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OF T H E
ADVANCEMENT
PROFICIENCIEO F
Learning:OR THE
PA RTITIONS
S C I EN C E S
Nine Books.
Written in Latin by the moft Eminent^ Illuftri-
ous and Famous Lord
FRANCIS BACONBiton of Vernlamy Vifcount St. /Ilban, Counfellour of Eftate
and Lord Chancellor of England,
Interpreted by Gilbert Wats,
LONDON,Printed iotThomas Williams at the Golden Ball in Ofier-
Lane , 1^74»
BIMMAJl 3.17 r.Tll'^AZ ZIJJTZ1J13^
?t;iu?0;'Ty:: "^/IA'^Tr17T^^ ^zjT.n'RO
SAGRATISSIMO DOMINO NOSTKO
C A R O L ObEi^'GRAriA, MAG. FFL'i'T AN I-J^l
FRANCE JE" ir il I B ERN li^ R E G I
;
TERR^ MARISQ. POT E N T I SSI MO
PRINCIPI: OCEANI BRITANNICI
AD dUATUOR MUNDI PLAGAS
DISPARTITI IMPERATORI: DOMINO
VIRGINIA ET VASTORUMTERRITORIORUM ADJACENTIUMET DISPERSARUM INSULARUMIN OCEANO OCCIDENTAL I.
CHRISTIANS FIDEI DEFENSORI,,
PACIS INSTAURATORI, PUB,
SECURITATIS AUCTORI
PIO FEL. AUa
[A 2] mc-m^
NEC-NON
SUB SUI NUMINIS
INFLUPNTIA AC CLIENTELA
ettOBtiS MAX. MUNDI LUMINARIBUS
PERPETUIS SAPIENTI^ FLAMMIS
CERTISS. SCIENTIARUM CYNOSURIS
UTRISQ: ANGLIC ACADEMIIS
r N F I M V S HVMILLIMVSVERULAMM INTERPRESHANC PRIMAM INSTAUR ATIONIS
MAGNiE PARTEM
D. K C. Q^
^i\
TO THE
PRINCEO F
GREAT B R I T A J N,
FRANCE and IRELAND;THE
GROWING GLORYO F A
Future Age.
HE facrifice of ray Devotions in the Dedica-
tion of thcfe Labours (excellent Priace) had
gone a more humble way of Ambition, than
through the hands of Kings and Princes,
could 1 afterwards have )uftified fuch humi-
liations. But the Tenure of this work is a Title-Royal,
Svhichno lapfe of time, nor alteration of language ran re-
verfe. In the Original entitled to a King i fo con-
tinued in the Tranflation , and (o in a dire6l line de-
fccnds upon Your Highnefs , as a part of a Royal Patri-
mony, which I durft not alienate by a lower infcription.
The Author is Sir Fraticis Bacon , a name well known mthe European World *, a learned maia , happily the
€»r'
Tothc PRINCE.
learncd'ft, that ever lived, fince the decay o£ the Grecian
and Roman Empires ; when Learning was at a high pitch5
and which rife and fell with thofe Monarchies ; for Sce-
pters and Sciences have the fame revolutions, the fame pe-
riod. In the vaft fpaces of time between thoffe and thefe
laft Ages, Philofophy hath been, as it were in aflumber,
for many centuries of years. For after the Chriftian
Faith grew up, the moft Writers betook themfelves to
Theology , and fomc miftaking the right limits of Faith
and Reafon, fell foul upon AriUotle , and other Philofo-
phers, as Patriarchs of Herefie, which were the Patrons
of Reafon. Somewhat awaked from this flumber fhe was
by the Arabian Writers, the School-Do£lors, and Spanifli
interpreters j made more afiive by the Chymick Philofoi-
phers, but never perfe£l:ly recovered until the days of this
Author, who is the firft that ever )oyn d Rational and Ex-
perimental Philofophy in a regular correfpondence i which
before was either a fubtilty of words, or a confufion of
matter. He,after he had furveyed all the Records of An-
tiquity, after the volumes of men, betook himfelf to the
ftudy of the volume of the world j and having conquer'd
whatever books pofleft (his fpacious fpirit not thus bound-.
td') fee upon the Kingdom of Nature , and carried that
vi^ory very far, and which was more than thofe vifto*
ries, himfelf being mortal , left fuch laws behind him,'
as may fuffice to fubdue the reft , if Princes encourage
men , and men be not wanting; to themfelves. This at-
tempt of his was favour'd by the Stars of his Nativi-
ty. For it was his felicity to live in the times of two
Great Patrons of Learnwf^ ^i^g JAMES, 2'our High»
tiefs
To the PR INCE,
ieff Gfaft-d-fathep of blefled memory, and Your Royal
Fatfier now Reigning ; and it was their glory that he
tired in their times ; and will be the eternal. honour of
this Nation , that the Greateft Kings and the Createft.
Philofopher met together in one age , in one Ifl^nd.
By the favour of his Prince, who well knew the value of
Learning ^d Learned men, lie was raifed to the higheft
dignities in the Civil ftate 5 and by his own happy Geni-
us , to the higheft degree in the ftate of Learning.''
which t^aV the greateft wonder of the two 3 being fuch
incompatible perfe£lions, and divided, enough to fill up
the Sphere of the greateft ablities alive. Yet with great
applaufe he aded both thefc high parts, of the greateft
Scholar, and the greateft States-man of his time; and fo
quit hinifel^ in botBr, as one and the fame Perfon, in
title and merit , became Lord Keeper of the Great Seal
of England, and of the Great Seal of Nature both at
once , which is a Myftery beyond the comprehcnfion of
his own times, and a Miracle requires a great meafure
of Faith in PofteFkyir to belkve it. This is the Author
I here prefent unto Tour Highnefs , this his work ,
which by the powerful influence of Your favoar fliall
profper, and, it may be, be quickned to the regeneration
of another Phoenix out of his A/hes , to adorn your
World : for it is only the benign afped , and irradiati-
on of Princes, that infpires the Glob of Learning, and
makes Arts and Sciences, grow up and flouridi. Heaven
blcfs ToHr Uighnejs with blcffings on the right hand, and
bit the left, and make You Heir of all the vertues of
yoirr Royal Progenitors , that the Honour of Prince^
begunr
Tothe PRINCE.
begun in them, may be continued in Your perfon j and
that a future age may be fo bleffed in You , as the pre*_
fent is in Your Royal Father, the Glory of Kiagf md their
Admiration»
YOUR HI G H NESS
Idofi humbly de'votfd
GILBERT WATS.
«F*i>V^-«M^I
FA-
FAVOURABLE
READERHE intended Apologctick, for the Jn^
ftauration of Sciences, and the jujiifl-
cation of this Author, whichjhouldhjt's
been prefix'd this tvork^^ as a preparation
thereto; is not puldiffjt. Moti'vet to this
refoltttion^ were di-vers^ whereoffowe arz
'very concerning. Apologeticks/c;r/«f/j
Anthers and fnch enterprifes are entertained rvithjealoufies,
as ifthey threatned an innovation in the fate of Learning ;
hy reverftng the judgements o/ Antiquity, andthePlacits ofthe Modern '-, and by bringing in a new Primum Mobile
,
into the IntelleSiual Globe of Sciences , to the fubverfion ofthe Arts received. But thefe are groundlefs fears, fancied
hy fttch, who either underjiand not the intention of this at-
tempt '-, or, engaged in a Profeflbry way, fnfpeSi their pro-
jit and reputation to be in danger, iffuch dcfignsfhonld tah^
effeB. Our Author protefls againUfnch daring vanities,thc^
raifing of any new Se6-,upon the ruins of Antiquity landevery where endeavours to improve the labours of Ancient
and Modern Writers,and fo muji he do who defends him,ifhe
nnderflands the bufinefs he goes about.The point is not^tonch-
ing what is already done ; nor of the Abilities of the A'^ents'-,
nor ofthe capacity of their Injiruments ; which could not be
undertaken without emulous comparifonspoth of PerfonSjA-
Sions andlhings : but the point is touchinif propagation
and advancement of Knowledges -, the improvement, andnot the confervation only of the Patrimony of our Anaflors :
and that by opening to the under/landing a different wayy
tbati hath been l^nown to former Ages ; and clearinf^ that
glafs to the letting in of a more plentiful light. The ways
and ends of thefe two knowledges (I mean ofwhat we have,
and of what we may have) thus different ; and the princi-
[B] fla.
To the Reader.
ties upon which they proceed fa di<ver$ ', both may confiji
TvithoHt contradiStions and confutations'-, or the i?i<vaftous
upon their diftinguifit rights : and fo the propagation of
Knowledge, by the ajpjiance, of the Father of Lights^^may
be pHrfued, rvitjj the refervation of the honour of Ancient
and Modern Authors^ and the Arts in itfcy which refpeSi^
ing the endtvhereto they were inftituted^ DifpHtation., Re-
dargution, and the lik? y ^^^ '^^^y condncentj and in their
way of perfeBion highly exalted. And this is the fir^
motive of deliberating the publication af my Apologetick^^
the difficulty of the bufinefs. Another is this, the times
into tphich we arefallen , are learned Times, as £'ver were
ftnce the Grecian Phihfophers, andy their feconds, the Ara-
bian Writers , which alfo through the great advantages of
the experiments of later Ages, and the dire^ions of Anti*
quity, in many particulars have out-gone their Fredeceffors ',
fo as he that dare adventure, as,fome do, to intrude unftudied
thoughts upon fo learned an Age as this is, neither reve-^
rences the age as he ought, nor wifely confults his own repu-^
tation with Pojierity. And as the Times are learned, fo^which toofrequentlyfalls out^ fomewhat confdent. Great
Wits, and which have fortified their conceptions by bool{s
andfiudy, are Urongly prepojfeji with almoji impregnible att'*
ticipatiens , and not fo eafily induced, as more inconcerned
and difengaged natures are ; toh^ow or unknow any things
that eitherJhould befarther inquired into , orjhould be for-
gotten. And much within thefe two Orbs our Apology moves\
in dijcovery of Ignorance, and of Error ; of what we h^iow
not, and of what weJhould not l^now. For certainly muchknowledge remains yet conceald^ and the way to this difcof
very is by foregoing many unprofitable fubtilties ', and by alearn d ignorance falling off from many aery jpeculatioas
to the felid fimplicity of the Ancients. Were we ta
compafs a Panegirick^ in praife of the perfeSiions of the
learning of our days , which indeed merits fuch a facrii-
jice 3 the labour were but half what it is, for laudato^
ty hymns feldom come out of feafon ', they need no
preparations , and what might be wanting in the
weight of fpeech, would be fupplied by an aptitude
to accept and believe. But in the bnftnefs in hand, the
mind
To the Reader.
mind of man, the principal fubjeSl to be wfonght npon^and her fpctnlations , both rvhich we fe admire^ are fo
immnr'd ajidblocl^t up with corrupt notions^ either from the
placits of PhilofopherSj the depra'ved Laws, of Demonflrd't/ottj orfrout inherent qualities in the general nature of nian-i
or indi't/iduate temperature ofparticulars i that nothing can
be done until thefe be con'vinced-, at leaji, JubjeBcd to ex-
amination : which is another moti've that jiays me uponthe Land. An other Reafon (which is the laji I will trou'
ble the Reader withall)is this. Time the weafnre ofall our
ABions ^ without whofe ajpfiance our beH conceptions are:
Abortive?, by the intercurrence ofother engagements (whichI might ha<ve difpencedwilhall, had 1 rightly underjiood the
ferzfile tenure offecular contraBs)hathfurpri'Zj'd me. Icon-'
ceiT/ej which I pronounce with fomepafpon , that a Scholar
for hisjiudies had been the mafler of his own hours- but hethat trafcl^s with the world JJjall fnd it othenvife. Timewhich Iprefttm'dl could command^andflay as I dd my JVatch^
hath commanded me. And theje dii/erftons were feconded
( Humane Reader ^ by a fad Accident. It fleafed Godin the heat of my attendance on this bufinefs., to tal{e away,by one of the terrors of mortality , the Stone , my dear
brother Sir Richard Scot, fer'vant to the moB eminent Lord,ihe Lord Deputy General of Ireland j belo-z/ed of his dear
Lord to the latefl minute of life j honour d with his pre--
fence to the farthefl confnes of mortality ; and there-, by
his 'Noble Piety, ddiverd up, with as much folemnity, ai
a Kingdom could confer , unto the immortality of another
World. This deadlyfhaftpafpng through hint:, fo wound-ed me y that I my felf was arri'ved withinfew paces of the^
land of darl{nefs. In his filent Marble, the befl part ofthat fmall portion of joy I had in the IVdrldj but all myhopes are entombed. This penfive cafualty fo tookjne off
from books and bufinefs , asforfome months after., I could
t-elijh no thoughts but what werefningled with the cdntem"
plations ofmortality.
Sic fugit interca fugic irrevocabile tempus.
Thefc ivere the impediments.to my A P O L O G E T I C K3
To the Reader.
ri^hicb {if rvhat is done he accepted^ Jhall he frefixf the
NOV. ORG. For of this Tranflation this is the
^rfl part ( Reader) if it pleafe thee', if it pleafe thee
not, the laji. But before I ta\e my leave , here are jome
tacite objeSiions , which I would meet half way , and
and fo weaken their approaches, leji they fall too heai'y
upon me. The firft is , touching the Divifion of the firft
book into Chapters, contrary to the mind of the Author,
and the intention of the worh^ This exception may be thus
fatisjiedy That proft is to be preferred before artificial coft"
tri'vance,' where both cannot fo conveniently be had', and to
this end, difcretion to be followed before rule. Were the
Author now alive and his vaji defigns going on, this altera"
tion had beat fomewbat bold: but the inimitable ArchiteSh
now dead ^ having perfeUed little more than the outward
Courts, asitwere^ ef his magnifcent Injiauration ', and the
wholefumm of Sciences, and the Jlock^of Arts in prefent
pojfefpon, not able to defray the charges of finijhing this Fa*
bric}\^', 1 thought ft, by compart itions and difiributions into
feveral rooms, to improve what we have, to our beU advan-
tage, fo it might he done without prejudice to the Authors
procedure, and apt coherence, which I hope it is: Having
refpeSi herein rather to accommodation than decoration; for
Houfes (^os our Authorfays) are built to live in, and not to
look on, and therefore ufe to be preferred before unifor-
mity. Another exception may be made againH the draught
of the Platform into Analitick Tables, which feemsfome-whatpedantic\, and againji that common rule, Artis eft dif-
fimulare Artem. To this I anfwer thm. Order and de-
pendance is, as it were^the foul of the World, of the Works
of Nature and Art, and that which keeps them united ,
without which all wouldfall afunder, and become like the
jirft Chaos before the produSiion of light. And of aU Me-thods that ever were, at leaU that ever came to our hands-,
our Authors is the moft natural, and mofl dependent. ForTruth, as it refleSis on us, is a congruent confortftity of the
IntelleSi to theObjeSl', and of the different faculties thereof
to the difference of things : wherefore the trueji Partition ofhumans Learning, is that^ which hath reference to humanefaculties ; when the rntelle(^ual Globe, and the Globe of
the
To the Reader.
the World, iatermix their beams afid irradiations in a di*
reSi line ofprojeBion, to the Gefieration of Sciences. Thisour Author hath perform'd to adfnirativn , and in this gonebeyond all Antiquity
^yet upon their grounds
'iwherein he
canncuer be out-gone ^ unlefs followed by Pojierity. TheAncients indeed ivere fnen of vioji profoundJpeculatioas, but
in the delivery ofthentfelz!es.,fowen>hat in'z/ol'Zf'd^ as appears
by Plorinus, Proclus, TnCmcgifius and others-, and many
of Fhtoes School rvrit Dialogue-wife^ which is no doBrinal
vpay- As for Ariftotle, his precepts touching Method (ifanyfuch book^ was written) they are periJJjt, fa^>ing 7vhcre
he fcatters fuch rules here and there, which fJjould havebeenfilcnccd, and are ftdtfo well followed by himjelf. Andfor the Metliod? ofthe Moderns ^vdiiVkU.'i andothers^by the im-
profenient <?/ German U'ritcrs^iin^air'd, they h^nit the limbs
of hjiowledge too foon ; hazte bedwarfed Sciences, and arc
become an Art (as learned Hooker expreffes it) whichteaches the way of fpeedy difcouife , and rcilralns the
mind of man, that it may not wax over- wife. T/je Ex-cellency therefore of our Anthors Partitions, induced we to
thefe delineations, for their ufe only^ who haz/e not the lea-
fure, or patience to obfer'z/e it according to the merit; that
by this Ansitomy, the junBuresayid arteriesj as it were, ofthis great body might more tfifibly appear^ Another obje-
6lion b, touching the Allegations in the Margin, contrary
io the folemn cuflom of Antiquity , and the moji of cra-z/er
Authors. For this I had thefe reafons. It pleafed our Au-thor, though he was himfelf a li'ving fountain of Know-ledge, and had a wealthy jioch^ of his own, yet to tafie ofo-
ther waters, and to borrow from Antiquity, and to acl^norv-
ledgefuch borrowings'. He thn^ naming his Authors^l thought
fit to note them. And as he was a man of a moji ele'vated
phanfte and choice conceptions -fo wa4 he in thefeleUion of his
Authors, andthe pajfages hcpleas'dto maks nfe of : and it
is worth the labour to kl7ow with whomfuch great IVits ufe
to converfe ', to point to the Mines where they dig their Ore ;
and to thepadows where they repofe at noon. And as his
feleSlion of Authors was 'very choice, fo was his application
of their fay ings^ 'z/ery curioifs ; and in aflrain beyond the
vulgar reach. Flaces out ofSieved Scu^mr^s are fo expli-
cated
To the Reader.
cated^ f(f applyed, as you may fearch all the Commenters
that are extant, and not find the iiks expofitionSjOS yonjhall
find in him. As for humane Authors he betters his borrorV'
incsfrom them j teaching the allegations out ofthem^ a fence
abo've the meaning of him that lent it him •, and which he
repairs too with double intereji for tphat he borrowed,
Thefe confiderations in'vited me to Marginal Citations. Thefe
Keafons fet apart , I cannot appro've this weak^ ambition j
and doy not without cenfure, read Modern Authors profii-^
tute to humane allegations •-, as if the Truth they deli^ver^
were to be tryed by 'voices '-, or halving loji its primiti've
Innocence , mnji be cover d with thefe jig-lea<z/es ; or as if
the Authors themfel<ves were afraid that it pjonld maks an
efrapc out of their Text, if it were not befet in the Margin
with Authorities as with a Watch. The Jaft exception is,
touching the Prefaces, and other Introdu^ions prefix'
d
this work^, that mah^ the Gates and Entriesfo wide, as they
feem to in'vite the City to run away. This is thu^ anfwerd.
