must carefully distinguish between
the ideas of sight and touch, between the visible and tangible eye; for
certainly on the tangible eye nothing either is or seems to be painted.
Again, the visible eye, as well as all other visible objects, hath been
shown to exist only in the mind, which perceiving its own ideas, and
comparing them together, calls some PICTURES in respect of others. What
hath been said, being rightly comprehended and laid together, doth, I
think, afford a full and genuine explication of the erect appearance of
objects; which phenomenon, I must confess, I do not see how it can be
explained by any theories of vision hitherto made public.

120. In treating of these things the use of language is apt to occasion
some obscurity and confusion, and create in us wrong ideas; for language
being accommodated to the common notions and prejudices of men, it is
scarce possible to deliver the naked and precise truth without great
circumlocution, impropriety, and (to an unwary reader) seeming
contradictions; I do therefore once for all desire whoever shall think it
worth his while to understand what I have written concerning vision, that
he would not stick in this or that phrase, or manner of expression, but
candidly collect my meaning from the whole sum and tenor of my discourse,
and laying aside the words as much as possible, consider the bare notions
themselves, and then judge whether they are agreeable to truth and his
own experience, or no.

121. We have shown the way wherein the mind by mediation of visible ideas
doth perceive or apprehend the distance, magnitude and situation of
tangible objects. We come now to inquire more particularly concerning the
difference between the ideas of sight and touch, which are called by the
same names, and see whether there be any idea common to both senses. From
what we have at large set forth and demonstrated in the foregoing parts
of this treatise, it is plain there is no one selfsame numerical
extension perceived both by sight and touch; but that the particular
figures and extensions perceived by sight, however they may be called by
the same names and reputed the same things with those perceived by touch,
are nevertheless different, and have an existence distinct and separate
from them: so that the question is not now concerning the same numerical
ideas, but whether there be any one and the same sort of species of ideas
equally perceivable to both senses; or, in other words, whether
extension, figure, and motion perceived by sight are not specifically
distinct from extension, figure, and motion perceived by touch.

122. But before I come more particularly to discuss this matter, I find
it proper to consider extension in abstract: for of this there is much
talk, and I am apt to think that when men speak of extension as being an
idea common to two senses, it is with a secret supposition that we can
single out extension from all other tangible and visible qualities, and
form thereof an abstract idea, which idea they will have common both to
sight and touch. We are therefore to understand by extension in abstract
an idea of extension, for instance, a line or surface entirely stripped
of all other sensible qualities and circumstances that might determine it
to any particular existence; it is neither black nor white, nor red, nor
hath it any colour at all, or any tangible quality whatsoever and
consequently it is of no finite determinate magnitude: for that which
bounds or distinguishes one extension from another is some quality or
circumstance wherein they disagree.

123. Now I do not find that I can perceive, imagine, or any wise frame in
my mind such an abstract idea as is here spoken of. A line or surface
which is neither black, nor white, nor blue, nor yellow, etc., nor long,
nor short, nor rough, nor smooth, nor square, nor round, etc., is
perfectly incomprehensible. This I am sure of as to myself: how far the
faculties of other men may reach they best can tell.

124. It is commonly said that the object of geometry is abstract
extension: but geometry contemplates figures: now, figure is the
termination of magnitude: but we have shown that extension in abstract
hath no finite determinate magnitude. Whence it clearly follows that it
can have no figure, and consequently is not the object of geometry. It is
indeed a tenet as well of the modern as of the ancient philosophers that
all general truths are concerning universal abstract ideas; without
which, we are told, there could be no science, no demonstration of any
general proposition in geometry. But it were no hard matter, did I think
it necessary to my present purpose, to show that propositions and
demonstrations in geometry might be universal, though they who make them
never think of abstract general ideas of triangles or circles.

