When from
a distance we behold great objects, the particles of the intermediate air
and vapours, which are themselves unperceivable, do interrupt the rays of
light, and thereby render the appearance less strong and vivid: now,
faintness of appearance caused in this sort hath been experienced to
coexist with great magnitude. But when it is caused by the interposition
of an opaque sensible body, this circumstance alters the case, so that a
faint appearance this way caused doth not suggest greater magnitude,
because it hath not been experienced to coexist with it.
73. Faintness, as well as all other ideas or perceptions which suggest
magnitude or distance, doth it in the same way that words suggest the
notions to which they are annexed. Now, it is known a word pronounced
with certain circumstances, or in a certain context with other words,
hath not always the same import and signification that it hath when
pronounced in some other circumstances or different context of words. The
very same visible appearance as to faintness and all other respects, if
placed on high, shall not suggest the same magnitude that it would if it
were seen at an equal distance on a level with the eye. The reason
whereof is that we are rarely accustomed to view objects at a great
height; our concerns lie among things situated rather before than above
us, and accordingly our eyes are not placed on the top of our heads, but
in such a position as is most convenient for us to see distant objects
standing in our way.
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