It mujl be remembred that this worh^ in the Defign Was
i;eryfpaciom j and is in the performance of what is donefo
ample, that when the fecond and third Partspall be added,
(as added they will be) the Porches and Ingreffes, in the
judgement of any good ArchiteB, are proportionable enough.
And if our Authors rule hold , that every fair Fabric^
Jhonldhave three Courts ; a green Court, a fecond Court
more garniflot , and a third to tnah^e afquare with the Front y
then haveyou here this Epi^le as the mean Court^Judgements
upon this Author lining atid dead, as the middle Court ; and
the Authors own excellent Preface to confront with the wor^
itfelf. Now 1 ihou\dfay fomething touching Tranflation ;
and as it is mine. The very AHion is fomexphat obnoxious
to cenfure i being of the nature of thofe, the falling whereof
may difgrace more-^ than the carrying of it through, credit
the undertaker. But , befides the confcience of the deed
done ; for other ends I could not have i (the Author nortf
dead, and alive mihi nee injuriis ncc beneficiis notus) and
that to be a Tranflator is more than to be an Author , fome
fuch as there be i and that it is no fuch mean office, to bear
a light before ^ Lord Chancellor of England: I JJjould
f.xcufe it) were the example mine : fo, writes learned Sa-
vil
To the Reader.
I;
vll^; foy eloquent Sandys j /<j, Malvezzi's.Noble Fntcipre-
ter ; with whoffi conferred I a»t lefs than a P^aderv : So, wa-
nyable^nd eminent names cf France and Italy, and ether
'Hatioftf i Sa the Ancients offormer Ages and of ail ArgH'
inents. But if afiy he fo folemn^ fo fez>ere , and offuckprimitive tafies^ they (an away rvith no waters^ rvhich come
ftot from the fpring-hcad'-, nor endure to drittl^^of Tiber
^
that paffes through Thames ; They way give o<z/er here-, if
theyfopleafe, andproceed no farther. Thfs interpretation
was nut meantfor fuch faUidions palates, andyet., it way he^
fsr as dipingHifnng as theirs are. Now. if this ^eryaSii-
en be thm liable to exception , much more muji my perfor-
tftance be. Certainly book/ by Tfanflation commonly tal{e
tpind in the effiifion ', and for jirength fall /bort of their O-riginals; as reflexed beams are weaker than direSl : but
then it mnfi be underjlood of Originals , tndy fo. For iftf Wrirer delii/er himfelf out of his Kative Language, I
fee not rvhy a Tranflator rendring him in it, may not come
near him : and in this cafe , the Author himfelf is the In-
terpreter, ^^i/T^/;»? tranflates his own thoughts, which ori-
ginally fpeak^his mother tongue. Tet for all thisy Errors
I k^ow there are, andfame lapfes , which require a con-
nivence'iand a Reader hath this ad'vantage, that he may
flay upon one period-.as long as an Interpreter did on one page;
beftdes his peculiar Genius to fome fludied pajfages. SomeErrors (pajpng but a trafient eye upon what is done^ I fee
already ; and could note them i but I would not willingly
gratijre fome kjnd of Readers fo far. They that are fu'ditioits a^ Ingenious too (for I would have no Readers that
have not thefe two ingredients in their compofitions,though
fometimes I name hit one ^ which 1 would then, fljoidd be
predominant^ will in theirjudgementfnd them, and in their
mercy pardon them. As for Sophifts ^«r/ Satyrifts, a dege-
nerate Race of men , that fit upon the li'ues and learning
of all that write ; who refol'v'd to do nothing themfelz>es^
fii.ay with more fecurity cenfure others : and them too, whoy
as Learned Don deciphers them , forbid not books , but
inen i damning what ever fuch a name, hath, or fhall
Write : they are things below the merit of my indignation 5
cbjeBs of fcorn; which a little flighted^ and not inflamed
To the Reader.
by oppofitiony or countenanced to a reply by confutation^ xvill
within a while j of themfel'veSj extingnijh and vanijh : lil^e
fome difperfed rcz/ing winds, which without enconnter are
difpirited and dte. And it concerns we, CourteoHS Reader^
to put onfuch a confidence as this '> for being I am lih^ly to
appear in mine own perfon, as I do now in the perfon of a^
nether i to be too tender-fronted were to invite injuries, and
toproUituteftich unfeafonable modefly to abufe. He that wiU
tQ fea, muji loehy^for fome cloudy days , and to be too fcmpu-
lous or Ceremonious touching Times or Perfbns,// the banc
of bujinefs^and ofall well-meant endeavours : according to
that of Solomon, Qiii obfervat ventum non feminat , &qui conllderatnubesj nunquam metet.
TESTI-
TESTIMONIESCONSECRATED
To theMERITOF THE
INCOMPARABLE PHILOSOPHER
Sir F R A N C I S BACON,B Y
Some of the Beft-learn'd of this inftant Age.
' Lthough fetjcre Inquijitors of truth , and fuch whoby their learned Labours ftand upon publick Re-cord in the approved Archives of Eternity, may, in
an humble diftance, lay claim and title to that fa-
cred Prerogative— Ego autcm ab homitjc Tejiimoni'
um non Capto 3 ipfa enim Opera qu£ facia tefiantnr de
me 5 yet becaufc fuch Great Authors^ in their high flight, are (b
leffen'd in the air of unfrequented contemplations 3 and take fuch
unbeaten ways, as they become the wcak^ wonder of common Ca-
pacities, accuftom'd to popular opinions , and authorized Errors :
and in this admiring Ignorance, the prejudicate ohje&s of Emulation,
Envy.Jealoufies,and fuch like impotent paflions ; It feems (in a fort)
neceflary, that the way be clear'd before fuch Writers j and that
they enter the Theatre, as well with the fuffrage of voice , to gain
upon the will; as with the ftrength of Reafon, to convince the t^«-
derjlandifig.
Wherefore, not fo much for the horiour of this Author, (^though
that is intended too) as for the aid of forae anticipate Readers, not
yet manu-miffed from a fervile belief to the liberty of their ownjudgements, (fuch, I mean, as are yet under the minority of an im-
plicite faith,) I thought good to deliver this imperfeft lift of De-
fonents^ which the precipitancy of this Edition, would not permit
to fill up with fome other great Names, both of this Kingdom, and
of forreign Nations. What is wanting here to the accomplifhment
of this Catalogue^ Time, the Parent of Trutb^ (liall confuramate.
Le Sieur Maugars Counfellor and Secretary to the Ring oi France^
[C] ia
Judgements upon
in the Epiftle to his Tranflation of a Part of this Work, gives our
Author this Teftimony.
Atfton^fi rohom every one kpows that Sir Francis Bacon, hy many de-
grees off\ holds the prU rank^ , both for the vivacity of his Spirit^
eminency of his Learnings Elegancy of his fide. I have fiudied mthdiligence all his writings 5 andpefitme I may da a performance offame
merit and acceptation^ inprefentingto my Country bis Bookjofthe Ad-
vancement of Learning, a Work^ hath not ieenfeen in our Language.
This is-the hook ivhich I have caujed to pafs the Seas j not as the gold
<j/f/je Indies, to cherijh vice, and corrupt our Manners:, but as a fo-
•veraign Plant offtngular vertue, to cure the vcounds vohich ignorance
and Pedantifm have given humane Sciences.
Mr. Peirre D' Ambois. S^ de la. Magdelaine , in his juft and
elegant difcourfe upon the life of our Author;, delivers his cenfure
thus ;
Judgement and Memory never met in any man in that height and mea-
furethey met in him--, fo as in fljort time he became Mafter of all thofe
Knowledges which are learnt in Schools.
A page after j but as he ever valued himfelf, rather born for other
men, than himfelf-^ now that he could not^for want of imployment, any
longer endow the publick. rcith his Aftivc perfeftions j he was defirous
at leafi to become profitable in a Contemplative way, by his writings andby his boohj, monuments certainly meriting to find entertainment in all
the Libraries of the world-f^ nmdM^'^^ dejerve ta be ranged with the
fairefi works of Antiquity.-W.,\ '.',-.
The fame noble French-man in his Adverti(ement to our Authors
l^at. Hi/jf(?ry thus expreffes him.
For this Natural Hiftory, where the quality of Metals, the Nature ofElements^the Caufes of Generation and Corruption, the divers a&ions ofBodies one upon another, andfuch like imprejftons, arc dijcourfed with
fuch life and light, that hemayfeem to have learned his knowledge evenin the School of the Firft Man. And though herein he may be thought
to have pafi'd upon the breaches <?/Ariftotle, Pliny and Cardan, yet
notwithstanding he borrows nothingfrom them : as if he had a dejign
to make it appear, that thofe great men have notfo entirely pojjefi them-
/elves of this fubje&, but that there remains much to be difcover'd. For
my part, though it befarfrom my intention, to raife the reputation of this
Author upon the ruins of Antiquity-iyet I think, it may be avouched
upon the grounds of reafon, that in thisprefent Argument he hathfomeadvantage of them : being that the mofi of the Ancients which havewritten of things Natural, have fatisfied themfehes in reporting things,,
as the information of others hath given them intcllfgence j andconfider'
ing, that oftentimes that which is deliver d them for Hiltory, isfar
efioign'dfrom all verity •-, they have chofen rather, by reajons to confirm
the refolutions of another, than to make an exact cnqyJry, and difcover
ry thcmfelves. But Monfieur Bacon not relying upon the mecr wordand credit of fuch as went bejore him, will have Ek'periencey^^»W with
Reafon , and examines the received principles of the Schools, by the
effeHs of Nature 5 the fpeculations of the Intelledual Globe, by the
operation
The Lord V'erulam.
operations of the Corporal. By this means he hath Jo/tnd out fo manyrare fccrets, tchercof he hath bequeath'd us the invention j and via d-'.,
many axioms acknorclcdgedfor falje^ rchich hithereto havegone current
amongji rhilofophers, and have been held inviolable.
Tob. Adamiy in his Prefice to the Realis PhilofopLijj of that, excel-
lent Philolbpher Campunel/a (who lives to enjoy that Fame, whichmany eminent for their Learoing, rarely pollels after death^ fpeaks
his opinion thus.
If«? ere3 no Seci , eJlabliJJ) no Flacits of Hercjie, but endeavour to
tranfcribe univcrfal and ever-veritable Thilofophy cut of the Ancient O-
rigjmal Cop) of the IVorld : not according to variable and dijputablc fpe-
culationsj but according to the Condu&ure offenfe and irrefragable dc-
pofitions of^tbe Architect himfelf, whofe hands in works, dijjcnts net
from his VMrd in jrriting. And if the great Inftauration of the deep-
mining r,6/7t;/2'/?/jer5 Francis Bacon, Lord Verulara,Chancellor of Eng-land, a rrorliof high expectation, and mojlrvorthy, as of conjideraiion,
fo of ajfijlance, be brought to perfe&ion, it jvi II perchance appear^ that xpe
purfue thejanie ends 5 feeing ive tread the fume fcot-fieps in tracing^and,
dB it voere^ hounding nature, by Sence and Experience, d^c.
St. Tob. MathcTPs, in his Epiftle to the Duke of Florence preRxt his
Italick Tranllation o^ my Lord Bacon's Efays, amongft other Elogies
decyphers him thus.
St.hn^mjaid of his illegitimate fon, Horrori mihi eratillud inge*
mam, and truly I have known a great number whom Imuch value, ma-ny tfhom I admire, but none who hath fo aiionifit me, and, as it were,
rswfht my fenfes, tofeejo many and fo great parts, which in other menvere wont to be incompatible, united, and that in an iminent decree in
oeefole Perfon. I know not whether this truth willfind eafie belief that
there can befound a man beyond the Alpes, of a moli ready wit ; moii
faithful memory j tnojl profoundjudgementf, of a mojl rich and apt ex-
frejfion 5 univerfal in all kj»ds of k.nowledge , as in part may be fcen.
by that rare incomparable piece, the Advancement of Learning, which
future Agespall render in different languages: But be the faith of other
Nations what it will: a this point, the matter I report is Jo well under-
fiood in England, that every man knows and acknowledges as much ,
nay, hath been an c) e and ear-witne^ thereof'-, nor, if Ijliould expatiate
upon this fnbjecf,f}0uld I be held a flatterer, but rather ajuffragan to
truth.
Mr. George Sandys in his excellent Commentaries on his inimitable
Tranflation of the ftately Aletamorphofis, rendred^in an equal felicity
ofexpreffion, to the eternal dres oi'tha.t fweet-tongu'd Roman j o[ien
cites the judgement of our Author, from whofe fentence he never
appeals,but rather adores as an Oracle , and in an ingenious acknow-ledgement of aliiftance from him, thus delivers him to pofterity.
Of Modern writers I have receivd the greatest lightfrom Geraldus,
Pontanus, Ficinus, Vives, Comes, Scaliger, Sabinus, and the Crownof the later, the Vicount of St. Albans j ajfiiicd, though lef conjiantly
[fZ 2] COK^e
Judgements upon
condantly by other Authors, almon of aU Ages and Arguments. Having
en true to mj firfi purpofe, in making choice, for the woB part, ofbeen true to m) prit purpoj,:, m >»^^^r.^ y--- , j^- r... .«.., ^.,,, of
thofe interpretations, which either hear thefiamp ^/Antiquity, or re^
ctlve epmationfrom the honour of the Author.
nUrin Merfenne , An able man , but a dedar'd adverfary to our
Authors defigii (whofe Arguments I (hall encounter in my Apolo-
getickforthe Injiaur. of Sciences^ in his Book of the rerit}/ of Sci-
ences againft the Sceptickj and Pyrrhotiians, Lib.i. Cap.xvi. acknow-
ledges thus much, which coming from an Adverfary is therefore
more valid.
Verulara ,feems to have tto other intention in his New Method,
then to c^ablip the Verity of Sciences 5 wherefore you muji not anti-
cipate, as granted, that he makesfor you, or that he is of your opinion 5
he confcjjes we kpovo little, hut hefubverts not the Authority of Senfe
and of Reafon, no, he labours tofind out proper andproportionable in-
(irumenis, whereby to conduS the nnderjianding to the knowledge of
Nature and her effe&s.
The Authors Cenfure upon himfelf.
For in myjudgement, it is a matter which concerns not only the Be-
nefit of others , but our own Repetition alfo •, that no man imagine that
tve have proje^ed in our minds fome fiight fuperficial notion of thefe
Defigns j and that they are of the nature of thoje things , which we
could Defire, and which we accept only as good wifties. For they are
fuch as without quejiion, are within the power andpojfibility of men to
coMpafs, unlefs they be wanting to themfelves j and hereof, wefor our
parts, have certain and evident de>;^oMfiration 3 for we come not hither,
as Augures, to meafure Countries in our mind, for Divinations, but
as Captains, to invade them for conqueft.
Hisanfvver to fome Tacite Objeftions.