125. After reiterated endeavours to apprehend the general idea a
triangle, I have found it altogether incomprehensible. And surely if
anyone were able to introduce that idea into my mind, it must be the
author of the ESSAY CONCERNING HUMAN UNDERSTANDING; he who has so far
distinguished himself from the generality of writers by the clearness
and significancy of what he says. Let us therefore see how this
celebrated author describes the general or abstract idea of a triangle.
'It must be (says he) neither oblique nor rectangular, neither
equilateral, equicrural, nor scalenum; but all and none of these at once.
In effect, it is somewhat imperfect that cannot exist; an idea, wherein
some parts of several different and inconsistent ideas are put together'
ESSAY ON HUM. UNDERSTAND. B. iv. C. 7. S.9. This is the idea which he
thinks needful for the enlargement of knowledge, which is the subject of
mathematical demonstration, and without which we could never come to know
any general proposition concerning triangles. That author acknowledges it
doth 'require some pains and skill to form this general idea of a
triangle.' IBID. But had he called to mind what he says in another place,
to wit, 'That ideas of mixed modes wherein any inconsistent ideas are put
together cannot so much as exist in the mind, i.e. be conceived.' VID. B.
iii. C. 10. S. 33. IBID. I say, had this occurred to his thoughts, it is
not improbable he would have owned it above all the pains and skill he
was master of to form the above-mentioned idea of a triangle, which is
made up of manifest, staring contradictions. That a man who laid so great
a stress on clear and determinate ideas should nevertheless talk at this
rate seems very surprising. But the wonder will lessen if it be
considered that the source whence this opinion flows is the prolific womb
which has brought forth innumerable errors and difficulties in all parts
of philosophy and in all the sciences: but this matter, taken in its full
extent, were a subject too comprehensive to be insisted on in this place.
And so much for extension in abstract.

126. Some, perhaps, may think pure space, VACUUM, or trine dimension to
be equally the object of sight and touch: but though we have a very great
propension to think the ideas of outness and space to be the immediate
object of sight, yet, if I mistake not, in the foregoing parts of this
essay that hath been clearly demonstrated to be a mere delusion, arising
from the quick and sudden suggestion of fancy, which so closely connects
the idea of distance with those of sight, that we are apt to think it is
itself a proper and immediate object of that sense till reason corrects
the mistake.

127. It having been shown that there are no abstract ideas of figure, and
that it is impossible for us by any precision of thought to frame an idea
of extension separate from all other visible and tangible qualities which
shall be common both to sight and touch: the question now remaining is,
whether the particular extensions, figures, and motions perceived by
sight be of the same kind with the particular extensions, figures, and
motions perceived by touch? In answer to which I shall venture to lay
down the following proposition: THE EXTENSION, FIGURES, AND MOTIONS
PERCEIVED BY SIGHT ARE SPECIFICALLY DISTINCT FROM THE IDEAS OF TOUCH
CALLED BY THE SAME NAMES, NOR is THERE ANY SUCH THING as ONE IDEA OR KIND
OF IDEA COMMON TO BOTH SENSES. This proposition may without much
difficulty be collected from what hath been said in several places of
this essay. But because it seems so remote from, and contrary to, the
received notions and settled opinion of mankind, I shall attempt to
demonstrate it more particularly and at large by the following arguments.

128. When upon perception of an idea I range it under this or that sort,
it is because it is perceived after the same manner, or because it has a
likeness or conformity with, or affects me in the same way as, the ideas
of the sort I rank it under. In short, it must not be entirely new, but
have something in it old and already perceived by me. It must, I say,
have so much at least in common with the ideas I have before known and
named as to make me give it the same name with them. But it has been, if
I mistake not, clearly made out that a man born blind would not at first
reception of his sight think the things he saw were of the same nature
with the objects of touch, or had anything in common with them; but that
they were a new set of ideas, perceived in a new manner, and entirely
different from all he had ever perceived before: so that he would not
call them by the same name, nor repute them to be of the same sort with
anything he had hitherto known.

