But though cognition is not an element of mental action, nor even in any real sense of the word an aspect of it, the distinction of cognition and conation has if properly defined a definite value.

The perceptive act is a reaction of the mind upon the object of which it is the perception.

It is more difficult to designate this form of conation on its practical side by a satisfactory name.

The interval between a cold expectation and a warm desire may be filled by expectations of varying degrees of warmth or by desires of varying degrees of coldness.

The mental act of sensation which issues in reflex movement is so simple as to defy analysis.

Curiosity begins as an act of tearing to pieces or analysis.

But unfortunately Locke treated ideas of reflection as if they were another class of objects of contemplation beside ideas of sensation.