CHAP. VII.

Of particles.
Secr.
i Particles connect parts, or whole

sentences together.
2 In them consists the art of well

speaking
3, 4 They show what relation the

mind gives to its own thoughts.
5 Instance in but.
6 This matter but lightly touched
here.

CHAP. VII.
Of abstract and concrete terms.
Sect.
1 Abstract terms not predicable one

of ano ther, and why.
2 They show the difference of our
ideas.

CHAP. IX.
Of the imperfection of words.
Sect.
1 Words are used for recording and

communicating our thoughts.
2 Any words will serve for record-

ing
3 Communication by words, civil or

philosophical.
4 The imperfection of words, is the

doubtfulness of their signification.
5 Causes of their imperfection.
6 The names of mixed modes doubt-

ful: First, Because the ideas they

stand for are so complex.
7 Secondly, Because they have no

standards.
8 Propriety not a sufficient remedy.
9 The way of learning these names

contributes also to their doubtful.

ness.
10 Hence unavoidable obscurity in an-

cient authors.
!1 Names of substances of doubtful sig-

nification.
12 Names of substances referred. First,

to real essences that cannot be

known.
13, 14 Secondly, To co-existing quali-

ties, which are known but imper-
fearly.

CHAP. X.

Of the abuse of words.
Sect.
1 Abuse of words,
2, 3 .First, Words without any, or

without clear ideas.
4 Occasioned by learning names be-

fore the ideas they belong to.
5 Secondly, Unsteady application of

them.
6 Thirdly, Affected obscurity by

wrong application.
7 Logic and dispute has much con-

tributed to this,
8 Calling it subtilty.
9 This learning very little benefits

society.
10 But destroys the instruments of

knowledge and communication.
11 As useful as to confound the found

of the letters.
12 This art has perplexed religion and

justice.
13 And ought not to pass for learn-

ing.
14 Fourthly, Taking them for things.
15 Instance in matter.
16 This makes errors lasting.
17 Fifthiy, Setting them for what they

cannot signify.
18 V. g. putting them for the real ef- ·

sences of substances.
19 Hence we think every change of