129. SECONDLY, light and colours are allowed by all to constitute a son
or species entirely different from the ideas of touch: nor will any man,
I presume, say they can make themselves perceived by that sense: but
there is no other immediate object of sight besides light and colours. It
is therefore a direct consequence that there is no idea common to both
senses.

130. It is a prevailing opinion, even amongst those who have thought and
writ most accurately concerning our ideas and the ways whereby they enter
into the understanding, that something more is perceived by sight than
barely light and colours with their variations. Mr. Locke termeth sight,
'The most comprehensive of all our senses, conveying to our minds the
ideas of light and colours, which are peculiar only to that sense; and
also the far different ideas of space, figure, and motion. ESSAY ON HUMAN
UNDERSTAND. B. ii. C. 9. S. 9. Space or distance, we have shown, is not
otherwise the object of sight than of hearing. VID. sect. 46. And as for
figure and extension, I leave it to anyone that shall calmly attend to
his own clear and distinct ideas to decide whether he had any idea
intromitted immediately and properly by sight save only light and
colours: or whether it De possible for him to frame in his mind a
distinct abstract idea of visible extension or figure exclusive of all
colour: and on the other hand, whether he can conceive colour without
visible extension? For my own part, I must confess I am not able to
attain so great a nicety of abstraction: in a strict sense, I see nothing
but light and colours, with their several shades and variations. He who
beside these doth also perceive by sight ideas far different and distinct
from them hath that faculty in a degree more perfect and comprehensive
than I can pretend to. It must be owned that by the mediation of light
and colours other far different ideas are suggested to my mind: but so
they are by hearing, which beside sounds which are peculiar to that
sense, doth by their mediation suggest not only space, figure, and
motion, but also all other ideas whatsoever that can be signified by
words.

131. THIRDLY, it is, I think, an axiom universally received that
quantities of the same kind may be added together and make one entire
sum. Mathematicians add lines together: but they do not add a line to a
solid, or conceive it as making one sum with a surface: these three kinds
of quantity being thought incapable of any such mutual addition, and
consequently of being compared together in the several ways of
proportion, are by then esteemed entirely disparate and heterogeneous.
Now let anyone try in his thoughts to add a visible line or surface to a
tangible line or surface, so as to conceive them making one continued sum
or whole. He that can do this may think them homogeneous: but he that
cannot, must by the foregoing axiom think them heterogeneous. A blue and
a red line I can conceive added together into one sum and making one
continued line: but to make in my thoughts one continued line of a
visible and tangible line added together is, I find, a task far more
difficult, and even insurmountable: and I leave it to the reflexion and
experience of every particular person to determine for himself.

132. A farther confirmation of our tenet may be drawn from the solution
of Mr. Molyneux's problem, published by Mr. Locke in his ESSAY: which I
shall set down as it there lies, together with Mr. Locke's opinion of it,
'"Suppose a man born blind, and now adult, and taught by his touch to
distinguish between a cube and a sphere of the same metal, and nighly
[SIC] of the same bigness, so as to tell, when he felt one and t'other,
which is the cube and which the sphere. Suppose then the cube and sphere
placed on a table, and the blind man to be made to see: QUAERE, whether
by his sight, before he touched them, he could now distinguish and tell
which is the globe, which the cube?" To which the acute and judicious
proposer answers: "Not. For though he has obtained the experience of how
a globe, how a cube, affects his touch, yet he has not yet attained the
experience that what affects his touch so or so must affect his sight so
or so: or that a protuberant angle in the cube that pressed his hand
unequally shall appear to his eye as it doth in the cube." I agree with
this thinking gentleman, whom I am proud to call my friend, in his answer
to this his problem; and am of opinion that the blind man at first sight
would not be able with certainty to say which was the globe, which the
cube, whilst he only saw them.' (ESSAY ON HUMAN UNDERSTANDING, B. ii. C.
9. S. 8.)