I doforefee that many of thofe things which lfi}all regifier as Defici-
ents will incur divers cenfures ^ as that fome parts of this enterprize
reere done long ago, and arc now extant--i
others, that they taHe of cu-
riofity and promife no great fruit 'y others, that they are impojjible to bt
compajjed by humane indufiries. For the two firft, let the particulars
/peak,for themfelves. For the laft touching impoffibilities , / deter-
mine thus. All thofe things are to be heldpojfibk andperformable which
may be accomplifin byfome perfon , though not by every one j and which
may be done by the united labours of many, though not by any one apart,
and which may be efie&ed in a fuccejfion of Ages, though not in thefameAge 5 and in brief, which may bcfinjfln by the care and charge of thepub-
lick-, though not by the abilities and indujiry ofprivate perfons. Iffor
all this there be any. who would rather take to himfelf that of Solomon,
Dicit Piger5Leo eft in via, than that <?/Virgil
Poffunt quia pofle videntur
it is enough for me, if my labours may be ejieemedas votes, yet the better
fort of rtnfjes : for as it asks fome knowledge to demand a Qiieftion
not impertinent j fo it requires fome underftanding, to make a vvi(h
not abfurd» Froem, lib.2. IN
The Lord Vcrulam.
"O
« vv '<
J^cs^^rW^f^evSr^^J^^cv-ic'^^r^?^!?»;^^^^^^*^^^;^^^ ± i
INHONOREM
ILLUSTRISSIMI DOMINI
FRANCISCIVERULAMIO
Vice-Comitis S""' ALBAN I:
Poft Editam ab eo I N S T A U R. MAC»
QVis ijie tandem .<? non enim vultu ambnUt^otidiano. Nefcis Ignare .<? audies :
Dux Notiounm , veritatis Pontifex ;
InduBioms Dominus 5 C^ Verulamii 5
Rcrum Magijier nnicus, at non Artiunt
:
Trofnnditatis Tinus ; atq--^ Elegantiee .•
Natur£ Arufpex intimm : Thilofophj<e
jErarinm : Sequejier Experienti£,
SpecMlationifqj ; JEquitatis Signifer :
Scientiarum fub pupiUarijiatu
Degentium olim Emancipator : luminis
Tremns : Fugator idolkm^ atq-^ Nubium ;
•CoUega SoliI : ^adra Certitudinis :
SophifmatumMaJiix : Brutus Literarius^
Authoritatii txuetif Tj/rannidem :
Ratienis d^ fenfusJlupendui Arbiter j
Repumicator A^entis : Atlas PhyfiCHSy
Alcidefuccumbente Stagiritico
:
Columba No£, qu£ in vetujiis Artibus
Nullum locum^ requiemve Cernens^ prajiitit,
Adfefuamqj Matris Arcam regredi.
Subtilitatis terebra 5 Temporis nepos
Ex veritate matre : MeUis Aheus,
Mundiii^
Judgements upon
Mufidi^'-, C^ Animarum^facerdos unicm
.
Securit Erroruf» : inq-j Natalibus
Cranumjiftapis, acre aliis, Crefcens ftbi.
me^frofe tajfum , 'juvate Pojieri.
GEOR. HERBERT Orat.Pub.
in Academ. Gantab.
MANES
MANES
VERULAMIANI:SIVE
IN O B I T LI M
INCOMPARABlLIS
FRANCISCID E
V E RV I A M 10, Sec.
E P I C E D I A.
..Q^NCLYTA Academia C ANT ABRIGIENSIS,cujusfelicitasfuitj viro adlalutem fcientiarum nato^pri'
mas iapientix mammas prstbere i ac rhilofofhum, poft
occs.^nmGx's.cix^ maximum^ orbi dare : fuperfunus A-lumni fui Lacrymas efFudir, doftas ac duraturas moefti-
tias. Ex hocintegro Mufarum fonte, raodica hxc fed facunda flu-
enta, collcgit interpres , ut quodj viventi, (eculum dederat decus,
glifcenre adhuc invidu^ , 8c morienti dcdifle couftaret, cellante nuncadulattone. Reliqua fui nominis sternitati confecranda , continu-at3 (eculorum ferie ad ultimas ufq--, mundi favillas, rependet poftcri-
tas ; Quis fupremam fuis laudibus raanum impontt , no?it tantumJifndator iUe^ ac fi/mtl everfor Seeulorur».
Adhfie
Manes Verulamiani.
Auhncfttperbis infolente purpura.
Feretri rapinis Iticlitos in tot vires
Sterile Tribunal .<" cilicio dicas diettty
SaccutHq'-, totafftfacito luxuriemfori.
A Themide libra nee geratur pen^lis,
Sed urna, pragravis urna Verulamii.
Expendat. Eheu ! Epboruf haudlancempremit,
Sed Areopagus 5 vec minor tantus fophos^
^am Porticus bracchata. Nam vefter/choice,
Gemifcit axis, tanta dum moles ruit.
Orbis fbluta cardo litterarir,
Vbi iiudio coluit togam <j^trabeam pari,
^alisper umbras Ditis Euridice vagant
Palparegejiiit Orphcum, quali Orpheus^
Saliente tandem (vix prius crifpa) Styge,
Alitefibras lyrs titillavit manu 5
Talis plicata Philologan tcnigmatis'
Petiit Baconum vindicem, tali mafiu
Laciata crijias exiulit Philofophia ,
Hut»iq--yfoccis reptitantem Comicis
Non propria Ardelionibus molimine
Sarfit, fed Inftauravit. Hinc politius
Surgit cothiirno celjiore^ (j^ OrganoStagirita Virbius revivifcit Novo.
Calpenfuperbo Abylamqj vincit remige
Thebi Columbm, artibus novis. NovumDaturm Orbem 5 promovit conamina
'juvenilis ardor, ufq'-, ad invidiam irucem
Fati minaeis. ^is Senex vel Hannibal,
Ocnlifuperiiitii timens caliginem,
Signis Suburram ventilat vi&ricibus .<=*
^ii Milo inulttfs quercubus bilem movet,
Seneda tauro gibba cum graviorpremit .«*
Dum nojier Heros traderetfcientias
jEternitati, prorfus expeditior
Sui Sepulchri comperitur artifex.
Placida videtur Ecjia^sfpeculatio,
^ta mens tueri volucris ld<£as bomIn laUeos properat Olympi tramitet.
His immoratnr fedibus Domejiica,
Teregrinapropriis. Redit. JoculariterFugax 5 vagatur rurfus, d^ rurfus redit.
Furtiva tandemferio,fefubtrahitTotam
'-y gementi, morbido cadavertSic defuejcit anima^ficjubet mori.
Agjte lugubres Mufe, d^ a Libani jugisCumulate thura^Sydus inpyram iUius
Scintilht omne 3 fceluf fi accendi rogumRegum Prometheo culinari foco.
Manes Verulamiani.
Etji ^naforte luddt in cineresfacros
Aura petuljntior^fiigamq-jjuacleat.
Tunc ficte j lacr)mii in amplexus ruent
Clobulifequaces. DenHO funcUmine
Ergajinli cverfo radiciths tui
Evehere fcclix aniffiu, Jacobiim pete,
Ojlende, & illnc, civicam 'tidcmfcqui.
E Tripodejuris^ di&ites orachla
Thcm\dos.ilnMnJr. Sic [Beati coalites)
Aftr.-ea prijiinofruatiir viftdice,
Vel cum Bacono rurfus Artra?ara dat^.
R. P.
AVdax exemplum quo Mens hf{fn<tna jeraturi' >,
Et S£cli vindex ingeniofe tui o
Dnm fcnio macros recoquiffceJiciter aries^
Sttbtrahis C^ prifco libera coUajugo j
^0 dejienda modo veniunt tnafunera .<? qnaks
Expofcunt lacrymas^ qnid fibi faiitvolnnt ^
An timttit Natitra parens ne nndajaciret, o-. .ui
Detraxif ve§icm dttm t»a dextrajacram "h: Jg,
Ignotiqj oculis reruntpatuere Recejjus,
Eugit d>" afpeCfum RimuJa nulla, tmtm i
An vero, Antiquis olim data. Sponfa Maritk^
ConJHgis amplexum refpuit ilia novi ?
An tandent damnofa piis atqj invida c^tptis^
Corripuit vit£fila (trahenda) tH£ ^ .
Sic ultra vitreum Siculus »epergeret orl/ex^ Archim.
Privati cecidit tftilitis enfe Senex.
Tuq^ tuos manes ideo (Francifce) tHliJlt,
Ne, non tentandum, perjiceretur opus.
s'^TJnt qui defun&i vivant in marntore^ (^ £vum
Annojis dredant poiiibui omnejn'tfm V" ' r. '•^^Mre micant alii, autfulvofpcQantkr in Jitifo^. \
Et, dtimfeludunt, ludere fata putanti r i\tS
Altera pars hominum, numcrosa prole fuperjiesj'^
C««Niobe magnos temnit iniquaT)&os,:'- .^ii4\v.A
At tua c<elatis h£ret nee Fama Columnis,: iuti)u\
Nee tumulo Icgitur, Sifte viator her»; V. v- r -r. w^jVI
Si qua Pairem proles referat, noncorporis illt eji/l
Sed quaft dc cerebro nata Minerva Jovis. KPrima tibi virtut montimenta perennia pr£Jiat^
Altera, nee citrus corrnitKra, LibriJ. ;i
Tertia Nobilitas , ducantjam fata triumphos,
^£ (Francifce) tui nil niji corpus habcnt,
t
:
CD] Vtraq^,
Manes Verulamiani.' •- I' ' "^ '
.n —
i
Vtraqjpars ntelior^ Mens& bona Famafuperfunt^
Hon tanti Ht redimas vile cadaver habes,
T. Vincent. T. C.
MUfxfundite nunc aquas perennes
In ThrenoT, Lacrymifq'-y Apollofnadat
^as vel Caftalium tenet Fluentum :
Nam Letho neq^ convenire tanto
Tojjint n£nia parva^ nee coronent
Imntenfa h<£c medico fepulckra gutfa .*
Nervus ingenii^ Medulla fuadx
Dicendiq^ Tagus, reconditarnnt
Et gemma pretiofa Literarum,
Fatis concidit, (hen trium Sororum
Durajiamina^ Nobilis Baconus.
O quam te memorem BicoaefummeNojiro carmine ! df' illagloriofa
CunSorum momimentafeculorum^Excufa ingenio tuo, & Minerva !
Huam doUis^ elegantibus^ profunda
^
Inftauratio Magna, plena rebus !
G^uanto lumine tineas Sophornmy
Difpellit veterum tenebricofas
Ex chaff pocreans novam otjcJjikv :
Sic ipfe Deus inditum fepulchro
Corpus reifituet manupotenti :
Ergo non moreris (Bacone) nam tc
A morte^ c^ tenebris^ C^ a fepulchro,
Inftauratio Magna vindicabit,
R. C, T. Gt
^»-
PArcite : Noffer amatfacundajilentia luHus^
Toiiquam obiitfolus dicere qui potuit
:
Dicere, quajiupeat Procerum generofa corona,
Nexaq^ijollicitisfolvere Jura reis.
Vafium opus. Atnofiras etiam Verulamius <ir/ex
Inftaurat veteres, condit df' ilk novas.
Non qua majores ; Penitos verum iUe recejjus
Naturx, audaci provocat ingenio.
ASi Ea, (ifte gradum, ferifqj ncpotibus, f/Vr^azV,)
Linquequod inventumfecla minora juvet.Sit fatis, his fefe quod nobilitata Juventis,
Jaftent ingenio tempora noftra tuo.
Et'
Manes Verulamiani.
Eft aliquid, quo mox Ventura fuperbiet xtas 5
Eft, foli notum quod decet eflc mihi
:
Sit tua laus pulchros Corpus duxifle per artuj,
Integra cui nemoreddere membra queat
;
Sic opus artificem infeftum commendat Apellenij
Cum pingit reliquam nulla manus Veflerem.
Dixit, & indulge» s c£co Natura /«ror/,
Trafccuit vit£ Filum Operifq^ftniul.
At Th, qui pendentem aiides detexere teUffi,
Solus quern condant h£C monumenta [cies.
H. T. Coll. Trin. Socius.
DVmmoriens tantam nojlrii Verularaius Heros
Triifitiam MuHsJuminaq-j vda facit :
Credimus heu tiuUHMJieripojlfata beatum,
Credimus & Samium dejipHiJfe fe^em.
Scilicet hie miferis^fcslix nequit ejje, Camsnis,
Necfe quam Mufas plus amat ijiefuas.
At lu&antem animam Clotho imperiofa coegit
Ad ccelnm, invites traxit in ajira pedes, ^%Ergone PhceheiasJacuiJfepHtabimHS artes .<?
Atq; herbas Clarii nil valuijfe Dei ?
Phoebus idem potuit, nee virtus abfuit herbis^
Hunc artem, atq-,il/as vimretinere putes :
At Phcbbum (ut meiuit ne Rexfor et ijie Cam^nis)Rivali medicam crede negdjfe manum.
Hinc dolor eji j quod cum Phosbo Verulamius HerosMajor erat reliquis, hacforet arte minor.
Vos tamen 0, tantum Manes atqi, Vmbra, Camsn^j ^
Et ptBne infernipallida turba Jovis,
Sifpiratis adhuc, (^ »on lufijiis ocellos,
Sedneq'j poji ilium vosfuperejfe putem :
Si vos ergo aliquis de morte reduxerit Orpheus^
liiaqi) non aciemfallit imago meam : >
Difcite nunc gemitus,& lamentabile carmen^
Ex ochUs vejlris lacryma multafuat.
En quam multajJuit .<? veras agnofco GamsenasEt lacrymas. Helicon vixjatis unus erit ,
Deucalionseis &• qui non merfus in undis
Pernaffus (mirum ei7} hifce Idtebit aquis.
Scilicet hie periit, per quern vosvivitis, df* qui
Multa Pierias nutriit arte Deas.
Vidit ut hie artes nulla, radice retentas,
Languere utfummo feminafparfafoloj
Crefcere Pegafeas docuit, velut Hajia Quirint
CrevitjC^ exiguo tempore Laurus erat.
C D 2 } £}-§(>
Manes Verulamiani.
Ergo Heliconiadas docuit cum crefcere divas,
Ditninumt hujuffecula nulla decus.
fJecferre ulterivs generofi pectoris ajiuf
CotJtevtftumpotuit^ Diva Minerva, tuuht,
ReSiituit calamus folitum divinui honorem^
Difpulit & nubes alter Apollo tuas.
Difpulit ^ tenebras fed quas obfufca vetujias,
Temporis €^ prifci lippafene&a tulit 5
Atqj alias methodosfacrum injiawavit acumen.^
GnofHaqj eripuit^fedfua fila dedit.
Scilicet antiquofapientum vulgm in avoTarn claros oculos nan habuijje liquet j
Hi veluti Eoo/urgent de littore Phoebus,
Hie velut in media, fulget Apollo die :
Hi veluti Typhis tentarunt aquora. primum.
At vix deferuit littora prima ratis,
Pleiadas hie Hyadafqj atq, omnia Jidera nofcensy
Syites atq-j^uos^ improba Sylla, canes 5
Scit quod vitandum eji^ quo dirigat aquore navem^
Certius C^' curfum nautica «tonjirat acta :
Infantes iUi Mufas, hie gignit adultas 5
Mortales iUi^ gignit at ifie Deas.'^ Talmam idea reliquis Magna Inftauratio libris
Abjiulit, & ceduntfqualida turbafophi,
Et vejiita novo Pallas modoprodit ami&u^Anguis depofitis ut nitet exuviis.
Sic PhcEnix crneresfpe&at modo nata paternos^
^fonis C^ rediit primajuventafenis.
JnSfauratafuos (^fic Verulamia muros
Jaifat^ C^ antiquumfperat ab inde decus,
Sed quanta effulgent plus quam mortalis ocelli
Lumina, dum regni myfiicafacra canat .<?
'Dutn fie naturae leget^ areaniq'-, Regum^
Tanquam afecretif ejfet utrifquc, eanat
:
Dum eanat Henricum, qui Rex, idemq--, Sacerdos^
Connubiojtabili junxit utrantq^ Rofam.
Atqui hscfuntnojiris longemajora Camxnis,Non hae infcslix Granta, fed Aulafciat .•
Sed eum Granta labris admoverit ubera tantis
Jus habet in laudes (maxime AlumneJ iuas.
Jus habet, ut mwUos lacrymis extingueret ignes,
PoJJet ut e medio diripuiffe rogo.
At noJir£ tihi nulla ferant encomia Mufe,Ipfe canis, laudes^ canis inde tuas.
Nos tamen& laudes, qua pojfumus arte, canemus.
Si tame» ars deftt, laus erit ijie dolor.
Tho. Randolph. T. C.
Sie
A'lanes Verulamiani.
