Uniformity should, perhaps, be added as another source of absolute beauty (when it appears in one single object.) I do not know any other reasou, but that it renders the whole more easily comprehended. It seems that nature herself considers it as beauty, as the external parts of the human frame are made uniform to please the sight; which is rarely the case of the internal, that are not seen.

Hutchinson determines absolute beauty to depend on this and on variety, and says it is in a compound ratio of both. Thus an octagon excels a square, and a square a figure of unequal sides; but carry variety to an extreme, and it loses its effect. For instance, multiply the number of angles, till the mind loses the uniformity of parts, and the figure is less pleasing; or, as it approaches nearer to a round, it may be said to be robbed of its variety.

But, amidst all these eulogiums of variety, it is proper to observe, that novelty sometimes requires a little abatement: I mean, that some degree of familiarity introduces a discovery of relative beauty, more than adequate to the bloom of novelty: this is, now and then, obvious in the features of a face, the air of some tunes, and the flavour of some dishes. In short, it requires some familiarity to become acquainted with the relation that parts bear unto the whole, or one object to another.

Variety, in the same object, where the beauty does not depend on imitation (which is the case in foliage, bustos, basso-relievos, painting), requires uniformity. For instance, an octagon is much more beautiful than a figure of unequal sides, which is at once various and disagreeable.

VI. The Hermit (in the manner of Cambray)
VII. On Distinctions, Orders, and Dignities
VIII. On the same subject.

IX. A Character

X. On Reserve.-A Fragment

XI. On External Figure

XII. A Character.

XIII. An Opinion of Ghosts.

XIV. On Cards.-A Fragment

XV. On Hypocrisy

XVI. On Vanity

XVII. An Adventure

XVIII. On Modesty and Impudence

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XIX. The History of Don Pedro ⚫
XX. Upon Envy. To a Friend, R. G.
XXI. A Vision.

XXII. Unconnected Thoughts on Gardening
XXIII. On Politics

XXIV. Egotisms, from my own Sensations.
XXV. On Dress

XXVI. On Writing and Books

XXVII. Books, &c.

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109

. 128

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