lude that this should be the first subject under consideration,
since we always treat of the universal properties of objects before
special ones, proceeding from homogeneous to heterogeneous. This view
of the subject is supported by Ratich's important maxim, "First the
thing, and then its properties."

[8] "The infant begins to examine forms from the commencement
of his existence; for without this knowledge it is doubtful
if he could distinguish one object from another, or even be
aware of an external world. Gradually he begins to know
objects apart and to recognize them, and in time discerns
resemblances which cause him to classify them."--W. W.
Speer's _Form Lessons_.

Conrad Diehl.

On the other hand, Conrad Diehl says: "Color is the first sensation of
which an infant is capable. With the first ray of light that enters
the retina of the eye, the presence of color forces itself on the
mind.... When light is present, color is present. The first impression
which the eye receives of an object is its color; its form is revealed
by the action of light upon its surfaces. We recognize at a distance
the color of a leaf, an apple, a flower or berry, long before we are
able distinctly to make out their forms. In the absence of light,
neither the color nor the form of an object can be seen."[8]

[8] Conrad Diehl's _Elements of Ornamentation and Color_.

Herbert Spencer.

Spencer says:[9] "The earliest impressions which the mind can
assimilate are those given to it by the undecomposable sensations,
resistance, light, sound, etc. Manifestly decomposable states of
consciousness cannot exist before the states of consciousness out of
which they are composed. There can be no idea of form until some
familiarity with light in its gradations and qualities, or resistance
in its different intensities, has been acquired; for, as has long been
known, we recognize visible form by means of varieties of light, and
tangible form by means of varieties of resistance. Similarly, no
articulate sound is cognizable until the inarticulate sounds which go
to make it up have been learned. And thus must it be in every other
case."[10]

[9] _Education_, page 130.

[10] "That priority of color to form which, as already
pointed out, has a psychological basis, and in virtue of
which psychological basis arises this strong preference in
the child, should be recognized from the very
beginnin