133. Now, if a square surface perceived by touch be of the same sort with
a square surface perceived by sight, it is certain the blind man here
mentioned might know a square surface as soon as he saw it: it is no more
but introducing into his mind by a new inlet an idea he has been already
well acquainted with. Since, therefore, he is supposed to have known by
his touch that a cube is a body terminated by square surfaces, and that a
sphere is not terminated by square surfaces: upon the supposition that a
visible and tangible square differ only IN NUMERO it follows that he
might know, by the unerring mark of the square surfaces, which was the
cube, and which not, while he only saw them. We must therefore allow
either that visible extension and figures are specifically distinct from
tangible extension and figures, or else that the solution of this problem
given by those two thoughtful and ingenious men is wrong.

134. Much more might be laid together in proof of the proposition I have
advanced: but what has been said is, if I mistake not, sufficient to
convince anyone that shall yield a reasonable attention: and as for those
that will not be at the pains of a little thought, no multiplication of
words will ever suffice to make them understand the truth, or rightly
conceive my meaning.

135. I cannot let go the above-mentioned problem without some reflexion
on it. It hath been evident that a man blind from his birth would not, at
first sight, denominate anything he saw by the names he had been used to
appropriate to ideas of touch, VID. sect. 106. Cube, sphere, table are
words he has known applied to things perceivable by touch, but to things
perfectly intangible he never knew them applied. Those words in their
wonted application always marked out to his mind bodies or solid things
which were perceived by the resistance they gave: but there is no
solidity, no resistance or protrusion, perceived by sight. In short, the
ideas of sight are all new perceptions, to which there be no names
annexed in his mind: he cannot therefore understand what is said to him
concerning them: and to ask of the two bodies he saw placed on the table,
which was the sphere, which the cube? were to him a question downright
bantering and unintelligible; nothing he sees being able to suggest to
his thoughts the idea of body, distance, or in general of anything he had
already known.

136. It is a mistake to think the same thing affects both sight and
touch. If the same angle or square which is the object of touch be also
the object of vision, what should hinder the blind man at first sight
from knowing it? For though the manner wherein it affects the sight be
different from that wherein it affected his touch, yet, there being
beside his manner or circumstance, which is new and unknown, the angle or
figure, which is old and known, he cannot choose but discern it.

137. Visible figure and extension having been demonstrated to be of a
nature entirely different and heterogeneous from tangible figure and
extension, it remains that we inquire concerning. Now that visible motion
is not of the same sort with tangible motion seems to need no farther
proof, it being an evident corollary from what we have shown concerning
the difference there is between visible and tangible extension: but for a
more full and express proof hereof we need only observe that one who had
not yet experienced vision would not at first sight know motion. Whence
it clearly follows that motion perceivable by sight is of a sort distinct
from motion perceivable by touch. The antecedent I prove thus: by touch
he could not perceive any motion but what was up or down, to the right or
left, nearer or farther from him; besides these and their several
varieties or complications, it is impossible he should have any idea of
motion. He would not therefore think anything to be motion, or give the
name motion to any idea which he could not range under some or other of
those particular kinds thereof. But from sect. 95 it is plain that by the
mere act of vision he could not know motion upwards or downwards, to the
right or left, or in any other possible direction. From which I conclude
he would not know motion at all at first sight. As for the idea of motion
in abstract, I shall not waste paper about it, but leave it to my reader
to make the best he can of it. To me it is perfectly unintelligible.

138. The consideration of motion may furnish a new field for inquiry: but
since the manner wherein the mind apprehends by sight the motion of
tangible objects, with the various degrees thereof, may be easily
collected from what hath been said concerning the manner wherein that
sense doth suggest their various distances, magnitudes, and situations, I
shall not enlarge any farther on this subject, but proceed to consider
what may be alleged, with greatest appearance of reason, against the
proposition we have shown to be true. For where there is so much
prejudice to be encountered, a bare and naked demonstration of the truth
will scarce suffice. We must also satisfy the scruples that men may raise
in favour of their preconceived notions, show whence the mistake arises,
how it came to spread, and carefully disclose and root out those false
persuasions that an early prejudice might have implanted in the mind.

