"Which, like a skilful artist, goes to work upon the materials furnished by the senses; comparing selecting, analysing, and abstracting; till by placing them in different points of view their fitness, relations, and dependencies are seen."

— Rotheram, John (1725–1789)


Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed by T. Saint, for J. Robson
Date
1781
Metaphor
"Which, like a skilful artist, goes to work upon the materials furnished by the senses; comparing selecting, analysing, and abstracting; till by placing them in different points of view their fitness, relations, and dependencies are seen."
Metaphor in Context
When the outward object hath made its impression, and stamped the idea, the passive organ hath then done its part, and the rest is accomplished by the presiding mind. Which, like a skilful artist, goes to work upon the materials furnished by the senses; comparing selecting, analysing, and abstracting; till by placing them in different points of view their fitness, relations, and dependencies are seen. Then the first rays of truth break in upon the mind; the principles of knowledge are established; and the powers of reason are employed. Led by the light of truths already known, new truths are daily discovered; the bounds of knowledge are gradually englarged; and the mind is all enlightened.
(pp. 54-5)
Provenance
Reading (in the British Library)
Citation
An Essay on the Distinction Between the Soul and Body of Man. By John Rotheram, M. A. Rector of Houghton-Le-Spring, Vicar of Seaham, and Chaplain to the Right Reverend John Lord Bishop of Durham. (Newcastle upon Tyne: Printed by T. Saint, for J. Robson, New Bond-Street, London, 1781). <Link to ESTC>
Date of Entry
06/22/2014

The Mind is a Metaphor is authored by Brad Pasanek, Assistant Professor of English, University of Virginia.