"In the wildest flights of fancy, it is probable that no single idea occurs to us but such as had a connection with some other impression or idea, previously existing in the mind."
Hartley's Theory of the Human Mind, on the Principle of the Association of Ideas; with Essays Relating to the Subject of It
At least 4 entries in ECCO and ESTC (1775, 1776, 1790).<br>
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See <u>Hartley’s Theory of the Human Mind, on the Principle of the Association of Ideas; With Essays Relating to the Subject of It. By Joseph Priestley, LL. D. F. R. S.</u> (London: Printed for J. Johnson, No. 72, St. Paul’s Church-Yard, 1775). &lt;<a href="http://estc.bl.uk/T141560">Link to ESTC</a>&gt;