Let it, for the present, suffice to say, that the expression being in potentiality has not an absolute signification, for it may be understood of a boy as being qualified potentially to be a General, and also of an individual of suitable age for the office; and the term sensibility is subject to like modifications of meaning. But as the distinction between these two states of sensibility is without any special appellation, although it has been shewn that there is a distinction between them and what the distinction is, it has been found necessary to employ the terms impression and change, as if their signification were unequivocal; but, as has been said, the sentient principle is, when in potentiality, analogous to the external object when in reality.
The sentient principle, in fact, suffers impression when unlike; but, having been impressed, it is converted into like, and becomes the same as that by which the impression is made.
