The thing we have to consider to-day is this: seeing that there certainly are words of which the meaning is
abstract, and seeing that we can use these words intelligently, what must be assumed or inferred, or what can be discovered by observation, in the way of mental content to account for the intelligent use of
abstract words?
This
Abstract, which I now publish, must necessarily be imperfect.
The vague pretensions of an
abstract expression acted on him with all the force of a prejudice.
The mind naked and
abstract has no other certainty but the conviction of its own existence.
"Send me the number, with the
abstract of the case.
At last comes the era of reflection, when we not only observe, but take pains to observe; when we of set purpose sit down to consider an
abstract truth; when we keep the mind's eye open whilst we converse, whilst we read, whilst we act, intent to learn the secret law of some class of facts.
`Hop o' my Thumb,' and he has been making
abstracts ever since.
Miss Miggs remarked, and very justly, as an
abstract sentiment which happened to occur to her at the moment, that she dared to say the locksmith and his wife would murmur, and repine, if they were ever, by forcible abduction, or otherwise, to lose their child; but that we seldom knew, in this world, what was best for us: such being our sinful and imperfect natures, that very few arrived at that clear understanding.
Faults in the
abstract are each and all so uninviting, not to say alarming, but, associated with certain eyes and hair and tender little gowns, it is curious how they lose their terrors; and, as with vice in the poet's image, we end by embracing what we began by dreading.
Seat thyself sultanically among the moons of Saturn, and take high
abstracted man alone; and he seems a wonder, a grandeur, and a woe.
Conway spoke of this agreement, I met him one day, walking slowly down Montgomery street, apparently, from his
abstracted air, in deep thought.
He did his duty, but he did it with an
abstracted mind.