John Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding was immensely popular and by 1706 was in its fifth edition. This chapter begins with Locke's examination of the concept of innate notions. When Locke attacked the concept of innate notions or ideas, he knew that his views were in direct contradiction to the Confession, which was regarded by the Church as reflecting the beliefs of the Bible. The chapter looks at the possibility of Robert Burns having followed up his reading of Locke's Essay. Even before Burns became aware of the concept of the association of ideas, it would have been a habit to which he would have been accustomed as a poet. Burns's early resolve 'To study man, his manners and his ways' owes much to the philosophy of Locke. Locke's adventurous speculations rubbed off on Burns and encouraged him to extend his thinking, to reach out further than the mundane, to venture into previously unknown territory.