BOOK I PART I
while the memory is in a manner tied down in
that respect, without any power of variation.
It is evident, that the memory preserves the
original form, in which its objects were pre-
sented, and that where-ever we depart from it
in recollecting any thing, it proceeds from some
defect or imperfection in that faculty. An his-
torian may, perhaps, for the more convenient
Carrying on of his narration, relate an event be-
fore another, to which it was in fact posterior;
but then he takes notice of this disorder, if he
be exact; and by that means replaces the idea in
its due position. It is the same case in our recol-
lection of those places and persons, with which
we were formerly acquainted. The chief exer-
cise of the memory is not to preserve the sim-
ple ideas, but their order and position. In short,
this principle is supported by such a number