"By an idea, then, I mean that image or picture which is formed in the mind, of any thing which we have seen, or even heard talk of; for the mind is so adroit and ready at this kind of painting, that a town, for instance, is no sooner mentioned, but the imagination shapes it into form, and presents it to the memory."
— Telescope, Tom [pseud.]
Author
Work Title
Place of Publication
Printed for John Newbery
Publisher
London
Date
1761
Metaphor
"By an idea, then, I mean that image or picture which is formed in the mind, of any thing which we have seen, or even heard talk of; for the mind is so adroit and ready at this kind of painting, that a town, for instance, is no sooner mentioned, but the imagination shapes it into form, and presents it to the memory."
Metaphor in Context
Before you proceed further, says the Countess of Twylight, you should, I think, explain to the company what is meant by the term idea. That, I apprehend, is sufficiently explained by what was said about the looking glass, says the Philosopher; but if your ladyship requires another definition, you shall have it. By an idea, then, I mean that image or picture which is formed in the mind, of any thing which we have seen, or even heard talk of; for the mind is so adroit and ready at this kind of painting, that a town, for instance, is no sooner mentioned, but the imagination shapes it into form, and presents it to the memory. None of this company, I presume, have ever seen Dresden; yet there is not one, perhaps, but has formed, or conceived in his mind, some idea or picture of that city. [...]
(VI, p. 102)
(VI, p. 102)
Categories
Provenance
Reading in ECCO
Citation
11 entries in ESTC (1761, 1762, 1764, 1766 ,1770, 1779, 1784, 1787, 1794, 1798).
Tom Telescope, The Newtonian System of Philosophy Adapted to the Capacities of Young Gentlemen and Ladies, and Familiarized and Made Entertaining by Objects with which They are Intimately Acquainted: Being the Substance of Six Lectures Read to the Lilliputian Society, by Tom Telescope, A.M. and Collected and Methodized for the Benefit of the Youth of these Kingdoms, by their old Friend Mr. Newbery, in St. Paul's Church Yard; Who has also added Variety of Copper-Plate Cuts, to illustrate and confirm the Doctrines Advanced. (London: Printed for J. Newbery, 1761). <Link to ECCO>
Tom Telescope, The Newtonian System of Philosophy Adapted to the Capacities of Young Gentlemen and Ladies, and Familiarized and Made Entertaining by Objects with which They are Intimately Acquainted: Being the Substance of Six Lectures Read to the Lilliputian Society, by Tom Telescope, A.M. and Collected and Methodized for the Benefit of the Youth of these Kingdoms, by their old Friend Mr. Newbery, in St. Paul's Church Yard; Who has also added Variety of Copper-Plate Cuts, to illustrate and confirm the Doctrines Advanced. (London: Printed for J. Newbery, 1761). <Link to ECCO>
Date of Entry
01/24/2012
