Chap. 17.] Genius in different Perfons. 499 



(landing. But in general this delicacy is extended to 

 all the mental organs, or, to fpeak more properly, 

 perhaps, to the mind itfelf. Hence a genius for all 

 the fine arts commonly exifts inthe fame perfon, and 

 if they have applied only to one, we may reafonably 

 conclude an early bent to have determined the pre- 

 ference. 



It is allowed that a quick perception, a proper de- 

 gree of retention, and a facility in recalling its ideas, 

 are as eflential to a found judgment, as to a fine ima- 

 gination * j the great difference feems to be, that the 

 one felects and dwells upon fuch ideas as are neceffary 

 to its immediate purpofe in difcovering truth j the 

 other felects only fuch as give pleafure, and does not 

 dwell long upon any. It is probable, therefore, that 

 this is chiefly a difference in temper and difpofition. 

 Acutenefs of feeling is certainly ever connected with 

 fine parts, being in fact no-other than quick perception ; 

 but it is certain, that among men of equally acute 

 feelings, fome are lefs violent andfanguine than others, 



* The philosophic genius, according to Dr. Gerard, differs 

 from a genius for the arts, in this, that the former is chiefly em- 

 ployed upon the relations of effects and caufes, and the latter is 

 attracted by the relation of refemblance, confequently the one 

 dwells on a few principles, the other purfues-every light and fan- 

 ciful affociation. 



" The philofopher defcribes minutely all the appearances .of 

 his object; his defign requires it; every one of them involves fome 

 truth; inattention to any, one of them may prevent the difcovery 

 of truth, or occafion error ; thole of them which feem leaft finking 1 , 

 often lead moft direftly to truth, or lead to the moft important 

 truths. A poet, on the contrary, would overlook by far the greateft 

 part of thefe appearances ; they are unfit to pleafe, and for that 

 reafon attraft no mare of attention : he fixes on a few that are 

 moft (hiking, and labours to fet thefe in 2 ftriking light." Ger. 

 *n Gen. gt. 3. f. i. 



K k 2 I can 



