CHAPTER XIII.
Note 1, p. 192. The Touch is made sensible...and hence its name, &c.] The text refers to etymology to shew, that as, in all times, it had been noticed that the impression upon other senses is different from that upon Touch, it had hence obtained its appellation ἁφή, which, being derived from ἅπτω, (to fasten or bind,) signifies fastening or binding, and so (by touching,) immediate contact; as contact is necessary for the sensation of Touch. This may suffice for the explanation of the term in the original, but it may not, of course, be applicable to its synonym in a modern language, since its origin may be from another idea, and, therefore, a different root.
Note 2, p. 192. And yet the other sentient organs, &c.] It had been proved analogically, that, as bodies in the water are separated by the water, (as was supposed to be proved by their extremities being wet,) so bodies in the air are separated by air, and therefore, that, as no one body is in immediate contact with another body, sensation can be effected only through a medium; and this was supposed to hold good even for the Touch. Thus, the medium, acted upon and acting in its turn, reduces