Sic cadit Aonii rarijjima Gloria ceelus
^
Et placet Aoniis crederefemen agris .<?
Frartganttir Calami^ difruMpanturq--i libelli^
Hoc fojjint tetricafi modojure Dex.Heu qu£ linguafilct^ quajam facundia cejpit^
^Hofugit ingenii Ne&ar d^ Efca tui .<?
^Homodo Mufarum nobis contingit Alnmnis
Vt caderet »oJiripr£fes Apollo chori .<?
Si ftil CMra,fides, labor^aut vigilantiapojjint^
Siqj feret rapidas, de tribns nna^ mamis 5
Cur nos multa btevi nobis proponimus £vo .«"
Cnrputri excutimusfcriptafepultajitu ,<?
Scilicet ut dignos aliorunt a Afortc labores
Dum rapintHSy nos Mors infua jura trahat,
^uid tameninca^um nil proficientia fundoVerba .<? qnis optabit^ te reticente, loqui ?
Kemo tuumfpargat violis fragrantibus urnam^
Nee tibi Pyramidum nfolefepulchra locet j
taunt tua c«nfervant operofa voluminafamam.Hocfatis, h£c probihent te monumenta mori.
Williams.
9
fui
DRdine fequeretur defcriptio Tumuli VERULAMIANImonumentum NobilifT. MUTISII, in honorem domini fui
conftruftum, qua pietate, & dignitatem Patroni fui,quem (quod
rari faciunt, etiam poft cineres Goluit) confuluit 3 Patrix fux op-
probrium diluit ; fibi nomen condidit. Bufta hsec nondum in vifit
Interpresj fed invifurus : Interim Leftor tua cura Commodaj Sc abi
in rem tuam.
Crefcit occhUo velut Arbor £vo
Fama BACONI
FRAN-
FRANCISCUSBARO DE VERVLAMIO
Vice-Comes S^' A LBAN I
ALMiE MATRIInclytae Acad.
CAfiTABKlGlENSL S.
DEbita Fill! qualia poflum
perfolvoj quodvero fa-
cio, idem & vos hortor, ut Mg-
mentk Scientiarum ftrenue incura-
batis ; & in Animi niodeftia liber-
tacem ingenii retineatis ; Neq^
tilentum a veteribus concredi-
tum in fudario reponatis. Affu-
erit proculdubio & afFulferit Di-
vini Laminis Gratia, (i humilia-
tl
I N C Y T .E
Academiae.
OXONIENSL S.
CUm Alm£ Matri roes ia-
clytx AcademiiB Cantabri-
gienfi Scripferim , deefTem fane
officio, fi fimule Amoris pignus
forori ejus non deferrem. Sicut
autem eos hortatus fum, ita 8c
vos hortor ut ScientUrurti Aug-
nientis ftrenue incumbatis , Ss
veterum labores, neqs nihil, neq^
omnia efle putetis 5 fe vires eti-
ta & fubraifsa Religioni Phihfophia
clavibus fenfiis legitime & dex-
tre utamini : & amoto omni con-
tradidionis ftudio, Quifq^ cum
alio 3 ac fi ipfe fecura dilputet
,
Falete.
am proprias modefte perpenden»
tes, (ubinde taraen experiamini y
omnia cedent quam optiraes fi
Arma non alii in alios vertatisfed
junftis copiis in Naturam rerum
irapreflionem facialis, fufBcit quip-
pe ilia Honori & Viftorise; Vakte,
FRAN
)
L.'V.I
FRANCIS Lord V ERV L A MConfulted thus,
And dius concluded with Himfelf ,* the publicati-
on whereof he conceiv'd did concern the prefent
and future Age.
Eingit rVas manifejily l^nown unto him, that hu-mane Hnderfla?7ding creates it felfnmch trouble j
nor mal\es an apt andfober ufe of fuch Aids, as
are within the Command of Man j from whence
infinite ignorance of 'Things ; andfrom the ig-
norance of Things 7 innumerou^ difad'vantages ^ his opt-
nion ivas^ that with all our indnjiry wefhonld endeai>onr, ifhappily thatjame Commerce of the Mind and of Things(than which a greater blejjing can hardly be found on Earth,
certainly of earthly Felicities} mighc by any means be en-
tirely reftored ,• at leaft brought to terms of nearer corre-
fpondence. But that Errors, which ha've pre^jailed, andtvould pre<vail for ei/er, one after another, (if the mindwere left free to itfelf) f)ould reEiife themfeli/es, either
by the inbredpower of the underUandtng, or by the aids andajpjiances of hogick^, there was no hope at all; becaufe that
the Frimiti'z/e Notions of Things, which the mind with a
too facile andfupine attraSii'z/e faculty recei'ves in , trea-
fures up and accumulates, from which all the reji are de-
rived , are unfound, confufed, and raflAy abSiraSledfromthings. The like luxuriant <vamty and inconUancy there is in
thefecond and fequent Notions ; whence it comes to pafs, that
all that huntane Keafon which we employ, as touching the In-
quifition of things, is not well digejied and built ; but lih^
fome magnificent Pile without foundation. For whilji menadmire and celebrate the counterfeitforces of the mind ; her
true powers which might be raifed (were right direSiions ad-
minijired, and foe taught to become obfequious to things,
and not impotently to infult oz/er them ) they pafs by and
lofe. This one way remaineth that the bufncfs be wholly
[Ej reattempted
Vicomt St, AlbanV, &-€.
reattewped with better preparations ',and that there be
throughout^ An Inftau ration of Sciences and Arts, and of
all Humane Learning rats'd from [olid foundations. And
this though it may feem in a fort an infinite enterprise,
and above mortal abilities, yet thefame will be found more
found and ad'vifed, than thofe performances which hither-
to ha<ve been atchicved : for in this there is fome iffue i but
in the endea'vours now undertaken about Sciences, a pe>-pe-
tual Wheeling, Agitation and Circle. "Neither is he igno-
ra?2t how unfrequented this Experience is, how difficiland
incredible toperfwade a belief ; yet he thought not to defert
the defign , nor himfclf , but to try andfet upon the way,
which alone is per'viom and' penetrable to the mind of Man.
For it is better to give a beginning to a thing which may once
come to an end, than with an eternal contention andftndy to
he enwrapt in thofe mxijes which are endlefs. And the ways
of Contemplafiofi foir the moji part refemble thofe celebrated
ways of ABion v the one, at the frfi entrance hardand dif-
ficult, ends in atf open plain ', the other at firfi fight ready
and eafie, leads iMo by-ways and down-falls : And being he
was uncertain whenfuch confid^rations fjould hereafter come
into any man's mind, induced efpecially from this argument^
that there hath none hitherto appear d, who hath applied his
wind tofuch cogitations, he refolvd to publifb, feparateljy
the Fiift parts as they could be perfeSied. Neither is this an
ambitious hut foUicitom fefiinatton ', that if in the mean
fpace hefhould depart this mortal fiation ', there might yet
rematna defignationanddefitnationof the thing he compre-
hended in his mind ', and withall fome Demonfiration ofhis
ftncere and propenfe affeBion to promote the good of Man-
kind. Truly he efieemed other ambition whatfoever, infe-^
rier to the hufinefs he had in hand : For either the matter
in confultation, and thus far profecuted, is nothing ; or fo
much as the confidence of the merit it felf ought to give
him contentment withoutfeeding a recompencefrom abroad.
THE
FRANCIS Lord V E RV L AMHis great Inftauration.
The PREFACE.
Of the State of Learning , that it is not Pro/pe-
rous, nor greatly AdvdLUCtd; and that afar dif-
ferent n>aj/y than hath been J^omn toformer Ages^
muU be opened., to man's VnderHanding ; and o-
ther Aids procured; that the Mind may fra&ice
her omnpiver the nature of things.
iTfcemstome, that men neither uncJerftand
the Eftate they poflefs , nor their Abilities
to purchafe : but of the one to prefume
more j of the other, lefs, than indeed they
fhould. So it comes to pafs, that over-prizing
the Arts received, they make no farther Inquiry 5 or un-
dervaluing thcmfelves, more than in equity they ought,
they expend their Abilities upon matters of flight confe-
qirence, never once making experiment of thofe things
which conduce to the fumm of the bufincfs. Wherefore,
Sciences alfo have , as it vi^ere, their Fatal Columns 5 being
tnen arc not excited, either out of Defire or Hope, to pe-
netrate farther. And feeing /^e Opinion of Wealth is one
of the cheif caufes of Want 5 and that out of a confi-
dence of what we poiTefs in prcfenf, true afliftancesare
defpifed for the future , it is expedient, nay, altogether
neceffary, that the excellive Reverence and Admiration
conceived of thofc Sciences , which hitherto have been
found out, fhould in the Front and Entrarrce of this work,
Cand that roundly and undifTemblingly ) by fome whol-
fomc j>rcmonition, be taken off, left their Copy and tl-
iHity be too much Magnified and Celebrated. For lie that
[yi qJ furveys
Vicomt St. Alban
furveys with diligence all the variety of Books, wherein
Jrts and Sciences triumph , fliall ev?ry where find infi-
nite repetitions of the fame matter, for manner of De-
livery divers, but for Invention ftale and preoccupate ; Co
as what at firft viewfeem'd numerous, after examination
taken, are found much abated. § As for profit, I may con-
fidently avouch it, That the wifdom we have extra(^ed ,
chiefly from the Grecians, feems to be a Child-hood of
Knowledge, and to participate that which is proper to
children, namely, that it is apt for lall^-ybut impotent and
immaturefor propagation : for it is of Controverfies rank
and fertile, but of works barren and fruitlefs. So that
the Fable and Fiftion of ScyUay feems to be a lively Image
of the State of Learnings as now it is, which for the up-
per parts had the face and countenance of a comely Vir-
gin i but was from the womb downward circled and en-
wrapt with barking Mongers'. So the Sciences wherein wc
are trained up, contain in them certain Generalities fpeci-
ous and plaufible, but wlien you dcfcend unto particu-
lars, ^s to the P^rts of Generation, ^xpeding folid effeds,
and fubftantial operations, then,Contentions and Barking
Altercations arife, wherein they clofe, and which fupply
the place of a fruitful womb. § Again , if thcfe kinds
of Sciences were not altogether a mere livelefs Thing,
methinks it fhould not have fain out, which now for many
Ages hath continued, that they fhould thus ftand at a ftay,
in a manner immoveable in their firft Footings,withouc any
Augmentation worthy the Race of Mankind , in fuch a
dull Improficience, that not only Affertion remains Af-
fertion, but Queftion reftsftill Queftion , which by Dif-
putes is not determined, but fixt and cheriflit : and all
Tradition and Succefllon of Difcipline delivered from
hand to hand, prefents and exhibits the Perfon of Teacher
and Scholar, not of inventor, or of one fhould add fome-
thingof note to what is invented. § But in Arts Mecha-chanical We fee the contrafy hath come to pafs, which as
if they were infpired by the Vital breath and prolifick in-
fluence of a thriving Air, are daily Propagated and Per-
feSied-i and which in their firft Authors appear'd, for the
moft part rude and even burthenfome and Formlefs, have
afterward
hi^ Preface.
afterward acquir'd ncw-refin'd vertues, and a certain aptPropriety and life fill Accommodation, fo infinitely fruit-
ful, that fooner may mens ftudies and dcfires languifii andchange, than thck Sciences 2invQ at their full height andperfe6]:ion. § C.onu2i\\vj\[c Ihilofophy^ and Sciences In-
teUe^nal^ WVc States are ador'd and celebrated , but no-
thing y^^-z/^z/cV/ •, nay, commonly of moft vigor in their
firft Author, and by Time Degenerate and become em-bafed. For fince the time men became de'votcd,2ind as (Pe-
dary Senators^ TcfignGd over to the Placits and Definiti-
ons ofone, they do not add any Amplitude to Sciences^
but are wholly taken up in a fervile duty of Poli/hin^ or
ProteBing certain Authors. § And let no man here al-
Jeage, that Sciences growing up by degrees,have at length
arrived to a juft period or perfed Stature, and fo (as have-
ing filled up the juft fpaces of Augmentation') have fetled
and fixt thcmfelves in the works of fome few Authors ;
and now that nothing more accomplifht can be found out,
there remains no more to do, but that the Sciences already
extant be improved , and adorned. Indeed it could be
wiflit that the Jlate of Learning were thus profperons't but
the very truth is, thefe mancipations and fervile refigna-
tions of Sciences , is nothing elfe but a peccant humour,bred out of daring luft and confidence in fome {qw^ anda languifliing floth and Pufillanimity in the reft. For whenSciences (for fome parts it may be) have been tilled andlaboured with diligence, then perchance hath there rifen
up fome bold-undertaking wit, for Compendious brevity
of Method popular and plaufible, who in /liew hath con-ftituted a Science^ but indeed depraved the Labours of the
Ancients : Yet thefe Abridgments find acceptation with
Pofterity, for the expedite ufe of fuch a work, and to a-
void the trouble and impatience ofa ncwlnqniry. § Andif any ftand upon Confent now inveterate, as the Judge-ment and teft of Timc,let him know he builds upon a very
deceivable and infirm Foundation. Nor is it, for the moilpart, fo revealed unto us, what in Arts and Sciences hath
been difcovered and brought to light in divers ages, anddifferent Regions of the World j much Jef^ what hath
been experimented , zn^ ferionfly laboured by particular
Perfons
3
6 Vicomt St. Albans
Perfons in private ', For neither the Birthf^nor the Ahortiotts
ofTime have beenRegiJired. ^ NorisConfent itfelf, nor
the long continuation thereof, with fuch reverence to be
adored : for however there may be many kinds of States
in Ci'vilGo'vernment •-, yet the State of Sciences is bnt one^
which always was, and fo will continue, P(?/?M/^r ^ and with
the People the Difciplinesmoft in requeft are either jPm^-
naciom and folemical , or Specioui and Frivolom ; name-
ly fuch as either iUaqueate or allure the affent. Where-fore without queftion,the greateii: Wits in every age have
been over-born, and in a fort tyrannized over, whiiftmen
of Capacity and Comprehenflon above the vulgar, (yeC
confulting their own Credit and Reputation} have fiib-
mitted themfelves to the over-fwaying Judgement of Time
and Multitude. Therefore if in any Time or Place, more
profound Contemplations have perchance emerged audi
revealed themfelves, they have been forthwith tofi: and ex-
tinguiflit by the Winds and Tempefts of Popular opini-
ons : fo that Time like a Kiver carries down to us that
vphich is light and blown up •-, but finks and drorvns that
which is rveighty and folid. ^ Nay, the very fame Au-thors, who have ufurpt a kind of DiBature in Sciences.ySind
with fuch confidence paft cenfure upon matters in doubt,
have yet (the heat once over) m the lnter<z/a Is, from thefe
peremptory fits of AfTcveration, changed their note, and
betaken themfelves to complaints, upon the fubtilty ofNature, thefecret Recejfes of Truth, the Obfcurity ofThings ,
the Implication of Caufes , the Infirmity of Mans Difcern-
ing Power : Yet nothing the more modeft for all this, fee-
ing they chufe rather to charge the Fault upon the common
condition of Man and Nature , than to acknowledge any
Perfonal deficience in themfelves. Yea, it is a thing ufual
with them, that what they cannot compafs by Art, their
way applied, to conclude the fameimpofTible to be attain-
ed by the fame Art : and yet for all this, Art muft not be
condemned, being fhe is to examine and judge j where-
fore the aim and intention of fuch accufations is only this.
