impossible, to put himself exactly in the posture of a foreigner that
never learned the language, so as to be affected barely with the sounds
themselves, and not perceive the signification annexed to them.

160. By this time, I suppose, it is clear that neither abstract nor
visible extension makes the object of geometry; the not discerning of
which may perhaps have created some difficulty and useless labour in
mathematics. Sure I am, that somewhat relating thereto has occurred to my
thoughts, which, though after the most anxious and repeated examination I
am forced to think it true, doth, nevertheless, seem so far out of the
common road of geometry, that I know not whether it may not be thought
presumption, if I should make it public in an age, wherein that science
hath received such mighty improvements by new methods; great part whereof,
as well as of the ancient discoveries, may perhaps lose their reputation,
and much of that ardour with which men study the abstruse and fine
geometry be abated, if what to me, and those few to whom I have imparted
it, seems evidently true, should really prove to be so.