PART I. OF TASTE. 29 



Truth, or Nature. — The first thing perceived by the mind 

 in any object, on its being presented, is its truth or falsehood, 

 or in other words its congeniality. We instantly perceive this 

 in the general form and parts of animals ; and when we find the 

 leaf of a tree, or the ear of a. horse, not similar to those of its 

 kind, we instantly pronounce it to be false or monstrous. The 

 same thing applies to all the qualities of matter. A river of a red 

 colour, or a bar of iron destitute of its usual gravity, or a horse 

 with only one ear, are all monstrous productions, though in 

 different degrees. Custom gives an air of truth or nature to 

 certain objects, the want of which often produces disagreeable 

 emotions ; as in no case is more powerfully illustrated than in 

 the dress of nations, either compared with each other, or among 

 themselves, or even of the sexes in the same nation. 



Utility. — This term is applicable to any union of the qua- 

 lities of matter that is made with a view of satisfying, either 

 directly or indirectly, the corporeal wants of mankind. Most 

 implements of the useful arts please principally on this ac- 

 count. Utility is best perceived when accompanied with sim- 

 plicity ; as in the spade or plough-; and least perceived when 

 joined with complexity, which requires the assistance of reason, 

 as in spinning or cotton machinery. An object with no other 

 quality or property to recommend it than its use, is still pleas- 



