Perception

s. (perceptio, Lat.) The power of perceiving; knowledge; consciousne (Bentley). 2. The act of perceiv= ing; observation. 3. Notion; idea (Hale). 4. The state of being affected by something (Bacon). ® PERCEPTION is a word which cannot but be well understood, though it is difficult for the lexicographer to give any explanation of It has been called the first and. most simple act of the mind by which it is conscious of its own ideas. ‘This definition, however, is improper, as it confounds perception with cons sciousne ; although the objects of the former faculty are things without us, those of the latter - the energies of our own minds, FRerception is that power or faculty by which, through the medium of the senses, we have the cognizance of objects distinct and apart from ourselves, and, Iearn that we are but a-small part in the system of nature.” 201