The theory of vision vindicated and explained / edited, with annotations, by H.V.H. Cowell.

  • Berkeley, George, 1685-1753.
Date:
1860
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The theory of vision vindicated and explained / edited, with annotations, by H.V.H. Cowell. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    remark, that to inquire whether that un- known fomething be the fame in both cafes, or different, is a point foreign to Optics; name to the objects of both senses. When a rose is before our eyes, and our olfactory nerves at the same time convey to us an agreeable fragrance, this odour becomes associated in our minds Avith the rose, but Ave never speak of seeing the aroma, but of smelling the rose. “ When Miss Curteous,” says Tucker, “ entertains you Avith a lesson upon her harpsichord, both she and the instrument are causes operating to your delight, for you thank her for the favour, and may speak indifferently of hearing the one or the other : but Avhen you consider Avhat is the object of your hearing, you Avill not call it either the lady or the harpsichord, but the music.” (Light of Nature, vol. i. chap. vii. sect, i.) This quotation may serve to exemplify the laxity Avith Avhich, in ordinary con- versation, Ave transfer an object from one sense to another, and speak of hearing or smelling that object; Avhen, in strict propriety, Ave are only directly conscious of a certain sensation Avhich has become associated in our thoughts Avith something, knoAAm by some other sense, to Avhich Ave believe it stands related. With regard to outness, or the externality of things, Berkeley ought, to be consistent Avith his