What this nature is, I am not able here to explain, nor is it necessary for the proof of what I advance, that I should do so.

I will only say generally, that in proportion as any given body is more fitted than others for doing many actions or receiving many impressions at once, so also is the mind, of which it is the object, more fitted than others for forming many simultaneous perceptions; and the more the actions of the body depend on itself alone, and the fewer other bodies concur with it in action, the more fitted is the mind of which it is the object for distinct comprehension.

We may thus recognize the superiority of one mind over others, and may further see the cause, why we have only a very confused knowledge of our body, and also many kindred questions, which I will, in the following propositions, deduce from what has been advanced.

Wherefore I have thought it worth while to explain and prove more strictly my present statements.

In order to do so, I must premise a few propositions concerning the nature of bodies.
AXIOM I.