That Ignorance may be delii/ered from Ignominy. § So like-
wife what is already commended unto us, and entertained
hitherto, isformoft part fnch a kind of Knowledge, as is
full
his Preface.7
full of Words and Qiicftions ; but barren of Works andreal Improvemenrs ; for AngmcntatioH backward and hearc-
Jefs \ pretending perfcdion in the whole, but ill-filled upin the Parts ; for choice Popular, andof the Authors theni-
felvcs fufpcflcd, and therefore fortified and countenanced
by artiiicious evafions. ^ And the Pcrfons who have en-
tertained a defign to make trial themfelves, and to give
fome Ad'vanicment to Sciences , and to Propagate their
bonndsj even thefc Authors durft not make an open de-
parture from the Common received Opinions ; nor vific
the Head-fprings of Nature, but take themfelves to have
done a great matter, and to have gained much upon /he
Age, it they may but interlace^ or annex any thing of their
own; providently confidcring with themfelves, that bythefe middle courfes, they may both confcrve the ittodeUy
of /Ijfenting ; and the liberty of Adding. But whilft they
thus cautioufly conform themfelves to Opinions and Cu-ftom?, thcCe Flauftble moderations-, redound to the great _,^prejudice and detriment of Learning i For at once to Ad- ^y-*-
tnire and go beyond Authors-, are habits feldom compatible :
hut it comes to pafs here after the manner of t^Vaters^ ivhicb
willnot afcend higher than the level ofthefrji Spring-head^
from tvhcnce they defcend j wherefore fuch writers amendmany things, but promote little or nothing, making a
Proficience in Melioration, not in Augmentation. § Nei-
ther hath there been wanting nndertakjng Spirits , whowith a more refolute confidence, prcfuming nothing yet
done, take themfelves to be the men, muft reflifie All ;
and imploving the ftrength of their wits in crying down,and reverfingall former judgements, have made paffage
to themfelves, and their own Placitso whofe bufie Cla-
iilof, hath not much advanced Knorvledge-, fince their aitn
and intention hath been, not to enlarge the bounds ofPhi-
lofop^yTiudArts, by a.fencere zud folid Enquiry , but only
to change the Placits, and tranfiate the Empire of Opini-
ons, and fettle it upon themfelves, with little advantage
to Learning j feeing amongji oppofite Errors, the Caufes of
Erring are commonly thefame. § And if any inconcern-»
ed nature-::, not mancipate to others, or their own opini-
ons, but afFcdiing liberty, have been fo far animated, as to
defire
8 Vicomt St. Albans
defire that others together with themfelves, would make
farther Inquiry i thefe fiircly have meant well, but per-
formed little , for they feem to have proceeded upon pro-
bable grounds only, being wheeled about in a vertiginous
maze of Arguments, and by a promifcuous licenfe of In-
qntry^ have indeed loofned the finews of fe<z/ere Inquiftti^
on : nor hath any ofall thefe with a jufl: patience, and fuf-
ficient expedance attended the Operations of Nature^ and
th^fitcceffes of Experience. ^ Some again have cmbarqu'd
themfelves in the Sea of Experiments^ and become ahnoft
Mechanical i but in the Experience it felf, they have pra-
£lifed a roving manner of Inquiry^ which they do not in
a regular courfe conftantly purfue. § Nay, many pro-
pound to themfelves , certain petty Tasks, taking them-
felves to have accomplilht a great performance, if they can
but extraft fome one Invention by a manage as poor as im-
pertinent i for none rightly and fuccefstully fearch the
nature of any thing to the life in the Thing it felf 5 but af-
ter a painful and diligent variation of Experiments, not
breaking off there, proceeds on, finding ftill emergent
matter of farther Difco'very. § And it is an Error offpe-
cialnote, that theinduftry beftowed in Experiments, hath
prefently, upon the firft accefs into the Bufinefs, by a too
forward and unfeafonable Defire, feifed upon fome de-
fign'd operation ^ I mean fought after, FrnSiifera non Lh-
cifera.) Experiments of %)fe a?id not Experiments of Eight
^nd Difco'very : not imitating the divine method which
created the firft day Light only, and allowed it one entire
Day, producing no Materiate worh^the fame day but de-
fended to their Creation the days following. § As for
thofe who have given the preeminence unto Logick^^ and
are of opinion that the fureft Guards for Sciences muft
be procur'd from thence j they have truly and wifely
difcerned, that the mind of man, and Intelledive Faculty
left unto it felf, may defervedly be fufpeded. But the
remedy is too weak for the difeafe, and is it felfnot exempt
from Diftemperaturei for the Logich^ in force, though it
may be rightly accommodated unto Matters Ci'vil and Pa-
pular Sciences., which confifl: in Difconrfe and Opinion i yet
it comes far (liort of penetrating the fnhtilty of Nature i
and
his Preface.
and undertaking more than ic can maftcr, feems rather to
eUablipJ and fix Errors than to open a rvay to Truth.
§ Wherefore to rccoj left what hath been laid, ic iecnis
that neither Information from others^ nor mens Inquiries
touching Sciences^ have hitherto fuccefsfully fhincd forth,
cfpccially feeing there is ^o\m\c certainty in Dcmonflrati-
on and Infallibility of Experiments thus far difcovercd.
And the Fabrick of the Univerfe to the contemplative
eye of the Mind, for the frame thereof, is like fome Laby-
rinth or intricate Maze, where fo many doubtful paflagcs^
fuch deceivcable refcmblances, of Things and Signs ; fuch
oblique and ferpentine windings, and intricate knots ofNature every where prcfcnt thcmfelves, as confounds the
underftanding. And withall, we muft continualJy makeour way, through the woods of Experiences, and parti-
cular Natures, by the incerrain Light of Senfe, fometimes/hining, fometimes iliadowed : yea, arKl the guides, which(as hath been toucht) offer their afllftancc, they likewife
are entangled, and help to make up the number of Errors,
and of thofe that Err. In matters of fuch perplexc dif-
ficulty, there is no relying upon the Judgement of menffom their own abilities i or upon the Cafual Felicity ofParticular events ; for neither the capacity of Man, howexcellent foever ', nor the chance of Experience , never fo
often iterated and eflayed, is of force to conquer thefe
Myfteries i we mufi: march by line and level, and all the
way, even from the firft perception of Senfes, muft be fe-
cured,and fortified by a certainRule, and conftant Me-thod of proceeding. § Yet are not thefe things fo to be
underfrood, as if, in fo many Ages, and fo much Indu-
ftry, nothing at all hath been performed to purpofe *, noris thcirany caufe why it fhould repent us of the Difcoi/e-
ries already madej for certainly the Ancients, in thofe
fpeculations which eonfift in ftrength of Wit, and abftraft:
Meditation, have approved therafeives men of admirable
comprehenfions : But as in the Art of Navigation, the
men of former Ages, direding their courfe by obfervation
of Stars only, could edge along the coaft of the knownContinent, and it may be, crofs fome narrow Seas or the
[F] Me-^
lO Vicount St. A!ban
Mediterranean i but before the Ocean could be thus com-
inanded, and the Regions of the new world difcovercd,
it was requifite that the ufe of the Mariners Neeclky as a
more Aire and certain guide iliould be firft found out j even
fo what difcoveries foever have been hitherto made in Artf
and Sciences^ they are of that quality, as might have been
brought to light by Prai^ice, Meditation, Obfervation and
Difcourfe, as things nearer the fenfes, and for moft part,
under the command of common Notions \ but before wecan make our approaches, to the remote and hidden fe-
crets of Nature, it is nec^flarily requifite, that a better and
more perfed ufe, and pra£lick-operation of the Mind and
Underftanding Faculty be introduc'd. ^ As for us, furely
we,(vanquifli'd with an immortal love of Truth) haveex-
pos'd our felves to doubtful,difficult and defert Paths ; and
by the prote^ion and afliftance of the Divine Power
,
have born up and ejicouraged our felves againft the vio-
lent Affaults and prepared Armies, as it were, of Opinions,
and againft our own private and inward hefitations and
fcruples, and againft the clouds and darknefs of Nature,
and every where ftying fencies s that fo we might procure
the prefent and future Age more fafe and found Indications
and Impreffions of Truth. If in this high and arduous
attempt, we have made any Proficience, furely by no o-
ther means have we cleared our felves a way, than by a
fincere and juft hiAmiliation of the fpirit of Man , to the
laws and operations of Nature, For all they that went be-
fore us, who applied themfelves to the finding out of
Arts , cafting a tranfient eye upon Things, Examples, and
Experience, have prefently (as if Invention were nothing
elfe but a meer Agitation of Brain) invoked in a manner
their own fpirits, to divine, and utter Oracles unto them :
but we being chaftely and perpetually converfant with the
operations ofNature, divorce not the Intelle^ from the
ObjeQ: farther than that the Images and Beams of things
(zE in fenfe)may meet and concentrate ; by which manner
of proceeding, there is not much left to the ftrength and
excellency of Wit. The fame fubmiffion of fpirit wehavepraftifed iudifcovery, we have followed in delivery :
Nor
hif Prefice. nNor have we erdeavoui'd to fctoff our felves with Glory^
or draw a Maicfry upon oiir Inventions, either by Tri-
umphs of Confutations, or Dcpofltions of Antiquity ;
or an ufurparion of Authority • or the vail of Obfcuri-
rv j which are Arts he may eafily find our, whofe ftudy is
not fo much the Profit of others, as Applaufe to him-
felf. I fay we neither have praftifed , nor go wc about,
bv force or fraud to circumvent mensJudgcments, but con-
ducr them to the things themfelves, and to the league andconfederacy of things, that they may fee what they have,
what they reprehend, what they add and contribute to the
Ptjblick. And if we have been too credulous, or too dor-
manr,Sc not fo intentive upon the mattcr,or languiflit in the
way, or broken ofFthc thread of the Inquiry^ yet notwith-
ilanding we prefent things after fuch a manner open andraked, that our Errors may be dete(3:ed and feparated be-
fore rh^y can fpread themfelves, orinfinuate their conta-
gion into the mafs of Sciences •, and after fuch a Methoda': the continuation of our labours, is a matter facile andexpedite. By this means we prefume we have eftablifht
for ever, a true and legitimate Marriage-, between the Em-'"
firical andKational faculty., whofe faftidious and unfor-
tunate Divorce and Separation, hath troubled and difor-
dcred the whole Race and Generation of Man-kind.
§ And feeing thefe performances are not within the com-pafs of our mcer natural Power and command,we do here,
in the Accefstothis work, Pour forth humhlefh and moBardentfupplications to God the Father.^ Cod the Word, Godthe Spirit^ that they being mindful of the Miferies of Man-kind, and of the Pilgrimage of this life, wherein tve n>ear
out ferp and e'vil days.,they would fvouchfafe to endow Man"hjnd , by my hand., with new Donatiz>es. And moreover^
we humbly pray., that Humane knowledges., may no way im'
peach, or prejudice Dii'ine Truths i nor that from the dif"
clofing of the ways of fenfe , and the letting in of a more
plentiful Natural Light , any mijis of Incredulity or clouds
of Darh^efs arife in our minds , touching Divine Myjie-
ries •, but rather that from a purified InteUeB, pnrg^ed fromFancies and Vanity j and yet yielded and abfolutely rcndred
[F 2] up
12 Viconnt St. Albans
up to Dimne Oracles '-, the Tributes of Faith may he
nndred to Faith. In the laji pLice^ that the 'venome of know-'
ledge infufed by the Serpent^ whereby the mind of man, is
frvdled and blonnnp., being -voided \ we may not be too a-
fpiringlywife^ or abo%>e fobriety^ but that we may impro've
and propagate Verity in Charity. § Now we have per-
formed our vows to heaven, converting our felves to men,
we admonifii them fomethings that are Profitable , and re-
queftof themfome things that are equal. Firft we ad-
monifli (which thing we have alfo prayed for,) that wekeep humane Rcafon within due Limits in matters Divine,
Phiio.juJ» and Senfe within compafs : Forfenfe li\e the Sun., opens
and reveals the face of the Terrejiial Globe , but jhuts up
and conceals theface of the Celejiial. Again, that men be-
ware that in flight from this error, they fall not upon a
contrary extreme , of too much abaftng "Natural Tower
^
which certainly will come to pafs, if they once entertain
a conceit, that there are fome fecrets of Nature feperate and
exempt.^ as it were by injunSiion, from Humane Inquifltion,
For it was not that pure and immaculateNatnral Knowledge^
by the light whereof hd2tmga<ve names unto the Creatures.^
according to the propriety of their Natures , which gai/e the
frft motion and occafion to the Fall ; htt it was that proud
. and Imperative Appetite of Moral Knowledge, defining the
laws and limits of Good and Evil., with an intent in man to
revolt from God., and togive laws unto himfelf, r»hich was
indeed the projeSi ofthe Primitive Temptation. For,of the
knowledges which contemplate the works of Nature, the
rrev, 25. holy Philofopher hath faid exprefly ; That the glory ofGodis to conceal a thing, but the glory ofthe King is tofind it
out : as if the Divine Nature, according to the innocent
and fweet play of Children, which hide themfelves to the
end they may be found, took delight to hide his works, to
theend they might be found out j and of his indulgence
and goodnefs to mankind, had chofen the foul of man to
be his Play-fellow in this game. § In fumm,I would adviie
all in general, that they would take into ferious confidc-
ration the true and Genuine ends of knowledge ; that they
fcekit not cither for Plcafure, or Contention, or Con-tempt
focr Preface.j^^
tempt of oclve5s/qr far Proftc, oflfame, or for ^9^Q^^: ^i^J
proi^oUQi^ y OP liich like ad\ilcerat^ or inferior ends : butfor tile mcri^ and emolument of Life, and that tiiey rpr
guJacc and pcrf»?<^' ?hc fame in clarity : Foic tJ^e defire
of Porver^ ivjs tkfi fall of 4^ngds j the defire ofKf^Oij^Iedae,
the fall of Maftj But in charity there is tto excefs,^ neither
Men nor Angels e'ver incurred danger by it. § The Re-queftsvvc make are thefc j (To fay nothing of our felves
touching the matter in hand) we Kequefi thus much, Thatmen wonld not think^of it as an opinion ; but as a n^or^j andtaJ{e it for Truth, that our aim, and ends is not to lay the
foundation of a SeSl or Placit, but of Humane Profit andProficience, § Again, that refpe61ing their own Benefit
and putting off Partialities and Prejudices , they would all
contribute in one for the publick Good : and that beingfreed and fortified by our Preparations and Aids, againft
the Errors and Impediments of the ways,they Jikewifemaycome in, and bear a part in the burden, and inherit a por-tion of the Labours that yet remain behind. § Moreoverthat they chcar up themfelves, and conceive weJI of the
enterpiife ; and not figure unto themfelves a conceit andfancy, that this Our InHanratio» is a matter injinite, and Be-
yond the poirer and compafs ofMortality ', feeing it is in truth
the right^nd legitimate end and period of Infinite Errors 5
and not unmindful of Mortality, and Humane Condition,
being it doth not promife that the Dejign may be accom-plifht within the Revolution of an Age only, but deli-
vers it over to Poftcrity to Perfed. In a word, it feeh^not Sdimes arrogantly in ths -mils. af mans wit y but fub-
miffively in the greater world : Andcommonly^ Empty things'
are fvaji and boundlefsy but Solids are contraSled and deter-
mined within a narrow compafs. § To conclude , wethought good to make it our lafl: fuit, (left peradventure
through the difficulty of the Attempt, any fliould becomeunequal Judges of our Labours) that men fee to it, howthey do,trom that which we muft of neceflity lay down as
a ground (if we will be true to our own ends) afTumea
liberty to cenfu re, and pafs fentence upon our labours 5
feeing \vc reject all this premature and Anticipated hu-
mane
H Vicomt St. Alban
wane Ktafon , rafiily and too fuddenly departed from
Things, (as touching the Inqttifition of Nature) as a
thing Various , difordercd and ill-built : Neither in
equity caii it be required of us , to Jiand to the Judge-
ment of that Reafon, tphkh fiands it felf^ at the Bar of
Judicatnre.
The
hi^ Preface. i^
The Deffribiition of the WorJ\^ into Six Parts,'
P. I. Partitiones Scientiarum^ Or afummary
Survey and psLXtition ofScknces. .
P. 1 1. NovumOrganum^Or True DireBidhs fov
the Interpretation of Nature,
P.IU, Phenomena Univeksi,Or HifioryNatu-ral and Experintental
y for the building up Phi-
lofoi
'
P. IV. Scala Intellectus^ Or the IntelleBnd
Sphere retUfied to the Globe of the World,
P. V. Prodromi, Or The Anticipations ofkcowAPhilofophy emergent upon PraBice.
P. VI. Secunda Philosophia^ Or ABive Phi-
lofophy,from intimate Converfe with Nature,
TheARGVMENTofthe feveral
PARTS.
IT is one point of the Defign we have in hand 5
That e'very thing be delivered t»iih all pof-
fible flainnefs and Ferfpknity : for the naf^d'
nefs of the Mind, as once of the Body^ is th§
companion of Innocence and Simplicity, Firft therefore
,
the order and Dijiribution of the vi^or^, with the reafon
thereof, muft be made manifeft. The Parts of the Wor\are, by us afl[igned,5'ix.
