19 Aug. 1814

Logic

4

Ch. Division

'. Synthesis and Analysis

correspond not

9

Hence it is that the denomination given to the operation by which the fictitious aggregates created by the joint powers of observation and imagination, or by the imagination alone, is, abstraction. Out of an indefinite number of peculiar marks, by which the several really existing individuals lying open to observation are distinguishable, the mind fixes upon some one or other comparatively small number, and leaving the others unnoticed, and in this way separating them from these others, makes its own use of them, applies to the purpose in question the property, or properties, thus abstracted; establishing them in the character of so many marks, whereby the thus new-formed species, and as many individuals as will ever come to be included under it, i.e. be found to exhibit marks of the same description, are made to stand distinguished, as supposed, from all other species and individuals that are, ever have been, or ever will be, in existence.

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