weininger further defines elements as sensations like colors or temperatures, with characters referring to the emotional or qualitative layer through which these elements are perceived, such as novelty or expectation. > "now there is a stage in mental activity in which this sub-division of psychical phenomena cannot be made... all 'elements' at their first appearance are merged with the floating background... to follow my meaning, think of what takes place, when...one sees something in the landscape...at the moment when one does not yet know what it is." (p.96) weininger introduces the idea of an early stage in mental activity where elements and characters are not distinct, blending into a general backgroundillustrated by seeing something in the distance before identifying it. > "at this moment 'element' and 'character' are absolutely indistinguishable...so improving the original statement of avenarius." (p.96) here, he confirms that during initial perception, element and character are indistinguishable. he acknowledges petzoldts improvement on avenariuss theory, emphasizing their inseparability in this stage. > "[if] one looks at any object from a considerable distance one has at first only the vaguest impression of its outlines; and as one comes nearer lively sensations, at first lost in the general mass, are received." (p.97) weininger uses the experience of approaching an object to illustrate how perceptions start as vague impressions, gradually becoming detailed with closer observation. > "think of the first general impression of the sphenoid bone disarticulated from a skull, or of many pictures seen a little too far away. i myself have a remembrance of strong impressions from sonatas of beethoven before i knew anything of musical notes." (p.97)
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