There be also other names, called _negative_, which are notes to signify that a word is not the name of the thing in question; as these words, _nothing_, _no man_, _infinite_, _indocible_, _three want four_, and the like; which are nevertheless of use in reckoning, or in correcting of reckoning, and call to mind our past cogitations, though they be not names of any thing, because they make us refuse to admit of names not rightly used. [Sidenote: Words insignificant.] All other names are but insignificant sounds; and those of two sorts. One when they are new, and yet their meaning not explained by definition; whereof there have been abundance coined by schoolmen, and puzzled philosophers. Another, when men make a name of two names, whose significations are contradictory and inconsistent; as this name, an _incorporeal body_, or, which is all one, an _incorporeal substance_, and a great number more. For whensoever any affirmation is false, the two names of which it is composed, put together and made one, signify nothing at all. For example, if it be a false affirmation to say _a quadrangle is round_, the word _round quadrangle_ signifies nothing, but is a mere sound. So likewise, if it be false to say that virtue can be poured, or blown up and down, the words _in-poured virtue_, _inblown virtue_, are as absurd and insignificant as a _round quadrangle_. And therefore you shall hardly meet with a senseless and insignificant word, that is not made up of some Latin or Greek names. A Frenchman seldom hears our Saviour called by the name of _parole_, but by the name of _verbe_ often; yet _verbe_ and _parole_ differ no more, but that one is Latin, the other French. [Sidenote: Understanding.] When a man, upon the hearing of any speech, hath those thoughts which the words of that speech and their connexion were ordained and constituted to signify, then he is said to understand it; _understanding_ being nothing else but conception caused by speech. And therefore if speech be peculiar to man, as for aught I know it is, then is understanding peculiar to him also. And therefore of absurd and false affirmations, in case they be universal, there can be no understanding; though many think they understand then, when they do but repeat the words softly, or con them in their mind. What kinds of speeches signify the appetites, aversions, and passions of man’s mind; and of their use and abuse, I shall speak when I have spoken of the passions. [Sidenote: Inconstant names.]