Full Idea
All the demonstrations of mathematicians are the same, whether there be any square or circle existing in the world or no.
Gist of Idea
Mathematical proofs work, irrespective of whether the objects exist
Source
John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 4.04.08)
Book Reference
Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.566
A Reaction
Musgrave gives this as an early indication of the if-thenist view of mathematics.