"Speaking according to natural philosophers, 'tis a clear case, that wit is a generative power, and, if we may so say, becomes pregnant, and brings forth; moreover, as Plato affirms, wants a midwife to deliver her"

— Huartes, John

Author

Huartes, John

Work Title

Treatise of the Education and Learning Proper for the Different Capacities of Youth; Founded on the Principles of Natural Philosophy

Place of Publication
London
Publisher
C. Rivington, J. Osborn, and J. Leake
Date
1734
Metaphor
"Speaking according to natural philosophers, 'tis a clear case, that wit is a generative power, and, if we may so say, becomes pregnant, and brings forth; moreover, as Plato affirms, wants a midwife to deliver her"
Metaphor in Context
The word ingenium in Latin, which signifies wit, is derived from one of these three words, gigno, genero, ingenero, as much as to say ingender. [....] Speaking according to natural philosophers, 'tis a clear case, that wit is a generative power, and, if we may so say, becomes pregnant, and brings forth; moreover, as Plato affirms, wants a midwife to deliver her.
Categories
Body::Pregnancy and Birth
Provenance
Reading Janet E. Aikins "Pamela's Use of Locke's Words." SECC Vol. 25 (p. 88-9)
Date of Entry
07/06/2005

The Mind is a Metaphor is authored by Brad Pasanek, Assistant Professor of English, University of Virginia.