139. FIRST, therefore, it will be demanded how visible extension and
figures come to be called by the same name with tangible extension and
figures, if they are not of the same kind with them? It must be something
more than humour or accident that could occasion a custom so constant and
universal as this, which has obtained in all ages and nations of the
world, and amongst all ranks of men, the learned as well as the
illiterate.

140. To which I answer, we can no more argue a visible and tangible
square to be of the same species from their being called by the same
name, than we can that a tangible square and the monosyllable consisting
of six letters whereby it is marked are of the same species because they
are both called by the same name. It is customary to call written words
and the things they signify by the same name: for words not being
regarded in their own nature, or otherwise than as they are marks of
things, it had been superfluous, and beside the design of language, to
have given them names distinct from those of the things marked by them.
The same reason holds here also. Visible figures are the marks of
tangible figures, and from sect. 59 it is plain that in themselves they
are little regarded, or upon any other score than for their connexion
with tangible figures, which by nature they are ordained to signify. And
because this language of nature doth not vary in different ages or
nations, hence it is that in all times and places visible figures are
called by the same names as the respective tangible figures suggested by
them, and not because they are alike or of the same sort with them.

141. But, say you, surely a tangible square is liker to a visible square
than to a visible circle: it has four angles and as many sides: so also
has the visible square: but the visible circle has no such thing, being
bounded by one uniform curve without right lines or angles, which makes
it unfit to represent the tangible square but very fit to represent the
tangible circle. Whence it clearly follows that visible figures are
patterns of, or of the same species with, the respective tangible figures
represented by them: that they are like unto them, and of their own
nature fitted to represent them, as being of the same sort: and that they
are in no respect arbitrary signs, as words.

142. I answer, it must be acknowledged the visible square is fitter than
the visible circle to represent the tangible square, but then it is not
because it is liker, or more of a species with it, but because the
visible square contains in it several distinct parts, whereby to mark the
several distinct corresponding parts of a tangible square, whereas the
visible circle doth not. The square perceived by touch hath four
distinct, equal sides, so also hath it four distinct equal angles. It is
therefore necessary that the visible figure which shall be most proper to
mark it contain four distinct equal parts corresponding to the four sides
of the tangible square, as likewise four other distinct and equal parts
whereby to denote the four equal angles of the tangible square. And
accordingly we see the visible figures contain in them distinct visible
parts, answering to the distinct tangible parts of the figures signified
or suggested by them.

143. But it will not hence follow that any visible figure is like unto,
or of the same species with, its corresponding tangible figure, unless it
be also shown that not only the number but also the kind of the parts be
the same in both. To illustrate this, I observe that visible figures
represent tangible figures much after the same manner that written words
do sounds. Now, in this respect words are not arbitrary, it not being
indifferent what written word stands for any sound: but it is requisite
that each word contain in it so many distinct characters as there are
variations in the sound it stands for. Thus the single letter A is proper
to mark one simple uniform sound; and the word ADULTERY is accommodated
to represent the sound annexed to it, in the formation whereof there
being eight different collisions or modifications of the air by the
organs of speech, each of which produces a difference of sound, it was
fit the word representing it should consist of as many distinct
characters, thereby to mark each particular difference or part of the
whole sound. And yet nobody, I presume, will say the single letter a, or
the word ADULTERY, are like unto, or of the same species with, the
respective sounds by them represented. It is indeed arbitrary that, in
general, letters of any language represent sounds at all: but when that
is once agreed, it is not arbitrary what combination of letters shall
represent this or that particular sound. I leave this with the reader to
pursue, and apply it in his own thoughts.

