ON ABSTRACT IDEAS
This essay was first published along with the second edition (1836) of An Essay on the Principles of Human Action. See Bibliographical Note, vol. VII. p. 384. The source of the essay does not appear to be known, but it very likely formed the substance of one of the Lectures which Hazlitt delivered at the Russell Institution. See ante, pp. 25, et seq. and notes. The title of one of these Lectures (III.) was ‘On Berkeley’s Principles of Human Knowledge, and on the Nature of Abstraction.’ It has not been thought necessary to give references to all the numerous passages quoted from Locke and other philosophers discussed by Hazlitt. In many cases he himself gives a sufficient reference in the text.
PAGE [1]. It is by Mr. Locke ... denied, etc. See An Essay concerning Human Understanding, II. xi. 10. ‘From the root,’ etc. Paradise Lost, V. 479–481. [6]. The Bishop of Worcester. Edward Stillingfleet (1635–1699), who published three pamphlets in reply to Locke’s Essay. For an account of the controversy see Locke’s Works (Bohn), II. 339 et seq. [7]. ‘General ideas,’ etc. Condillac, La Logique, chap. V. [8]. ‘To speak,’ etc. Ibid. [9]. ‘It is agreed on all hands,’ etc. All the passages quoted from Berkeley are from the Introduction to A Treatise concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710). [12]. ‘Abstract ideas,’ etc. Locke’s Essay, IV. vii. 9.