^ The Firjl Part exhibits the fumm of univerfat de» P. \,
fcription of that Learning and Knowledges in the pojfejji-
on
i5 VicomtSt. Alban
on whereof, men ha'z/e hitherto been eUated. For wethought good to make fomeftay even upon Sciences re-
ceived, and that , for this confideration ; that we might
give more advantage to the PerfeBion of ancient know-
ledges, and to the introduBion of new : For we ate carried^
in fome degree, with an equal temper of Defire, both to
impro've the labours of the Ancients , and to wal\e farther
progrefs^ And this makes for the faith and fincerity ofTfov.is. our meaning, according to that of the wife, The unlearn-
ed Man receives not the words of knowledge, unlefsyou frjl
interpret unto him the conceptions of his heart : Where-fore we will not neglefl to fide aIong(as it were in pafTage)
the Coafts ofaccepted Sciences and Arts ^ and to import
thither, fomethings ufeful and profitable. § Nevcrthelefs
we ad)oyn fuch Partitions of Sciences, as comprehend, not
cnlyfuch things that arefound out and obfer'ved already^ but
fuch alfo as are thereto pertaining, and ha<z/e heen hitherto
pretermifs'd. For their are found in the lntelle6lual Clobey
as in the Terrejiial,foyls impro-z/ed and Deferts. Where-fore let it not feem ftrange, ifnow and then we make a de-
parture from the ufual Divijions , and forfake the beaten
path of fome Partitions : for Addition whilji it i^ariei the
vphoh, of neceffity ^varies the Parts and the SeBions there-
o/-Jand the accepted DivifionSiZrczccommodntedon]y to
the accepted fnmm of Sciences,2iS it is now caft up. § Con-cerning thofe F^rf/, which we ihdiW note zs Pretermitted^
we will fo regulate our felves, as to fet down more than
the naked Titles, or brief Arguments of Deficients. Forwhere we deliver up any thing as a Defiderate, fo it be a
matter of merit i and thereafon thereof may feem fome-
what obfcure i fo as, upon good confideration, we maydoubt, that we {hall not be fo eafily conceived what weintend , or what the contemplation is we comprehendin our mind, and in our mediation, there it (hall ever beour precife care, to annex either pr^cff^f/, for the perform-ing of fuch a Work i or a Part of the Work it felf, per-
formed by us already, for Example to the whole : that fj
we may in every Particular, either by Operation or Infor-
mation, promote the bufinefs. For in my judgement, it is a
matter which concerns not only the benefit of others, but
our
hi^ Preface^ ij^—— '™ « 11 M^. ! III^IWI .
.
our own Reputation alfo , that no man imagine that wehave pro)e£^ed in our minds Ibme flight fupcrficia! notion
of thcfe Deftgns •, and that they are of the nature of thofe
things, which we could Dejire, and which we accept on*
ly as good rpifbef. For they are fuch as without queftion,
are within the power and poflibility of men to compafs,
unlefs they be wanting to themfelves ; and hereof, we for
our parts, have certain and evident demonftrarion •-, far
we come not hither ^ as Angures , to weafure. Countries in
our mindy for Divination ^ but as Captains , to invade
them-, for a conquefi. And this is the Firft Part of our
Works.
^ Thus having paiTed over Ancient Sciences, in the P. II,
next place we enable humane Intelle^l to fail through.
Wherefore to the Second Part is dh^gned the DoUrine touch'
ing more fonndf and perfeSi ufeof Reafon, in the inquiry
of Things , and the true afpjiances of the ttnderfianding •,
that hereby (fo far as the condition of humanity and mor-tality will fuffer) the Intelleft, may be elevated i and am-
plified with a faculty, capable to conquer the dark, anddeeper fecrets ofNature. And the Art, we here fet dowii>
which we are wont to call, The Interpretation ofNature^i^r
is a kind of Logick^, though very much , and exceeding
different. That -z/m/g^r Lo^ic^ profefTcs the Preparation
and Contrivance of aids and forces for the underftanding,
herein they confpire , but it clearly differs from the Po-
pular, fpecially in three things, narhely^ in the end, in the.
crder of Denionjiratingy and, in thejirft difclofures to Inqtiil
ry, § For the End propounded in this our Science is, that
therema% be found out not Arguments, but Arts> not
things Confentaneous to Principles, but even Principles
themfelves; not probable ceafons, but defigriadons and
indications of works j wherefore from a different intend-
on follows a different efFed : for there , an Adverfary is
diftreffed and vanquifht by Difputation, here by nature,
the thing done. § And with this End accords the nature
and order of their DemonUrations : For in i/ulgarLogic^^
almoftallthe pains is imployed about Syllogifm': as for
InduSiion, the DialeSiickj feem fcarce ever to have taken
it into any ferious coniideration , /lightly paffing it over
[G] and
jg Kicoiml'^St lAlban
and haftning to'the formi of Difputing. But we rejeft
Pemcnjlration by Syllogiffff, for that it proceeds confufed-
]yi and lets Nature efcape our hands. For. though no
man call into doiibti, bht that tvbaiave coincident in a mid'
die term are in themfel'z/es coincident^ (which is a kind of
Mathcmatick Certitude ') yet here lies the Fallax, that
Syllogifm cenfifls of PropoJitionSj Frepofitions of words\i
And words are the tokens and tnarJ^s of things. Now if
thefe fzme notions of the mind, (which are, as it were, the:
foul irf words <f\3iiid the Bafis of thb manner of Stru^^ure
and Fabrick)',be rudely and raflily divorc'd from things,
and roving h not perfedly defin'd and limited, and alfo
many other ways vicious i all falls to ruine. Wherefore
we rejefi: SyUogifm^ not /only in regard of Principles (for
which nor do they makei*fc ofit jbut in refpe^l alfo o(Mid'
die PropofitioMs^which indeed Syllogifm:,howeverjinkTS and
bringsforth jbut barren of operations and remote from
practice i and in relationr to the A<Sive Part of Sciences,
altogether incompetenE4<i Although therefore we may
leave to Syllogifm , and iiich celebrated and applauded
Demonflratrpnsi.3i jurifdi^liion over Arts Popular and 0-»
pinable (for in. this kind \Ve move nothing) yet for the
nature of things, wetevery where, as-well in Minor as Ma-^
iorPropofitiong] ms^ic ufe^ g£ IndnSlions : for we take J/f-
chBion to be tlmi form GfiDemoniirationy which fupports
feiifej prefles Nature^ and is inftanced in Works, and iii
a fort mingled therpwithi^r Wherefore the order alfo o£
Vemonftration is altogether inverted. For hitherto the bu-
finefs ufed to be thus managed j fromfenfe, andfomefew*
Particulars, fuddenly to% np to thehigheft Geperals, is
to fixt Poles^ about which Difputations maybe turned.5
from which the reft of intermediate Axioms may be de-
riived. A way compendious indeed, but^ precipitate j
and to Nature , ii pervious i but for Difputations ready^
j^jdiaccommodate. Butaccording to onr Method, Axiontf
arcraifedbya fequVnt aontinuicy and graduat dependan-
c)i,ifo as there is no ifeifingnpon the higheft Generals, but
in the laft place i and 'th6fe higiieft Generals in quality
nothotionals^ but welliierminated, and fuch as Nature
ackafwledges to be truly near allied unto her; and which
i cleave
fm Preface, 19
cleave to the individual intrlnficks of things. § Buttombing the form it /elf of IndnSiion and Judgement wadeby it, we undertake a mighty work. For the Form, where-
of Logicians fpeah^, tvhtch proceeds By fimple ennmerationy
if a cbildiJJj thing, and concludes upon admittance ; iscx-
pofed to peril from a contradidory inftance ; looks onlyupon common operations ; and is in the iflue endlefs.
But to the knowledges of IndttSiion, fuch a Form is re-
quired, as may folveand fcparate experience j and by dueexclufion and rejed:ion neceflarily conclude. And if that
publick and popular Judgement of Piale6iicl{/ , be fo la-
borious, and hath exercifed fo many and fo great Wits ;
how much greater pains ought wc to take in this other;
which not only out of the fecret clofcts of the mind, butout of the very entrails of Nature is extra^lcd ? Nor is
this all i for we more firmly fettle, and folidate the foun-dation of Sciences, and take the firft rife of our inquiry
deeper than hitherto hath been attempted ; fubmitting to
examinations thofe Principles, which 'vulfrar Lo^ick^tukcs
up on the credit of another. For the OialeSlic^s bor-
row, asit were, from all other Sciences, the Principles ofSciences , again, adore the prime Notions of the mind :
Laftly, reft fatisfied with the immediate informations offenfe rightly difpofited. But our judgement is this, that
true Logick flioald vifit every particular Province of Sci-
ences, with greater command than their principles poflefs;
and thatthofe (d,v[\Q putative Principles be enforc'd to give
an account, and be liable to examination, until fuch time
as their validity and tenure clearly appeared. And as
touching the Prime "Notions of the IntelleSi , there is no-
thing of thofe, Cthe underftanding left at liberty to it
felf) hath congefted, but matter to be fufpe6ted j nor anyway warrantable, unlefs it be fummon'd, and fubmit it felf
to a new Court of Judicature i and that fenterice pafs
according thereto. Moreover we many ways fjft and found
the information of fenfe it felfj for the Scnfes deceive ,
yet withall they indicate their Errdrs : but Errors are
at hand, Indications to be fought for a far off, § The guilt
of Senfe is of trvo forts, either it dejiitntes us , or elfe «/e-
ceives us. For firit, there arc niany things which
f G 2 3 efcap6
20 Viconnt St. Alban
efcape the cognizance of fenfe, even when it is well dif-
pofed, and no way impedite : either by reafon of the fub-
tility of the entire body, or the minutnefs of the parts
thereof, or the diftance of place, or the flowncfs , and
likcwife fwiftnefs of motion; or the familiar converfe
with the ohjedc, or fome other caufes. Again, nor where
fenfe truly apprehends itsobjeft, are her Precepts fo vc*.
ry firm: for the teflimony and information of fenfe^ is e-
v/erfrom the Analogy ofMan, and notfrom the Analogy of
the World ', and it is an error of dangerous confequence to
affert, that fenfe is the meafure of things. Wherefore to
encounter thefe inconveniences, we have with painful and
faithful fervice every where fought out, and collected af-
fiftances , that Supplements to Deficients ; to Variationr,
KeBificationSy may be miniftred. Nor do we undertake
this fo muchhy infirumentSi as by experiments ; for the fubtil-
ty oi Experiments^is far greater than of fenfe it felf,though
aflifted with exa£i inftrumcnts . we mean fuch experiments^
which to the intention of the thing inquired, are skilfully
according to Art invented and accommodated. Where*
fore we do not attribute much to the .immediate and parti*
cular perception of fenfe ; but w^e bring the matter to this
iffue, that fenfe may judge only of the experiment , the
experiment of the thing. We cojlceive therefore, thac
oi fenfe ,(from which all knowledge in things natural
muft be derived, unlefs ;we itiean wilfully to goa witlefs
way to work) we are become the religious Poritifs ', and
the not inexpert interpreters of her Oracles ; fo asothers
may feem in outward profeffion ; but wc in deed and afli-
on, to prote^l: and honour fenfe. And of this kind are
they which we prepare, 'for the light of Nature, the a6l:tl'*
ating, and immiffion thereof ^ whieh of themfelves were
fufficient, were humane Intelled equal, and a fmooth in-
anticipated Table. But when the minds of men are after
fuch ftrange ways befieged^ that fot to admit the true
beams of things, a fincere and poliflit Area is wanting,
it concerns us, of. neceOTtly to bethinkour felves of feck*
ing out fome remedy for this dtifteinperature. The Z^tf-
laes, wherewith the mind is preoccupate are either At-*s
tragedy or Innate j Attracted have Aid into mens minds,'
cither
his Frefice, 21
citherhy the Flacits and SeSis of Fhilofophers', or by de-
praved laws of Demonjirations. But the Imiaie mh^XGin.
the nature of the Intelled, which is found to be far
more liable to error, th^n fenfe. For however men maypleafe themfclves, and be raviOit into admiration, andal-
moft adoration of the mind of man, this is moft certain :
4/ an ineqital lookjng-glafs, changes the rays of objed?,
according to its own figure , and cutting ; even fo the
mind, when it fufFers imprcfllon from things by fenfe, in
encogitatiog and difcharging her notions, doth not fo
faithfully in(7nuate and incorporate her nature, with the
nature of things. And thofe two firft kinds of Idolacs
can very hardly \ but thofe latter, by no means be extir-
pate. It remains only ihzi they be di(cIofed ; and that
fame treacherous faculty of the mind be noted and con-
vinced i left from the unfound completion of the mind,
upon the extermination of ancient, perchance new flioots
of Errors fpring in ihfir place •, and the bulinefs be brought
only to this iffue^ that errors be not cxtinguifht, but
changed 1 but on the contrary, nowatlaft, it be forever
decreed and ratified,T/;<it the in'telleSi cawiot viaJ{e ajudge-
ment but by induBion^ and' hy a legittimate form thereof.
WhcreioTGthe DoSirifie of purifying the IJnderjiandingy
tliat it may become receptive of truth, is perfe^ed bythree Keprehenfion^ 5 Keprehenfion of Philofophy •, KeprC'
hen^on of Demonjiratians '-, and Reprehenfion ofNati<ve hu-
mane Rea/oft. Theie explicated, and then the cafe clear-
ed, what the nature of things, what the nature of the
mrnd|s;Gapable ofF^ we prefume (^the Divine goodnefs
bejng'JPjcefident at the Rites) -^hat we have prepared and
adprijgd, the B^ide-tbamber of the Mind and of the Z^ni-
*v&fem jifcjow may the vote of the Martiage-fong be, that
frot»tJaif.co.ttJHnSiian^ Hnmane Aids^ and a Race of Int/en-k
tions ftifx be procreated^ as may in fome part 'van^uifb .and
fnbdne riiap-s miferies and neceffiiies. And this is the fecond
Part of the Work» •-
^ But our purpdfe is not only to point out and mu-p^
jjr
nite the way ; but to enterprife it : Wherefore the third
Fart of the IVorh^ comprifethy Phfenomena Univerfi , as to
fay, all kind of Experience , and Natural Hiflory, of fuch
kjnd
22 VicomtSt. Alban
kind as may be fundamental for the building up of Na^
tural fhilofophy. For neither can any exad way ofDff-
mon^ration or Form of interpreting Nature, both guard
and fupport the mind from error and lapfe ; and withal
prefent and minifter matter for knowledge. But they whopropofed to thcmfelves not to proceed by Con^edures
and Divinations , but to find out , and to know, whofe
end and aim is not to contrive Fidions and Fables, but to
fearch with diligence into the nature of, and, as it is were,
anatomi%e this true t&orld-, muft derive all from the very
things themfelves. Nor can thefubftitution and compen-
fation of Wit, or Meditation, or Argumentation fuffice to
this travail, inquifition, and mundane perambulation 5 no
not if all the Wits in the World fhould meet together.
Wherefore we muft either take a right courfe, or defert
the bufincfs for ever : and to this day the matter hath been
fo managed, that it is no marvail, if nature hath not dif-
clofed her felf. For firil, defe6i:ive and fallacious infor-
mation of fenfe i negligent, inequal, and as it were, cafu-
al obfervation ; vain Tradition, and from idle Reportj Pra-
^e, intent on the Work, and Servile j Experimental at-
tempt^ ignorant, dull, wild, and broken : laftly, flight and
poor Natural Hijiory ; have towards the raifingof Fhilo-
fophy , congefted moft depraved matter for the Under-
ftanding. After this, prepofterous fubtilty of arguing ,
and ventilation , hath effayed a late remedy to things
plainly defperate j which doth not any way recover the
bufinefs, or feparate errors. ^ Wherefore there is no hope
of greater advancement andprogrefs, but in the KeUaurati'^
of Sciences, And the commencements hereto muft, by-
all means, be derived from Natural Hiflory , and that too,
of a new kind and provifion : for to no purpofe you polifh
the Glafs, if Images be wanting ; not only faithful guards
muft be procured, but apt matter prepared. And this our
Uifiory, AS our Logicl{, differs from that ia ufe, in matiy
particulars : in the endorofflcey in the Mafs and Congeries >
then in the fubtiltyJ alfo in choice, and in conjiitutioninre'
ference to thofe things that follow. § For frii we propound
fuch a Natural Hijiory, as doth not fo much cither pleafe
for the variety of things, or profit for prefent improve-
menc
hif Preface, 22
fnent of Experiments, as it dotk difpcrfc a Jight to the
invention ot caufes', and gives, as it were, the firft MiJkto the nouri/hing up of Philofophy. For though weprincipally purfae operation, and tlicAflivc part of Sci-
ences •, yet we attend the due feafon of Harvcft j nor goabout to reap the green herb or the blade. For wc knowvveH that Axioms rightly invented, draw after them the
whole troup of Operations i and not'fparfcdiy, but plen-
fully exhibit Works. But we utterly condemn and re-
nounce, as AtaUntaes Apple which retards the Race, that
tinfeafonable and childifli humour of accelerating early
Pledges of new Works. And this is the Duty of our
Natural Hijiory. § As for the Mafs^ws comfile a Hiftory,
not only of Nature at Liberty , and in Gourfe; I mean,
when without compulsion /he glides gently along, and ac-
compliflics her own work : (as is the Hijiory of the Ilea'
vetts,MeteorSjEarth and Sea ', of Minerals^Plants^Animals :^
but much rather of Nature firaitned and fvext j when bythe provocations of Art, and the miniftry of Man, /he is
put out of her common road •, diftreffed and wrought.