144. It must be confessed that we are not so apt to confound other signs
with the things signified, or to think them of the same species, as we
are visible and tangible ideas. But a little consideration will show us
how this may be without our supposing them of a like nature. These signs
are constant and universal, their connexion with tangible ideas has been
learnt at our first entrance into the world; and ever since, almost every
moment of our lives, it has been occurring to our thoughts, and fastening
and striking deeper on our minds. When we observe that signs are
variable, and of human institution; when we remember there was a time
they were not connected in our minds with those things they now so
readily suggest; but that their signification was learned by the slow
steps of experience: this preserves us from confounding them. But when we
find the same signs suggest the same things all over the world; when we
know they are not of human institution, and cannot remember that we ever
learned their signification, but think that at first sight they would
have suggested to us the same things they do now: all this persuades us
they are of the same species as the things respectively represented by
them, and that it is by a natural resemblance they suggest them to our
minds.

145. Add to this that whenever we make a nice survey of any object,
successively directing the optic axis to each point thereof, there are
certain lines and figures described by the motion of the head or eye,
which being in truth perceived by feeling, do nevertheless so mix
themselves, as it were, with the ideas of sight, that we can scarce think
but they appertain to that sense. Again, the ideas of sight enter into
the mind several at once, more distinct and unmingled than is usual in
the other senses beside the touch. Sounds, for example, perceived at the
same instant, are apt to coalesce, if I may so say, into one sound: but
we can perceive at the same time great variety of visible objects, very
separate and distinct from each other. Now tangible extension being made
up of several distinct coexistent parts, we may hence gather another
reason that may dispose us to imagine a likeness or an analogy between
the immediate objects of sight and touch. But nothing, certainly, doth
more contribute to blend and confound them together than the strict and
close connexion they have with each other. We cannot open our eyes but
the ideas of distance, bodies, and tangible figures are suggested by
them. So swift and sudden and unperceived is the transition from visible
to tangible ideas that we can scarce forbear thinking them equally the
immediate object of vision.

146. The prejudice which is grounded on these, and whatever other causes
may be assigned thereof, sticks so fast that it is impossible without
obstinate striving and labour of the mind to get entirely clear of it.
But then the reluctancy we find in rejecting any opinion can be no
argument of its truth to whoever considers what has been already shown
with regard to the prejudices we entertain concerning the distance,
magnitude, and situation of objects; prejudices so familiar to our minds,
so confirmed and inveterate, as they will hardly give way to the clearest
demonstration.

147. Upon the whole, I think we may fairly conclude that the proper
objects of vision constitute an universal language of the Author of
Nature, whereby we are instructed how to regulate our actions in order to
attain those things that are necessary to the preservation and well-being
of our bodies, as also to avoid whatever may be hurtful and destructive
of them. It is by their information that we are principally guided in all
the transactions and concerns of life. And the manner wherein they
signify and mark unto us the objects which are at a distance is the same
with that of languages and signs of human appointment, which do not
suggest the things signified by any likeness or identity of nature, but
only by an habitual connexion that experience has made us to observe
between them.

148. Suppose one who had always continued blind be told by his guide that
after he has advanced so many steps he shall come to the brink of a
precipice, or be stopped by a wall; must not this to him seem very
admirable and surprizing? He cannot conceive how it is possible for
mortals to frame such predictions as these, which to him would seem as
strange and unaccountable as prophesy doth to others. Even they who are
blessed with the visive faculty may (though familiarity make it less
observed) find therein sufficient cause of admiration. The wonderful art
and contrivance wherewith it is adjusted to those ends and purposes for
which it was apparently designed, the vast extent, number, and variety of
objects that are at once with so much ease and quickness and pleasure
suggested by it: all these afford subject for much and pleasing
speculation, and may, if anything, give us some glimmering analogous
prenotion of things which are placed beyond the certain discovery and
comprehension of our present state.

