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And the perception of their contrast or relation quickens and

sets in motion the mind, which is puzzled by the confused

intimations of sense, and has recourse to number in order to find

out whether the things indicated are one or more than one. Number

replies that they are two and not one, and are to be

distinguished from one another. Again, the sight beholds great

and small, but only in a confused chaos, and not until they are

distinguished does the question arise of their respective

natures; we are thus led on to the distinction between the

visible and intelligible. That was what I meant when I spoke of

stimulants to the intellect; I was thinking of the contradictions

which arise in perception. The idea of unity, for example, like

that of a finger, does not arouse thought unless involving some

conception of plurality; but when the one is also the opposite of

one, the contradiction gives rise to reflection; an example of

this is afforded by any object of sight.