BOOK I PART II
yet these have the readiest and justest answer
to the present question. They need only reply,
that lines or surfaces are equal, when the num-
bers of points in each are equal; and that as the
proportion of the numbers varies, the propor-
tion of the lines and surfaces is also varyed. But
though this answer be just, as well as obvious;
yet I may affirm, that this standard of equal-
ity is entirely useless, and that it never is from
such a comparison we determine objects to be
equal or unequal with respect to each other. For
as the points, which enter into the composition
of any line or surface, whether perceived by
the sight or touch, are so minute and so con-
founded with each other, that it is utterly im-
possible for the mind to compute their num-
ber, such a computation will Never afford us
a standard by which we may judge of propor-
tions. No one will ever be able to determine