n with much greater distinctness than that I know not what part of myself which is not imaginable;although, in truth, it may seem strange to say that I know and comprehend with greater distinctnessthings whose existence appears to me doubtful, that are unknown, and do not belong to me, thanothers of whose reality I am persuaded, that are known to me, and appertain to my proper nature; in aword, than myself. But I see clearly what is the state of the case. My mind is apt to wander, and will notyet submit to be restrained within the limits of truth. Let us therefore leave the mind to itself oncemore, and, according to it every kind of liberty [permit it to consider the objects that appear to it fromwithout], in order that, having afterward withdrawn it from these gently and opportunely [ and fixed iton the consideration of its being and the properties it finds in itself], it may then be the more easilycontrolled.[ L][ F]11. Let us now accordingly consider the objects that are commonly thought to be [the most easily, andlikewise] the most distinctly known, viz, the bodies we touch and see; not, indeed, bodies in general,for these general notions are usually somewhat more confused, but one body in particular. Take, forexample, this piece of wax; it is quite fresh, having been but recently taken from the beehive; it has notyet lost the sweetness of the honey it contained; it still retains somewhat of the odor of the flowersfrom which it was gathered; its color, figure, size, are apparent ( to the sight ); it is hard, cold, easilyhandled; and sounds when struck upon with the finger. In fine, all that contributes to make a body asdistinctly known as possible, is found in the one before us. But, while I am speaking, let it be placednear the fire--what remained of the taste exhales, the smell evaporates, the color changes, its figure isdestroyed, its size increases, it becomes liquid, it grows hot, it can hardly be handled, and, althoughstruck u...