149. I do not design to trouble myself with drawing corollaries from the
doctrine I have hitherto laid down. If it bears the test others may, so
far as they shall think convenient, employ their thoughts in extending it
farther, and applying it to whatever purposes it may be subservient to:
only, I cannot forbear making some inquiry concerning the object of
geometry, which the subject we have been upon doth naturally lead one to.
We have shown there is no such idea as that of extension in abstract, and
that there are two kinds of sensible extension and figures which are
entirely distinct and heterogeneous from each other. Now, it is natural
to inquire which of these is the object of geometry.

150. Some things there are which at first sight incline one to think
geometry conversant about visible extension. The constant use of the
eyes, both in the practical and speculative parts of that science, doth
very much induce us thereto. It would, without doubt, seem odd to a
mathematician to go about to convince him the diagrams he saw upon paper
were not the figures, or even the likeness of the figures, which make the
subject of the demonstration. The contrary being held an unquestionable
truth, not only by mathematicians, but also by those who apply themselves
more particularly to the study of logic; I mean, who consider the nature
of science, certainty, and demonstration: it being by them assigned as
one reason of the extraordinary clearness and evidence of geometry that
in this science the reasonings are free from those inconveniences which
attend the use of arbitrary signs, the very ideas themselves being copied
out and exposed to view upon paper. But, by the bye, how well this agrees
with what they likewise assert of abstract ideas being the object of
geometrical demonstration I leave to be considered.

151. To come to a resolution in this point we need only observe what hath
been said in sect. 59, 60, 61, where it is shown that visible extensions
in themselves are little regarded, and have no settled determinable
greatness, and that men measure altogether, by the application of
tangible extension to tangible extension. All which makes it evident that
visible extension and figures are not the object of geometry.

152. It is therefore plain that visible figure are of the same use in
geometry that words are: and the one may as well be accounted the object
of that science as the other, neither of them being otherwise concerned
therein than as they represent or suggest to the mind the particular
tangible figures connected with them. There is indeed this difference
between the signification of tangible figures by visible figures, and of
ideas by words: that whereas the latter is variable and uncertain,
depending altogether on the arbitrary appointment of men, the former is
fixed and immutably the same in all times and places. A visible square,
for instance, suggests to the mind the same tangible figure in Europe
that it doth in America. Hence it is that the voice of the Author of'
Nature which speaks to our eyes, is not liable to that misinterpretation
and ambiguity that languages of human contrivance are unavoidably subject
to.

153. Though what has been said may suffice to show what ought to be
determined with relation to the object of geometry, I shall nevertheless,
for the fuller illustration thereof, consider the case of an
intelligence, or unbodied spirit, which is supposed to see perfectly
well, i.e. to have a clear perception of the proper and immediate objects
of sight, but to have no sense of touch. Whether there be any such being
in Nature or no is beside my purpose to inquire. It sufficeth that the
supposition contains no contradiction in it. Let us now examine what
proficiency such a one may be able to make in geometry. Which speculation
will lead us more clearly to see whether the ideas of sight can possibly
be the object of that science.

154. FIRST, then, it is certain the aforesaid intelligence could have no
idea of a solid, or quantity of three dimensions, which followeth from
its not having any idea of distance. We indeed are prone to think that we
have by sight the ideas of space and solids, which ariseth from our
imagining that we do, strictly speaking, see distance and some parts of
an object at a greater distance than others; which hath been demonstrated
to be the effect of the experience we have had, what ideas of touch are
connected with such and such ideas attending vision: but the intelligence
here spoken of is supposed to have no experience of touch. He would not,
therefore, judge as we do, nor have any idea of distance, outness, or
profundity, nor consequently of space or body, either immediately or by
suggestion. Whence it is plain he can have no notion of those parts of
geometry which relate to the mensuration of solids and their convex or
concave surfaces, and contemplate the properties of lines generated by
the section of a solid. The conceiving of any part whereof is beyond the
reach of his faculties.

