BOOK I PART IV
we naturally imagine, that we feel the solidity
of bodies, and need but touch any object in or-
der to perceive this quality. But this method of
thinking is more popular than philosophical; as
will appear from the following reflections.
First, It is easy to observe, that though bodies
are felt by means of their solidity, yet the feel-
ing is a quite different thing from the solidity;
and that they have not the least resemblance to
each other. A man, who has the palsey in one
hand, has as perfect an idea of impenetrability,
when he observes that hand to be supported by
the table, as when he feels the same table with
the other hand. An object, that presses upon
any of our members, meets with resistance; and
that resistance, by the motion it gives to the
nerves and animal spirits, conveys a certain
sensation to the mind; but it does not follow,