A Treatise of Human Nature

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BOOK I PART IV


as a fig, and its particular taste, it is certain that
upon reflection we must observe this union
something altogether unintelligible and contra-
dictory. For should we ask ourselves one obvi-
ous question, viz. if the taste, which we con-
ceive to be contained in the circumference of
the body, is in every part of it or in one only,
we must quickly find ourselves at a loss, and
perceive the impossibility of ever giving a sat-
isfactory answer. We cannot rely, that it is only
in one part: For experience convinces us, that
every part has the same relish. We can as little
reply, that it exists in every part: For then we
must suppose it figured and extended; which
is absurd and incomprehensible. Here then we
are influenced by two principles directly con-
trary to each other, viz. that inclination of our
fancy by which we are determined to incor-
porate the taste with the extended object, and

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