516 Colonel WiLK^ Extracts from the Akhlak e Ndseri. 



Thirdly, that it is simple, is thus demonstrated. 



Every thing that exists is either divisible or indivisible. What is 

 indivisible, we here distinguish by the name of simple ; and what is divisible, 

 by the name of compound. Now we say that the soul conceives itself to be 

 one : for though it may affirm unity and its opposite with regard to other 

 things, still it cannot apply number to itself, so as to admit of one being 

 but a part of itself. Now if the soul were divisible, by dividing the sub- 

 ject the property would necessarily be divided also ; and unity, which is 

 a property of the soul, would be divisible : which is impossible, for unity 

 is indivisible. It therefore follows that either the soul is indivisible, or 

 that it does not conceive itself to be one. Now the futility of the latter 

 being evident, the former, which was to be demonstrated (viz. its being 

 simple), is proved. 



Fourthly, To shew that it is neither matter nor material, we say al* 

 matter is compound and divisible. The proof of which is, that place a 

 material body, admitted to be such, between two other bodies which are in 

 contact with it on each side, of necessity that which touches it on one side 

 cannot touch it on the other, otherwise it would not prevent them from 

 touching each other, and therefore could not be a body between them, but 

 would be a part of those bodies. And as it is in contact at two separate 

 parts with two separate things, it must itself be capable of parts. Such 

 body being therefore compound, the qualities borne and received by it 

 must likewise be compound : for if the subject be divided, its property 

 is divided also. Of course, nothing that is matter or material can be 

 simple. Now we have shewn that the soul is simple ; ergo, the soul 

 Can neither be matter nor mateuial. 



Again : no matter can receive a new figure or impression, until that 

 which it possesses be removed. Thus a triangular body cannot become 

 quadrangular until the triangular figure be removed : and a bit of wax, 

 which has received the impression of a seal, cannot be conceived to possess 

 another impression until the former one be removed : for if any part of 

 the fornier impression still remain, they are both confused, and neither com- 

 plete ; and this may be affirmed as a constant and universal property of 

 matter. Now the nature of the soul is contrary to this : for how many 

 images so ever are impressed upon it, whether from reflection or sensation, it 

 receives them all in succession, without the necessity of removing one for 

 the reception of the other> but the whole are completely and perfectly 



