Full Idea
Images first, the words applied to images. Finally concepts, not possible until there are words a summary of many images. When see similar images for which there is one word - this weak emotion is the common element, the foundation of the concept.
Gist of Idea
We start with images, then words, and then concepts, to which emotions attach
Source
Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1884-85 [1884], 25[168])
Book Reference
Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Fragments from 1884-85 (v 15)', ed/tr. Loeb,P.S./Tinsley,D.F. [Stanford 2022], p.49
A Reaction
Unusual to have an account of the origin of concepts in 1884. His theory entails that animals can't have concepts, but presumably they can combine images, and hence recognise things. I think he is wrong, but interestng. Mental files.