LIFE OF BACON. 



6th. From the percussion of the body being too powerful 

 for the sense, as in looking at the mid-day sun ; 

 which is remedied by removing the object from the 

 sense ; or by diminishing its force by the interpo 

 sition of a medium, as smoking tobacco through 

 water ; or by reflection, as the sun s rays in a 

 mirror or basin of water : and 



7th. Because the sense is pre-occupied by another object, 

 as by the use of perfumes. 



Idols. The defects of the judgment he investigates in a more 



laborious inquiry. &quot; There are,&quot; he says, &quot; certain predis 

 positions which beset the mind of man; certain idols 

 which are constantly operating upon the mind and warping 

 it from the truth ; for the mind of man, drawn over and 

 clouded with the sable pavilion of the body, is so far from 

 being like a smooth equal and clear glass, which might 

 sincerely take and reflect the beams of things according to 

 their true incidence, that it is rather like an enchanted 

 glass, full of superstitions, apparitions, and impostures; 

 which idols are of such a pernicious nature, that, if they 

 once take root in the mind, they will so possess it that 

 truth can hardly find entrance ; and, even should it enter, 

 they will again rise up, choke, and destroy it.&quot; () 

 Division of These idols are of two sorts: 1st, common to all men, 

 Idols. therefore called Idols of the Tribe, including the defects of 

 words, called Idols of the Market ; 2nd, peculiar to pecu 

 liar individuals, either from their original conformation, or 

 from their education and pursuits in life, called Idols of 





(a) Locke on the conduct of the Understanding says, &quot; Men do not look 

 through glasses which represent images in their true forms and colours ; 

 for they put coloured spectacles before their eyes, and look on things 

 through false glasses, and then think themselves excused in following the 

 false appearances which they themselves put upon them.&quot; 