Wherefore, all the experiments of Arts Mechanical,- all
of the Operative part of Liberal 5 all ofmany Pra^ical,
not yet confpired into a peculiar Art (fo far as any difco-
very may be had, and fo far as isconducent to our inten-
tioiL) we will fet down at large. So likewife Cnot to
di/femble the raa|cer) nothing regarding mens pride and
bravades, we beftow more pains, and place more a/Tii-
rancein this Part than in that other; being the nature ofthings, more difclofes her {e\(ln the vexation of Art ^ than
when it- is at its own liberty § Nor do we prcfcnt the
HiBory of SubUance only, but alfo we have taken it as i
pare of our diligence, to prepare a feparate Hijiory of their
*vertHes t wemean,fuch as in nature may be accounted
Cardinal, and wherein thePrimordraUof Nature arcex-
pre/ly con/lituted ; as matter invcfted v^ith her Primitive
qualities and appetites ; zsdenfe, rare, hot; cold, conjiflent,
fluid, ponderous, light,3ind others not a few. § For indeed,
to fpeak oi fiibtilty, rt>e ftarch out with choice diligence,
akjnd of Experiments,far more fuhttle andftwple than tbofe
commonly met vptth. For we educe and extraft many out
of
2A Vicomt St, Alban
of darkncfs, which had never come into any mans mind to
inveftigate, fave his who proceeds by a certain and con-
ftant path, to the invention of caufes : whereas in them<»
fclves they are of no great ufe ; that it is clearly evident,
that they were not fought after, for themfelves, but that
they have dire^ily the fame refere^ice to things and works,
that the Letters of the Alphabet have to fpeech and
words i which, though fingle by themfelves, they are
unprofitable, yet are they the Elements of all Language.
§ And in the choice of Reports and Experiments^ we pre-
fume that we have given in better fecnrity^ than they who
hitherto have been converfant in Natural Philofophy : for
we admit nothing but by oculate faith , at left evident
proof i and that after moft fevere enquiry : fo as nothing
is reported hightncd to the abufive credit of a miracle j
but what we relate arc chafte and immaculate from Fables
and Vanity. So alfo all thofe received and ventilated cur-
rent fidions and lies, which by a ftrange negle6i^, have for
many ages been countenanced, and are become inveterate
;
we do by name profcribe,and prccifely note,that they maypiutde Ed. be no longer prejudicial to Sciences. For what one wifely
ddRep.*''' obferves,T/j4f Fables, Snperfiitzonsy and idle Stories, which
J^nrfes injiill into young Children, do ingood earnefi deprave
their winds : fo the fame reafon moved us,to be fo religious
and careful, left at the entrance, where we handle and take
the charge of the Infancy^ as it were, of philofophy, under
natural Hijiory -, fhe ihould be initiated in any vanity.
§ But in every new and fomewhat more fubtile experiment^
in our opinion, certain and tryed, we yet apertly adpynthe manner of the experiment we have pradifed, that after
it is made apparent what the fuccefs of every particular
was with us ; men might fee the error which might lurk
and cleave thereto 5 and be awaked to proofs , if any
fuch be, more exaft and fecure. § In brief , we eve-
ry where fparfedly infert monitions and fcruples and
conjeftures i ejeflingand intcrdifting, asit were, byafa-
€red adjuration^ and exorcifm, all Phantafms. ^ Lafily^
being it is a thing moji liquid unto us, how exceedingly
Experience and Hiftorydifperfe the beams of the iight of
humane Intel led i ;and how hard a matter it is, fpecially
to
hif Preface. 25
to minds tender and preocciipate, at fir/1 entrance, to be-
come familiar wich nature •-, we therefore many times addour own obfcrvations, as certain firft convcrilons and in-
clinations, and as it were, Afpc5if of Hijior^ to Vhilofophy;
to the end that they may be both pledges to men, that they
fliall not ever be detained in the waves of Hiftory ^ as alfo
that when they are once arrived to the operation of the
undcrftanding, all may be in a more preparednefs. Andby this kind of Natural Hijiory^ as here we defcribe, wefuppofe that there may be a fccure and cafie accefs untoNature •, and folid and prepared matter prefcnted unto the
Underftanding.
^ Noxv ire hai^e both fortified and environed the un- P. IV..dcr/ianding svirh faithful Auxiliaries and forces, and bya ftricr Muftcr raifed a compleat Army of Divine Works,there feeiui nothing remaining but that rvefet uponPhilofophy
it felf. But in fo deficile and dubious an enterprife, there
arc fome particulars, which feemneceffarily to be inter-
pofed partly for inftruflion, partly for prefcnt ufe. ^ Ofthefe the firfl is^ that the examples oflnqiiifition^ and of In-
dention^ he propounded according to our Rule and Me-thod reprefented in particular Subjects ^ chiefly makingchoice of fuch Sub;e6-s, which amongft other things to
be enquired, are the mofl: noble, and in mutual relation,
moft adverfe ; that there may not want an example in eve-
ry kind. Nor do we fpeak of thofe examplef^ which fot
illuftrationfake, are annexed to every particular Precept
and Rule (for we have fufficiently quit our felves hereof
\nt\\G^ Second Fart of the Wor\^^ but we mean dire^Jy
the Types and Platforms which may prefent, as it were,
to the eye , the whole Procedure of the Mind , and the
continued Fabrick and Order of Invention, in certain fe-
Iccted fub;efis j and they various and of remark. For it
came into our mind , that in Mathematickj , the frame
ftanding, the Demonftration inferred is facile and pcrfpi»-
cuous ') on the contrary, without this accommodation anddependency, all feems involved, and more fubtile than in-
deed they be. Wherefore to examples of this fort rve affnn the Fourth Part of OHrWorh^: which indeed is nothing
elfe, but a particular, and explicite application ofthe Se-
cond Part. [H] % But
^5 Vicount St. Albaii
p v^ €\ But the ffth Part is added only for a time, and paid
aaintereftuntitthe Principal be railed. For we arc notfo
prccipicantly bentupoo the end, as too flightly to pafs o-
ver what we cafually meet with by the way. Wherefore
the Fifth Part of the Work^^ iscompofcd of fiich things as
we have, or found out, or experimented, or fuperadded j
nor yet do we perform this, by the reafon and rules of In-
terpretation^hutby the fame application ofthe underftand-
incr, which others in enquiry and invention ufc to pra£lice.
For feeing from our perpetual converfe with nature, we
hope greater matters from our meditations, than we can
promife to our felvcs from the ftrength of our own wit
;
\/ > thefe obfervations may be as tents pitched in the way, into
which the mind.in purfuit ofmore certain Colledions,may
turn in, and for a while repofe her felf. Yet in the mean,
we promife not to engage our felves upon the credit of
thofe Obfervations i becaufe they are not found out, nor
tried by the right/or/w of Interpretation. § And there is
no caufe why any fhould diftafi: or entertain a jealoufie, at
that fnfpenfion ofjudgemmt in knowledge, which ajferts not
ahfolntely-) that nothing can be kporv}t i but that nothing^with'
ent a certain Order^ and a certain Method^ can be l^on>n ', and
yet withal^ lays down for ufe and eafe^ certain Degrees of
certitude^ until the mind be jixt upon the explication of
vet?Nov. caufes. For neither thofe very Schools of Philofophers,
who down right maintained Acatalcpfie or Incompnhenfi-
biJityy have been inferiour to thofe, who ufurp a liberty of
Dograat. pronouncing fentence : but they provided not afliftances
to the fenfe and underftanding, as we have done , but ut-
terly took away all credit and authority^ which is a far dif-
ferent cafe and almoftoppofite.
P. VI. ^ "New the fixth Tart of our Worh^^ whereto the re/i
are fubferi/ient and niinijirant, doth altogether difclofe ,
and propound that Philofophy , which is educed^ andconjiitutedout of fuch a legitimate fincere andfevere enqui-
ry , as we haofe already taught and prepared. But to
confummate and perfed this laji Part, is a thing exalted
above our ftrength , and beyond our hopes. We have
given it, as wie truft, not contemptible beginnings 5 the
profperous fuccefs of mankind ifliall give it JiTue; and
per-
his Preface.
peradventurc fuch, as men, in this prclcnc ftatc of mindand iniployments, can not eafily conceive and compre-
hend. And the cafe concerns not: contemplative felicity
alone, but indeed mens affairs and fortunes, and all the
power of W^orks : For Man, Nature f minijier and inter-
freter^ doth^ and underfiandsfo wnch, as he hath by Ope-
ration or Contemplation obferifed of Natures Order i nor can
l^notv or do any more : For neither can any forces unloofe
and break afunder the chain of Caufesj nor is nature o-
therwife, than by obedience unto it, vanquiflit. Where-fore thefe two main Intentions, Humane Sciences^ and Hu-Plane Potencies^ are indeed in the fame point coincident
:
and the fruftration of Works, for moft part, falls out from
the ignorance of Caufes. § But herein the fumm and per-
fe^ion of all confifls, if a man, never taking off the eye
of his mind from the things themfelves , throughly im-
print their images to the life. For God defend, that we(liould pubJiHi the ayery dreams of our own Fancy, for the
real Ideas of the If orld ! But rather may he be lo graci-
oufly propitious unto us,that we may write the Apocalypfe,
and true viflon of the impreffions and fignets of the Crea-
tor, upon the Creature !
Wherefore thou , Father, rvho hajl conferred 'vifihle
"Lights as the Primitias<?» the Creature', and breathed into
the face of Man IntelleSinal Light, as the accomplifhment ofthy JVorkj ; proteSi and conduB. this IVorh^, xvhich ijfuing
from thy Goodnefs, returns to thy Glory ! Thou, after thou
hadji fur<veyedthe workj thy hands had wrought, fatv that
allvpas exceeding Good, andhajirejied : but Manfurveyingthe worlds hts hands had tprought, fan? that all was 'vanity
and vexation of Spirit , and found no Keji : Wherefore if
we labour with diligence , and vigilance in Thy worlds 5
thou wilt make us Participants of thy Vifion, and of thy
Sabbath. We humbly fupplicate , that we may be of this
refolution,and infpired with this mind; and that thou wouldjl
be pleafed to endow humane Race,with new Donatives by our
hands j and the hands of others^ in whom thou/halt implant
thefame Spirit.
[Ha] THE
7
29
THE
GENERAL ARGUMENTOf the
Nine Books.LIB. 1. Is Proemial to the Inftauration of Sciences. § Reports
the DISCEIEDITS of LEARNING. § The DIGNITY ofLEARNING.
TIB. II. Declares the ADVANCEMENT ofLEARNING. § In-
, ftrumental. § Eflential , in the Partition of Sciences, into
HISTORY. § POESY. § PHILOS. § Partit. of HIST.
§ POESY.
LIB. III. Partitions of PHILOSOPHY , into § SUMMARY.§ SPECIAL, into DIVINE. § NATURAL. § HUMANE.
§ Partitions of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
T IB. IV. Partitions of HUMANE PHILOSOPHY into § PHI-1^ LOSOPHY of HUMANITY. § CIVIL. § Partitions of
the PHILOSOPHY of HUMANITY.
LIB. V. Partitions ofSCIENCES, from the Ufe and Objefts of
of the MIND, into § LOGICK, § ETHICK. § Of LO-GICK into INVENTION. § JUDGEMENT. § MEMORY.§ TRADITION.
LIB. VI. Partitions of TRADITION or ELOCUTION into the
ORGAN of SPEECH, § METHOD of SPEECH. § ILLU-STRATION of SPEECH.
T IB. VII. Partitions of ETHICK or MORAL KNOWLEDGE,L^ into the IDoftrine of the PLATFORM of GOOD. ^ Of the
CULTURE of the MIND.
LIB.
90
LIB.Vin. Partitions of CIVIL KNOWLEDGE, into the Doftrine
of CONVERSATION. § Of NEGOTIATION. § OfGO-VERNMENT of STATES.
LIB. IX. Partitions of THEOLOGY omitted , DEFICIENTSThree. § L THE RIGHT USE OF HUMANE REASON
in DIVINITY. § II. The DEGREES OF UNITY IN THECITY OF GOD. § m. The EMANATIONS OF SS. SCRI-
PTURE.
The
5^
THE
ARGUMENTOF THE
CHAPTERSOF' THE
Firft Book.CAP. I.
.HEConfccration of thisVVork unto the mo^ Learned ofPriKcef, King James. § IVho in high , bnt jujl con-ceptions is here admired. § The Diftribntion into theDignity and Troficieney of Learning. I. Difcredits ofLearning from the ohjeUions of Divines j That theafpiring unto Kuovpledge was thejirji Sin. That Learn-
ing is infinite and full of anxiety. That Learning inclines the Mindto Hercfie and Atheifn/. II. The Solution. Original Guilt was not inthe gjiantity^ but in the ^ality of Knowledge. (^ The Corre9ive
hereof Charity. III. Ag^inji Infinity^ Anxiety , and Seducement ofKnowledge^Three prefervatives. (j That it inUruS us in our Mortality.
§ That it gives us content. § That itfoar not too high. ^ And foVhilofophy leads the Mind by the Linl{s of Second Caufes unto the Firfi.
CAP. II.
L Difcredits caji upon Learning from the objections of Politicks 5 That
Learningfoftens Mens natures^ and makes them unfit for Exercife ofArms.
2 The Defign.
Jrms. That Lear»wg perverts *»e«s nnr.ds for matter of Govern-
ment. Other particular itidijpofitions pretended. II. The Jolutio»-^
Learning makes »ot men unapt for Arms. III. Learning inablcs
men for Civil Affairs. IV. Tartiadar fedticements imputed t6
Learning : As curious invertainty. § Pertinacious Regularity. ^ Jijijl
leading BookTrefidents. § Retired jJothfulnefs. § Relaxation ofDifpline , are rather cured than caufed by Learning.
CAP. III.
L Difcredits of Learning from Learned mens Fortunes '-^ Manners^
Nature ofStudies. II. Derogations derivedfrom Fortune are thefe 5
Scarcity of Means. § Privatenefs of Life. § Meannefs of Tmploy-
went. III. From their Manners , theje too Regular for the times,
§ Too fenfible of the good of others , and too negle&ive of their own.
§ A defailance in applying themfelves to Perfons of ^ality. § AFailing in jome lejffer Ceremonies of demeanure. § Grofs Flattery
fraUijed bj Jome Learned men. § LnHanced^ in the Modern De-
dication of Bookj. § Difcreet Morigeration alloroed.
CAP. IV.
I. DJihmpers of Learning from Learned mens Studies^ are of thret
forts 3 Phantajiical Learning 5 Contentious Learning 5 Delicate
Learning. l\. Delicate Learning a curiofity in words ^ through pro-
fujenefs of fpeech. ^ Decent expreffion commended. § Affe&edbrevity conjured. III. Contentious Learning, a curiofity in matter^
through novelty of Terms or Jlri&nefs of Pojitions. § A vanity
either in Matter 5 or in Method. IV. Phantajiical Learning hath
ivpo branches, Impoifure^ Credulity. § Credulity aBeliefofHijio-
ry-, or a Belief of Art ; or Opinion : and that either Real, in the
Art itfelf. § Or Perfonal in the Author offuch an Art or Science.
CAP. V.
Feccant Humours in Learning. I. Extreme affe&ion to two extremes 5
Antiquity : Novelty. II. A diiirufi that any thing Nerv,fipuld nowlefound out. III. That of all SeHs and Opinions, the belt hath
jiillprevailed. IV. An over-early reduSion ofKnowledge into Arts
and Methods. V. A negleU of Primitive Philofophy. VI. ADivorce of the IntelleUfrom theObjeti. VII. A contagion ofKnow-ledge in General,from Particular inclinations andtempers. VIII. Animpatience of fujpenfe 5 hajie to pojttive ajfertion. IX. A Magijiral
manner of Tradition of Knowledge. X. Aim of Writers, lUuJira-
tion, not Propagation of Knowledge. XI, End ofStudies^ Citriofity,
pleafure. Profit, Preferment^ &c.
CAP.
ofthuWorJ\, ^o
CAP. VI.
The Dignity of Learning from Divine Arguments and Tejiintoniet.
I. From Gods IVifdont. § Angels of Illumination. § The firji
Light. § The firli Sabbath. § Mans im^loyment in the Garden.
^ Abels contemplation, i^ The Invention of Muficl^. § Confufion
of Tongues. II. The excellent Learningiof Mofes. § Job. § So-
lomon. § Christ. § 6"/. Paul. § The Ancient Do&ors of the
church. \ Learning exalts the Afind to the Celebration of Gods Glo-
ry J and is a prefervative againff Error and Vnbelief.
CAP. VII.
The Dignity of Learning from humane Arguments and Teftimonies»
I. Natural Inventors ofnew Arts^ for the Commodity of Man's lifei
confecrated as Cods. II. Tolitical^ Civil Efiates and Affairs ad-vanced by Learning. § The befi and the happiejl times under Learn-ed Princes and others. § Exemplified in fix continued fucceedingEmperoursfrom the death tf/Domitian. III. Military : The Con-currence of Arms and Learning. § Exemplified /«Alexander the
Great. § Julius Cxfar the Dilator. § Xenophon the Phifopher,
CAP. VIII,
The Merit of Learning, from the influence it hath upon Moral vertues.
