The Human Figures, Etc.

The positions of the parts of the brain from which the nerves originate. For whenever the position of the limbs of our bodies changes, as these nerves are implanted, so the positions of the parts in the brain also change. This allows the mind not only to know where each part of the object is; but it can also direct its attention from there to all places that fall in such a straight line. We thus mean to explain: For example, when we blindly stretch our hand, left or right, up or down; the nerves in the hand bring about a certain change in our brain, which provides the mind with a means to know to which side our hand is turned. Indeed, the mind can extend its thoughts through the length of a stick that extends outside the limbs, just as a blind man perceives his position through that means, without having to think about his hands. In this way, the mind also becomes aware through the movement of the nerves of what side, and how we turn our head and eyes to some place of the objects.

It is also to be noted that the motions that light make at the threads of the nerves are not always equal, with the light in which the objects are also illuminated, but now more or less equal to each other; according to the height of the distance or interspacial area that is there between the eye's pupil and the object. Likewise, also the reduction of the objects, and the alternation of sides, and the manner of strong and faint in the colors (which generally show how and why the objects shrink at a great distance).

Translation Notes

der Mensch-beelden, &c.: Translated as "The Human Figures, Etc." Note that "Mensch-beelden" refers to studies or representations of human figures, an essential aspect of artistic anatomy.

Ziel: Translated here as "mind" for contemporary understanding. It pertains to the intellect or consciousness in the context of human perception and awareness.