29 Sept. 1814

Logic

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Ch.2. Ontology

Entities classed

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In regard to the word subject {as well as the word object} one convenience is - that it may be used in the plural number. It is in contradistiction to /This word to the [...?]/ which the word field that this convenience belongs to it is the word field. For a group of numerous and comparatively small entities, the word field will not, either in the singular or in the plural, conveniently serve; but to this same purpose the word subject, if employed in the plural, is perfectly well adapted.

If beneath the imagined line of action you have need to bring to view not merely one extensive fictitious immoveable body, but a multitude of smaller moveable bodies lying on it, here comes an occasion for the use of both these terms: viz. field and subject, or subjects: the field is the extensive immoveable entity, the subjects the comparatively numerous and less extensive bodies, fixed or lying loose upon the surface of it.

In the place of the word field, as well as in place of the word subject the words subject matter may be employed: so also in the plural subject matters. But if in addition to an extensive surface you have to bring to view a group /multitude/ of smaller bodies stationed on it and if in that case instead of the word field you employ the word subject-matter, you will find that you can not commodiously after laying down your subject matter have subjects stationed on it.

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