It is
therefore evident that all those things which, in respect of each other,
would by him be thought higher or lower, must be such as were conceived
to exist without his mind, in the ambient space.
95. Whence it plainly follows that such a one, if we suppose him made to
see, would not at first sight think anything he saw was high or low,
erect or inverted; for it hath been already demonstrated in sect. 41 that
he would not think the things he perceived by sight to be at any distance
from him, or without his mind. The objects to which he had hitherto been
used to apply the terms UP and DOWN, HIGH and LOW, were such only as
affected or were some way perceived by his couch: but the proper objects
of vision make a new set of ideas, perfectly distinct and different from
the former, and which can in no sort make themselves perceived by touch.
There is, therefore, nothing at all that could induce him to think those
terms applicable to them: nor would he ever think it till such time as he
had observed their connexion with tangible objects, and the same
prejudice began to insinuate itself into his understanding, which from
their infancy had grown up in the understandings of other men.
96. To set this matter in a clearer light I shall make use of an example.
Suppose the above-mentioned blind person by his touch perceives a man to
stand erect.
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