more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
Suppose that water, qua vapour, mixes with the atmosphere. Is there any abstract metaphysical principle, other than that of atomism, which implies that water must, in any such process, retain its identity? That claim seems indefensible.
Gist of Idea
We shouldn't think some water retains its identity when it is mixed with air
Source
Henry Laycock (Words without Objects [2006], 1.2 n22)
Book Ref
Laycock,Henry: 'Words without Objects' [OUP 2006], p.29
A Reaction
It can't be right that some stuff always loses its identity in a mixture, if the mixture was in a closed vessel, and then separated again. Dispersion is what destroys the identity, not mixing.