24. The first are resemblances; the second thought to be resemblances, but are not; the third neither are nor are
thought so.
But, though the two latter sorts of qualities are powers barely, and nothing but powers, relating to
several other bodies, and resulting from the different modifications of the original qualities, yet they are generally
otherwise thought of. For the second sort, viz, the powers to produce several ideas in us, by our senses, are looked
upon as real qualities in the things thus affecting us: but the third sort are called and esteemed barely powers. v.g.
The idea of heat or light, which we receive by our eyes, or touch, from the sun, are commonly thought real
qualities existing in the sun, and something more than mere powers in it. But when we consider the sun in
reference to wax, which it melts or blanches, we look on the whiteness and softness produced in the wax, not as
qualities in the sun, but effects produced by powers in it. Whereas, if rightly considered, these qualities of light
and warmth, which are perceptions in me when I am warmed or enlightened by the sun, are no otherwise in the
sun, than the changes made in the wax, when it is blanched or melted, are in the sun. They are all of them equally
powers in the sun, depending on its primary qualities; whereby it is able, in the one case, so to alter the bulk,
figure, texture, or motion of some of the insensible parts of my eyes or hands, as thereby to produce in me the idea
of light or heat; and in the other, it is able so to alter the bulk, figure, texture, or motion of the insensible parts of
the wax, as to make them fit to produce in me the distinct ideas of white and fluid.
