Philosophical Letters: or, modest Reflections upon some Opinions in Natural PhilosophyNewcastle, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of
Philosophy
Philosophical Letters: or, modest Reflections upon some Opinions in Natural Philosophy
Newcastle, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of
Newcastle, William Cavendish, Duke of, 1592-1676; Philosophy
_Thirdly_, They may ask me, if sight be made in the eye, and proceeds
not from the outward object, what is the reason that we do not see
inwardly, but outwardly as from us? I answer, when we see objects
outwardly, as from us, then the sensitive motions work on the outside
of the organ, which organ being outwardly convex, causes us to see
outwardly, as from us, but in dreams we see inwardly; also the
sensitive motions do pattern out the distance together with the object:
But you will say, the body of the distance, as the air, cannot be
perceived, and yet we can perceive the distance; I answer, you could
not perceive the distance, but by such or such an object as is subject
to your sight; for you do not see the distance more then the air, or
the like rare body, that is between grosser objects; for if there were
no stars, nor planets, nor clouds, nor earth, nor water, but onely air,
you would not see any space or distance; but light being a more visible
body then air, you might figure the body of air by light, but so, as in
an extensive or dilating way; for when the mind or the rational matter
conceives any thing that hath not such an exact figure, or is not
so perceptible by our senses; then the mind uses art, and makes such
figures, which stand like to that; as for example, to express infinite
to it self, it dilates it parts without alteration, and without
limitation or circumference; Likewise, when it will conceive a constant
succession of Time, it draws out its parts into the figure of a line;
and if eternity, it figures a line without beginning, and end. But as
for Immaterial, no mind can conceive that, for it cannot put it self
into nothing, although it can dilate and rarifie it self to an higher
degree, but must stay within the circle of natural bodies, as I within
the circle of your Commands, to express my self
Madam,
_Your faithful Friend,_
_and obedient Servant._
XXI.
_MADAM,_
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