Qualities associated with animals.
It is probable that qualities were first conceived of by being observed in animals or natural objects.

Prior to the introduction of personal names, the individuality of human beings could neither be clearly realised nor remembered after they were dead.

But man must have perceived at an early period that certain animals were stronger or swifter than he was, or more cunning, and since the same quality was reproduced in every animal of the species, it could easily become permanently associated with the animal.

But there were no names for qualities, nor any independent conception of them apart from the animal or animals in which they were observed.

Supposing that strength and swiftness were mainly associated with the horse, as was often the case, then they would be necessarily conceived of as a part or essence of the horse and his life, not in the way we think of them, as qualities appertaining to the horse on account of the strength of his muscles and the conformation of his limbs.