160

G128

that there are any concepts that are, in their own nature simple. I find, as a result of observation, that those concepts which we take to be simplest are those which we think the most easily and naturally. That, I believe to be a sound induction, even if it be not a mere consequence of our unconsciously assuming the most facile conceptions to be the most simple. If there be any absolutely simple concepts, their applicability in experience, must be a priori independent of one another, since any experiential connection between two concepts that had no common ingredient would constitute a law of experience, whether it were universal or only statistical. It would, therefore, follow that,