It is nevertheless certain,
the ideas intromitted by each sense are widely different and distinct
from each other; but having been observed constantly to go together, they
are spoken of as one and the same thing. By the variation of the noise I
perceive the different distances of the coach, and know that it
approaches before I look out. Thus by the ear I perceive distance, just
after the same manner as I do by the eye.
47. I do not nevertheless say I hear distance in like manner as I say
that I see it, the ideas perceived by hearing not being so apt to be
confounded with the ideas of touch as those of sight are. So likewise a
man is easily convinced that bodies and external things are not properly
the object of hearing; but only sounds, by the mediation whereof the idea
of this or that body or distance is suggested to his thoughts. But then
one is with more difficulty brought to discern the difference there is
betwixt the ideas of sight and touch: though it be certain a man no more
sees and feels the same thing than he hears and feels the same thing.
48. One reason of which seems to be this. It is thought a great absurdity
to imagine that one and the same thing should have any more than one
extension, and one figure. But the extension and figure of a body, being
let into the mind two ways, and that indifferently either by sight or
touch, it seems to follow that we see the same extension and the same
figure which we feel.
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