Full Idea
If we scrutinize closely what is done in counting an aggregate of things, we see the ability of the mind to relate things to things, to let a thing correspond to a thing, or to represent a thing by a thing, without which no thinking is possible.
Gist of Idea
In counting we see the human ability to relate, correspond and represent
Source
Richard Dedekind (Nature and Meaning of Numbers [1888], Pref)
Book Reference
Dedekind,Richard: 'Essays on the Theory of Numbers' [Dover 1963], p.32
A Reaction
I don't suppose it occurred to Dedekind that he was reasserting Hume's observation about the fundamental psychology of thought. Is the origin of our numerical ability of philosophical interest?