On Geuins. 391 
primary impressions on the senses, which are 
the origin of our associations, and which are 
accompanied by a lively sense of pleasure 
and pain. Where this pleasurable or pain- 
ful sensation is most acute, the impression 
sinks deepest and leaves the most vivid traces 
on the memory. Every thing associated 
with that primary impression, every thing 
which it suggests, or by which itis suggested, 
excites an emotion strong in proportion. 
All impressions being strongly marked are 
distinctly recollected, and occur to the mind, 
in various classes of association, as strikingly 
pleasurable or painful. They do not float 
dinily and cloudily through the brain ; which 
would be the case, if no emotion were con- 
nected with them: but, if I may use an 
image to express my meaning, they are like 
so many luminous points, between which, as 
they pass before the mind, from the distinct- 
ness with which they are beheld, and the 
strong interest they excite, associations are 
quickly, variously and extensively formed. 
Let us suppose an individual, a painter or 
sculptor if you please, to have acquired, from 
whatever cause, an exquisite sense of beauty 
in the human form. ‘The features, limbs and 
attitudes, which have struck him in the 
course of his observations as most perfect and 
