MATTER is the name given to every thing which is not mind. Such seems to be the only way of defining the word ; and though the definition may appear to assume that mind is not matter, the contrary of which has been contended by the class of writers called materialists (11laTentatism), yet it does not really do so. For whatever theory may be adopted as to the nature of mind, whether it be considered as a separate principle from matter, or merely as a different manifestation of the same principle, the word mind is indifferently retained ; and our definition may consequently be at once reconciled with the materialist theory by paraphrasing it thus :—matter is the name given to the substance composing the universe, under all its different modifica tions, excepting only that one which is known by the name of mind.
Matter then is the name for that out of which all objects external to the mind are thought to be composed, the question being reserved, whether the mind is or is not composed of the same substance. What this substance is, to which the name of matter is given, we do not know, and have no means of knowing. Various speculations have been made as to its nature, and theories formed concerning the manner of its composition ; but these have no better basis than conjecture.
Other speculations have been made as to whether there is such a thing as matter or not; and some philosophers have seen iu the solid world around us nothing but a creation of the mind. [BERKELEY, in Bioa. Div.; IDEALISM.] There is no need to enter here into any of these speculations. It is sufficient to know and say that man, subject to certain affections of his 'roues, is led to assign those affections to an external cause. This external cause is that which be calls matter. What this matter is in itself ho knows not. He knows only its capability of producing in him certain affections, the ordinary affections of the five senses (sensa tions as they ore called), and those which give the ideas of extension and resistance. Thus, having already supposed something without, ho pronounces these ,to be qualities of that something ; ignorant all the while what that something is, and knowing it only as the substratum of the qualities.