3. Causes of obscurity.
The causes of obscurity, in simple ideas, seem to be either dull organs; or very slight and
transient impressions made by the objects; or else a weakness in the memory, not able to retain them as received.
For to return again to visible objects, to help us to apprehend this matter. If the organs, or faculties of perception,
like wax over-hardened with cold, will not receive the impression of the seal, from the usual impulse wont to
imprint it; or, like wax of a temper too soft, will not hold it well, when well imprinted; or else supposing the wax
of a temper fit, but the seal not applied with a sufficient force to make a clear impression: in any of these cases,
the print left by the seal will be obscure. This, I suppose, needs no application to make it plainer.