155. Farther, he cannot comprehend the manner wherein geometers describe
a right line or circle; the rule and compass with their use being things
of which it is impossible he should have any notion: nor is it an easier
matter for him to conceive the placing of one plane or angle on another,
in order to prove their equality: since that supposeth some idea of
distance or external space. All which makes it evident our pure
intelligence could never attain to know so much as the first elements of
plane geometry. And perhaps upon a nice inquiry it will be found he
cannot even have an idea of plane figures any more than he can of solids;
since some idea of distance is necessary to form the idea of a
geometrical plane, as will appear to whoever shall reflect a little on
it.

156. All that is properly perceived by the visive faculty amounts to no
more than colours, with their variations and different proportions of
light and shade. But the perpetual mutability and fleetingness of those
immediate objects of sight render them incapable of being managed after
the manner of geometrical figures; nor is it in any degree useful that
they should. It is true there are divers of them perceived at once, and
more of some and less of others: but accurately to compute their
magnitude and assign precise determinate proportions between things so
variable and inconstant, if we suppose it possible to be done, must yet
be a very trifling and insignificant labour.

157. I must confess men are tempted to think that flat or plane figures
are immediate objects of sight, though they acknowledge solids are not.
And this opinion is grounded on what is observed in painting, wherein (it
seems) the ideas immediately imprinted on the mind are only of planes
variously coloured, which by a sudden act of the judgment are changed
into solids. But with a little attention we shall find the planes here
mentioned as the immediate objects of sight are not visible but tangible
planes. For when we say that pictures are planes, we mean thereby that
they appear to the touch smooth and uniform. But then this smoothness and
uniformity, or, in other words, this planeness of the picture, is not
perceived immediately by vision: for it appeareth to the eye various and
multiform.

158. From all which we may conclude that planes are no more the immediate
object of sight than solids. What we strictly see are not solids, nor yet
planes variously coloured: they are only diversity of colours. And some
of these suggest to the mind solids, and other plane figures, just as
they have been experienced to be connected with the one or the other: so
that we see planes in the same way that we see solids, both being equally
suggested by the immediate objects of sight, which accordingly are
themselves denominated planes and solids. But though they are called by
the same names with the things marked by them, they are nevertheless of a
nature entirely different, as hath been demonstrated.

159. What hath been said is, if I mistake not, sufficient to decide the
question we proposed to examine, concerning the ability of a pure spirit,
such as we have described, to know GEOMETRY. It is, indeed, no easy
matter for us to enter precisely into the thoughts of such an
intelligence, because we cannot without great pains cleverly separate and
disentangle in our thoughts the proper objects of sight from those of
touch which are connected with them. This, indeed, in a complete degree
seems scarce possible to be performed: which will not seem strange to us
if we consider how hard it is for anyone to hear the words of his native
language pronounced in his ears without understanding them. Though he
endeavour to disunite the meaning from the sound, it will nevertheless
intrude into his thoughts, and he shall find it extreme difficult, if not
impossible, to put himself exactly in the posture of a foreigner that
never learned the language, so as to be affected barely with the sounds
themselves, and not perceive the signification annexed to them.

160. By this time, I suppose, it is clear that neither abstract nor
visible extension makes the object of geometry; the not discerning of
which may perhaps have created some difficulty and useless labour in
mathematics. Sure I am, that somewhat relating thereto has occurred to my
thoughts, which, though after the most anxious and repeated examination I
am forced to think it true, doth, nevertheless, seem so far out of the
common road of geometry, that I know not whether it may not be thought
presumption, if I should make it public in an age, wherein that science
hath received such mighty improvements by new methods; great part whereof,
as well as of the ancient discoveries, may perhaps lose their reputation,
and much of that ardour with which men study the abstruse and fine
geometry be abated, if what to me, and those few to whom I have imparted
it, seems evidently true, should really prove to be so.










End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision, by 
George Berkeley

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