23 



§4. 



Of the "Pleasures and Pains of Touch. 



52. The pleasures from the touch are so few that they 

 scarce need being mentioned ; even that of warmth pleases 

 only by the contrast with its antagonist, cold; that o( smooth- 

 ness is inconsiderable, though its opposite, roughness, causes 

 much uneasiness. But the pains introduced through this 

 sense, whether internal or external, are by far the most nu- 

 merous, and occasionally the most intense to which our bo- 

 dies are exposed. The qualities of the instruments that in- 

 flict or occasion pain are frequently applied metaphorically 

 to mental pains, as pungent, sharp or acute, excruciating^ 

 burning, &c. Even pleasures that are comparatively held in 

 least estimation are distinguished by terms derived from this 

 sense, as coarse, gross;* so also moral objects, as rough, rude, 

 rugged tempers or manners, in opposition to the polished and 

 delicate, j"eceive these denominations by reference to the 

 touch. 



§5. 



• By gross pleasures are meant those that appear seated in the organs of sense, as 

 those of smell, taste and touch. By refined pleasures I understand those that do not seein 

 organic, as those of vision and those transmitted by the sense of hearing. Mental plea" 

 sures, not criminal, as that of revenge, belong also to this class. 



