1749. But whenever there is an equilibrium of these with others, they can then perform a use, as the skin does to the interiors, for man learns interior things by means of exterior yet so that the Lord insinuates into externals those things which conduce [to use]. To institute an analogy: the skin serves not only as a medium for excreting foulnesses, but also for the insinuation of such things as serve for the nourishing of the interior. The skin, however, is disposed [for this function] by the interior life, and the inspirations through externals are made according to the affections of the interiors. - 1748, March 27.