mathematicians to be infinitely less than any real part of
extension； and yet nothing appears more certain to reason；
than that an infinite number of them composes an infinite
extension。 How much more an infinite number of those
infinitely small parts of extension； which are still
supposed infinitely divisible。
＇39＇I/T seems to be not impossible to avoid these
absurdities and contradictions； if it be admitted； that
there is no such thing as abstract or general ideas；
properly speaking； but that all general ideas are； in
reality； particular ones； attached to a general term； which
recalls； upon occasion； other particular ones； that
resemble； in certain circumstances； the idea； present to the
mind。 Thus when the term Horse is pronounced； we immediately
figure to ourselves the idea of a black or a white animal；
of a particular size or figure： But as that term is also
usually applied to animals of other colours； figures and
sizes； these ideas； though not actually present to the
imagination； are easily recalled； and our reasoning and
conclusion proceed in the same way； as if they were actually
present。 If this be admitted （as seems reasonable） it
follows that all the ideas of quantity； upon which
mathematicians reason； are nothing but particular； and such
as are suggested by the senses and imagination； and
consequently； cannot be infinitely divisible。 It is
sufficient to have dropped this hint at present； without
prosecuting it any farther。 It certainly concerns all lovers
of science not to expose themselves to the ridicule and
contempt of the ignorant by their conclusions； and this
seems the readiest solution of these difficulties。
＇40＇T/HAT impious maxim of the ancient philosophy； ； ； by which the creation of matter was
excluded； ceases to be a maxim； according to this
philosophy。 Not only the will of the supreme Being may
create matter； but； for aught； we know ； the will
of any other being might create it； or any other cause； that
the most whimsical imagination can assign。
The End