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"And therefore for the more probable explication of the Phenomena of the Passions which are not raised in the Rational Soul, I found myself obliged to admit her to have a Sensitive one conjoyned with her, to receive her immediate suggestions, and to actuate the body according to her soveraign will and pleasure; there being less of disparity betwixt the most thin and subtil bodies of Light and Flame (whereof many eminent Philosophers have conceived a Sensitive Soul to consist) and a substance purely Spiritual, than between a pure spirit and a gross, heavy body, as ours is."

— Charleton, Walter (1620-1707)

Author

Charleton, Walter (1620-1707)

Work Title

Natural History of the Passions

Place of Publication

London ["in the Savoy"]

Publisher

Printed by T.N. for James Magnes

Date

1674

Metaphor

"And therefore for the more probable explication of the Phenomena of the Passions which are not raised in the Rational Soul, I found myself obliged to admit her to have a Sensitive one conjoyned with her, to receive her immediate suggestions, and to actuate the body according to her soveraign will and pleasure; there being less of disparity betwixt the most thin and subtil bodies of Light and Flame (whereof many eminent Philosophers have conceived a Sensitive Soul to consist) and a substance purely Spiritual, than between a pure spirit and a gross, heavy body, as ours is."

Metaphor in Context

First, it seem'd to me unintelligible, how an Agent incorporeal, but not infinite, such as the Rational Soul by her excellent faculties and proper acts appear's to be, can act physicaly in and upon a gross and ponderous body, such as ours are, immediately or without the mediation of a third thing; which though corporeal too, may yet be of a substance so refined and subtil, as to approach somwhat neerer to the nature of a pure Spirit, than the body itself doth: and therefore for the more probable explication of the Phenomena of the Passions which are not raised in the Rational Soul, I found myself obliged to admit her to have a Sensitive one conjoyned with her, to receive her immediate suggestions, and to actuate the body according to her soveraign will and pleasure; there being less of disparity betwixt the most thin and subtil bodies of Light and Flame (whereof many eminent Philosophers have conceived a Sensitive Soul to consist) and a substance purely Spiritual, than between a pure spirit and a gross, heavy body, as ours is.
(Epistle Prefatory)