Single Idea 12521

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 1. Powers]

Full Idea

We can never be sure that we know all the powers that are in any one body, till we have tried what changes it is fitted to give to or receive from other substances, in their several ways of application.

Gist of Idea

We can only know a thing's powers when we have combined it with many things

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.31.08)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.381


A Reaction

This must include the possibility that some combinations are never tried, in nature or by us, and so the powers remain permananently hidden. Maybe the combination of copper and element 147 produces chaffinches.