(M200) ’Tis evident yt wn the solitary man should be taught to speak, the words would give him no other new ideas (save only the sounds, and complex ideas which, tho’ unknown before, may be signified by language) beside wt he had before. If he had not, could not have, an abstract idea before, he cannot have it after he is taught to speak. (M201) “Homo est homo,” &c. comes at last to Petrus est Petrus, &c. Now, if these identical propositions are sought after in the mind, they will not be found. There are no identical mental propositions. ’Tis all about sounds and terms. (M202) Hence we see the doctrine of certainty by ideas, and proving by intermediate ideas, comes to nothing(152). (M203) We may have certainty & knowledge without ideas, i.e. without other ideas than the words, and their standing for one idea, i.e. their being to be used indifferently. (M204) It seems to me that we have no certainty about ideas, but only about words. ’Tis improper to say, I am certain I see, I feel, &c. There are no mental propositions form’d answering to these words, & in simple perception ’tis allowed by all there is no affirmation or negation, and consequently no certainty(153). (M205) The reason why we can demonstrate so well about signs is, that they are perfectly arbitrary & in our power—made at pleasure. (M206) The obscure ambiguous term _relation_, which is said to be the largest field of knowledge, confounds us, deceives us. (M207) Let any man shew me a demonstration, not verbal, that does not depend on some false principle; or at best on some principle of nature, which is ye effect of God’s will, and we know not how soon it may be changed. (M208) Qu. What becomes of the _æternæ veritates_? Ans. They vanish(154). (M209) But, say you, I find it difficult to look beneath the words and uncover my ideas. Say I, Use will make it easy. In the sequel of my Book the cause of this difficulty shall be more clearly made out. (M210) To view the deformity of error we need onely undress it. (M211) “Cogito ergo sum.” Tautology. No mental proposition answering thereto. (M212) Knowledge, or certainty, or perception of agreement of ideas—as to identity and diversity, and real existence, vanisheth; of relation, becometh merely nominal; of co-existence, remaineth. Locke thought in this latter our knowledge was little or nothing. Whereas in this only real knowledge seemeth to be found(155). (M213) We must wth the mob place certainty in the senses(156). ’Tis a man’s duty, ’tis the fruit of friendship, to speak well of his friend. Wonder not therefore that I do wt I do. (M214) A man of slow parts may overtake truth, &c. Introd. Even my shortsightedness might perhaps be aiding to me in this matter—’twill make me bring the object nearer to my thoughts. A purblind person, &c. Introd.