§ Learning a Sovereign remedy for all the Difeafes of the Mind,
§ The dominion threofgreater than any Temporal Power^ being a
Power over Reafon and Belief. § Learning gives Fortunes^ Honours
and Delights^ excelling all other as the foul thefenfe. § Durable
monuments of Fame. § A profpe& of the Immortality of a future
World.
The fecond BOOK.THE PROEM.
Tiie Advancement of Learning commended to the Care of Kingti
I. The Acts thereof in general three. Reward, DireCfion , A^-Jiance. II. Infpecial,about three Objeifs,Vlaces^ Books, Perjons. § In
Places four Circumjiances, Buildings, Revenues, Priviledges, Laws ofDifcipline. § In Bool^s two. Libraries, good Editions. § In Perfons
two. Readers of Sciences extant. Inquirers into Parts non-extant.
III. Deficients in the Acfs of Advancement,fix, want of Foundations
for Arts at Urge. § Meanncfs rf Salary to Readers, (j Want of al-
lowance for experiments. § Prepoiierous Injiitutions : unadvifed
prafiifes in Academicalfludies. § Want of Intelligence between the
VniverfitJes ofEurope. § Want of Enquirers into the Defe&s of Arts,
(j The Authors particular defign. ^ Modeji defence.
[I] CAP,
54^^^ ^^fig^
CAP. I.
I. An Vniverfal Partition ofHumane Learning into^ § Hisiorji. II. Foe"
Jie. III. Fhilofophy. § This Partition is drawnfrofu the three Iri^
tdle&ive Faculties '-, Memory 5 Imagination 5 Reafon. ^ The famedijiribution is agreeable unto Divine Learning.
CAP. II.
I. ThePartitionofHJjiory, into Natural and Civil. (Ecclejiajiical, andLiterary comprehended under Civil.) II. The Partition of Natural
Hijiorj/y into the Hijiory of Generations. III. Of Preter-Cenerations.
IV. Of Arts.
CAP. m. !
I. A Second Partititnof Natural HtUoryfrom the Vfe and End thereof^
into Narrative, and Indu&ive, And that the moSi noble end of No.'
tural Hifiory isi that it minijier and conduce to the building up of
Fhilofophy , which end, Indu^ive Hifiory refpeð. II. The Parti-
tion of the Hifiory of Generations, into the Hi^ory of the Heavens 5
The HiShry of the Meteors 3 The Hifiory of the Earth, and Sea 5
The Hifiory of Majjive Bodies,or ofthe greater CoUegiats 5 The Hijiory
of Kinds, or of the lejfer CoUegiats.
CAP. IV.
I. The Partition of Hifiory Civil, into Ecclefiafiical and Literary ^ and(jiphich retains the general name) Civil. IL Literary Deficient.
§ Precepts how to compile it. \
CAP.'.>.y.\
of the Dignity and Difficulty of Civil Hifiory,
CAP. VI.
The firfi Partition of Civil Hifiory,' into § Memorials. § Antiquities,
§ Perfe& Hifiory.
CAP. VII.
The Partition of PerfeU Hi^ory, into Chronicles of Times ; Lives ofPerfons , Relation of A&s, § The explication of the Hifiory ofLives, ij OfRelations. .<\\ \5, v-
GAP. VIIL
The Partition ofthe Hifiory of Times j into univerfal and particular Hi'
fiory. The advantages and difadvantages of both.
CAP. IX.
The Second Partition of the HiSiory ofTimes,into Annals,and 'journals'.
C A P. X.
A Second Partition ofSpecial-Civil HiSiory into Hifiory Simple^ Mixt.
CAP.
of this IVorJ^ o^
CAP. XI.
I. TBe Partition of EcclcfiaHical Hijiory^ into the General Hilary ofthe Church. II. HiJioryofPropheJie. III. Hijiory of Providence,
CAP. XII.
The Appendices of Hijiory Converfant about the rrords of Men, as Hijiory
itfelfabout Min's Alls. The Partition of them into Speeches 5 Let^
ters, and Apothegms.
CAP. XIII.
The Second Principal part of Humane Learning, Poejie. I. The Partiti-
on ofPoe(ie into Narrative. II. Drammatical. III. Parabolical. § Three
Examples of Parabolical Poejie propounded. IV. Natural. V Poli"
tical. VI, Moral.
The Third BOOK.CAP. I.
I. The Partition of Sciences into Theology and Philofophy. U. The Parti-
tion of Philofephy, into three Knowledges i, of God --y of Nature j ofMan, III. The Conjiitution of Philofophia Prima, as the common.
Parent of All.
CAP. II.
Of Natural Theology. § Of the Knowledge of.Angels and Spirits^ anAppendix thereof.
CAP. III.
The Partition ofNatural Philofophy into Speculative C^ Operative. § Thef$
two, both in the Intention of the PVriter, and Body of the Treatije^
ought to befeparate.
CAP. IV.
I. The Partition of Speculative Science concerning Nature, into Phyfic^
fpecial , and Aletaphyfc^j whereof Phyficl{^ inquires the Ejffjcient
Caufe and the Matter : Aietaphyfick^ the Final Caufc of the Eorm:.
II. The Partition of Phyflck.into the knowledges of the Principles of
things j of the Fabricl{^ of things, or of the World ; and of the va~
.
riety of' things. III. The Partition of Phyflck^refpe&ing the variety ofthings, into the Doctrine of Concretes, and into the Do&rine of Ab-
Jlrdis. The Partition ofConcretes, is thefame with the DiliributioK
of Natural Hifiory. IV. The Partition of the Do&rine of Abjira&s,
into th^Juiowledge ofthe Schemes of Matter j and into the l^owledge
ofMotions. V. Two Appendices of Speculative Phyficl^, Natural Pro-
blems 5 -^nd the Placjts of Ancient Philofophers. VI. The Partition
of Metaphfick^,int the Doctrine of Forms'^ and into the DoUrine of
Final Caujes.
CAP. V.
l.Tbe Partition ofOperative knowledge concerning Nature^ into Mecha-
[I 2] mckj
^5 The Defign
nickj, ii»^ Magick : refpondent to the Parts ofSpeculative kfiowledge 5
Mechanick toPhyfickhMagick^to Metaphyfick, § A purging pj the wordMagia.ll.TtPO Appendices to Operative knon>ledge:An Inventory of the
ejiate ofMan.^ A Catalogue ofPolychreJisjor things of multifarious ufe^
CAP. VI.
of the great Appendix of Natural Philofopby^ as well Speculative as Ope-
rative ; Mathematick^ knowledge : and that it ought to be placed ra-
ther amongU Arpendices j than among^fubjiantial Sciences. § 7h&
Partition of Mathematick/ into Pure, and Mixt.'
~~~" The fo^lTBOOK."^
CAP. I.
I, ^TpHe Partition of the Knowledge of Man, into the Philofophy of
X Humanity, and Civil, ^T^epartition of the knowledge ofHu-manity^ into the kl^owledge touching the Body of Man 3 and into thz
knowledge touching the Soul of Man. If. The confiitution of a gene-
ral knowledge, touching the Nature and Ejiate of Man. § The parti-
tion of the knowledge concerning the Ejiate ofMan, into the know-ledge touching the Perfon of Man , and into the knowledge touching
the League of Soul and Body. § Thepartitionof the knowledge touch-
ing the Perfon of Man into the knowledge of Man^s mferies,
§ And ofMan's prerogatives.Ul. The partition of the knowledge touch-
ing the League, into the knowledge of Indications, ^ And of Impref-
fions. § The ajjignment of Phyfiognomy. § And of Interpretation ofNatural Dreams : unto the Do&rine of Indications.
CAP. II.
I. Thepartition of the knowledge refpeBing the Body ofMan,into Art Me»dicinal. § Cofmetick; § Athletick: § And Voluptuary, II. The par-
tition of Medicine , into three duties, § Conservation of Health,
III. Cure ofDifeafes. IV. And Prolongation of life: and thdt the
lali Part, Prolongation of life,fjould befeparatejrom the other two,
CAP. III.
I. The partition ofHumane Philofophy touching the Soul, into the know-
ledge ofthe Infpired Effence , and into the knowledge of the fenfible^
or traduced Soul. § The fecond partition of thefame Philoftphy, into
the knowledge of the Sujiance and Faculties of the Soul. And into
the knowledge of the Vfe, and ObJeBstof the Faculties. II. Two Ap^
pendices of the knowledge, concerning the Faculties of the SouL the
knowledge of Natural Divination. § And the kj^owledge of Fajcina-
tion. III. The Dijiribution of the Faculties of the fenftble Soul, into
Motion, and Senfe.
The fifth book! '"
^CAP. I.
I'X'He partition ofthe knowledge which refpeð the nfe and obje&s of
the Faculties ofthe Mind ofMart, into Logick.^ and Ethick.. ll.The
Divijton of Logick, into the Arts ofInvention, ofJudgement, ofMe-mory, and ofTradition, CAP.
oftlmWorJ^ ^y
CAP. II.
I. Thepartition of the Art of Invention, into the Inventive of Arts, andofArguments. § Theformer oftheferphtch is the more eminentJs Defi-cient. II, The partition ofthe Inventive Art of Arts, into Literate Ex-perience. § And a Netv Organ. III. A delineation of Literate Experience.
C A P. III.
f. The partition of the Inventive Art of Arguments , into rromptua-ry,or Places of Preparation:And'Topick^or Places ofSnggejlion. II. Thapartition of Topickj,into Ceneral^k^ And particularTopickj. WLAnEx"ample ofparticular Topick^in the Inquiry, De Gravi & Levi.
C A P. IV.
I. Thepart ition ofthe Art ofjudging^into Judgement by Indu&ion, § Andby Syllogifnt.Ofthefirfi a Colle&ion is made in the Novum Organum.§ Thefirji partition efJudgement by Syllogifm into ReduSio»^ Direct,and Inverji. § Thefecond partition thereofinto Analytic^Artj and thei^KOwledge ofElenches. II. The divifion of the knowledge ofEknchesinto Eknches ofSophiJms, § Into Elenches of Interpretation of\Terms^
§ And into Eknches of Images or idolaes. III. The divifion ofldolaes,
§ Into Imprejfion from the general nature of Man, or Jdola Tribus.'
§ Into Imprejfionsfrom the Individual temper ofParticulars, or IdoJaIpecus. ^ Into Imprejfions by words and Communicative nature or I-
dola Fori. IV. An Appendix to the Art of Judging ; namely of the A-nalogy of Demonjlraiion according to the nature ofthefubjeS»
CAP. V.
J. The Partition ofArt Retentive, or of Memory, into the Knowledge ofthe Helps ofMemory. § And the Knowledge of Memory itfelf. II. TheDivifion of the DtBrine of Memory, into Prenotion, and Emblem.
'
ThefixthBOO^CAP. I.
1. "^He Partition ofthe Art ofTradition, into the Do&rine of the Organ
ofSpeech. The Do^rine of the Method of Speech, and the Do-Brine of the lUufiration of Speech. § The partition ofthe Do&rine ofthe Organ ofSpeech,into the knowledge of the Notes oj thingsjofSpeaksing, and of Writing : Ofwhich the two laji coniiitute Crammer, and
- the Partions thereof. § The Partition of the k."owledge of the Notes
of Things,into Hieroglyphickj 5 and into Chara&ers Real. II. AfecondPartition ofCrammer into Literary j and Philofophycal. III. The ag-
gregation of Patfie referring to Meafure,to the knowledge ofSpeech.^ An(Aggregation of the knowledge of Ciphers to the knowledge of Scripture.
CAP. II.
I. The Do&rine of the Method ofSpeech is ajfigtied afubflantial andprin-
. cipalPartoflraditive knowledge: it isJiiled the Wifdom of Delivery.
n. The divers kjnds of Methods are enumerated 5 their Profits andDifprofits annext. § The Parts of Method.
C A P. III.
I. The Crounds and Offce of Rhetorick,. II. Three Appendices whichappertain only to the preparatory Part. The Colours of Cood and E-vil , as well fimple as compared. Ilf. The Anti-theta of Things^
IV. Lefferfiiles or ufual Forms of Speech.
CAP,
^g The Defign^ Sec,
GAP. IV.
I. Twogeneral Af^endices of Traditiveknorvledge : Jrt Critical. II. And
Pedagogical.
The feventh BOOK.- CAP. I.
I. THe Partition of Moral Philojbphy^ into the knowledge of the Ex^
emplar^ or Platform 5 and into the Georgicks or Culture of the
Mind' § The divifion of the Exemplar (namely ofGood) into Good
Simple, and GoodCompared. II. The Partition of Good Simple, in-
to Individual Good-, and Good of Communion.
CAP. II.
I ThePartitionof individual or private Good, into Good A&ive-, and
Good Pajjive. II. The Partition of Pajjive Good, into Cenfervative
Good -, and perfeSive Good. III. The Partition of the Good ofCom-
munion, into General. § And into Refpe&ive Duties:
CAP. III.
I. The Partition of the Doctrine of the Culture of the Mind, into the
knowledge of the Chara&ers of the Mind. II, Of the Affe&ions^
III. of the Remedies and Cures thereof. IV. An Appendix to thefameDo&rine touching the Congruity between the Good of the Mind, and
the Good of the Body.
,j—
The eighth BOOK.CAP. I.
'T^He Partition of Civil knowledge, § Into the knowledge of Converfa"
tion. § The knowledge of Negociation. § And the knowledge ofEmpire or State^Government.
CAP. II.
I. The Partition of the knowledge of Negociation into the knowledge of
difperfed Occaftons.W-And into the knowledge ofthe Advancement of
life. § Examples of the knowledge of feattered Occafionsfromfomc
cfSolomoasParables. § Precepts concerning the Advancement of For-
tune.CAP. III.
The Partition ofthe Art of Empire or Government is omitted, only ac-
cefs is made to two Deficients. I. The knowledge of enlarging the
Bounds of Empire. II. And the knowledge ofuniverfal Jujiice, or ofthe Fountains ofLaw.
The ninth book!' '
/CAP. I.
'T/Je Partitions of infpired Theology are omitted, only way is made un»
to three Defiderates. I. The knowledge of the right Vfe of HumaneReafon in matters Divine. II. The knowledge of the degrees of tfni*
iy in the City of God. III. The Emanations ofSS. Scripture.
, FRAN^
FRANCISC I
D EVERVLAMIOARCHITECTURA
Scientiaram.THE
GENERAL IDEAAND
PROJECTOF THE
LORD V E RV L A M' S
Inftauratio Magna.Reprefented in the
PLATFORMOF THE
DESIGNOf the Firft Part thereof.
As It was conceiv'd in the Mind of the Authorand is exprcflcd in the Model of the Work.
DEUS OMNIAIN MENSUPvA, ET NUMERO,ETORDlNE,
DISPOSUIT,
The Emanation of SCIENCES, from the Intelleftual Faculties of M E-
MORY, IMAGINATION, REASON.From thefc 3
•Natural. The SnbjeCt ; the Vfe-'
I Hiftory^CivilrCzt/i/, properljifo callecl.{
'Ecclejiajiical.
. Literary.
'3< II Poefie
[lllPhilo-.
fopby
Narrative or Hijlorical.
^ Drammatical or rcprejcnt. j
Parabolical or Allujive. •—
Primitive Sapience^the receptacle ofgeneral Axioms'^
rDivine, or Natur. Thcel.•' ... ^Phyfickj.
.^P^'^^^^'^^'lAIctaph.
"LIB. ir.
>...
Derivative.1^Natural-.
Operative' Mechanic/^.
[AIagicl{.
• III.
Humane*', General of the nature of man, 8cc.~^
'Special into Vhilofophy. A.
.^ '"Body, '\xAQ% Medicinal againfl difeafes. § Cofmetick^or oj Decorat.
^ !
a. I
Arts ^AthUtick.or of Aifivity. i^ Voluptuary or SenfnaL
^SHbjiance\l^j-^^l
[_ Soul the ^
-Native or Adventivs. Sec.
Fiery^ Aerialfitbsiance^ See.
. ^Rational—Intelle&:,reafon-^it»aginat,Si.c,t acuities
\senfual-^ Voluntary motionJenje, &c.
fInvention or Jnquifttion.
>IV.
\ "judgement or Examtnation. >^V,TLogick.^ Memory or cujiody.
' Grammar.
VfeofFa-^cultiet
t
I Elocution or
*\JTradition
^
^Method.
Rhetorick.
>VI.
I//platform cKindi of Good,
\ ofgood \Dcgreei of Good.
'. Ethicks t _ . rf^ ^?'VU.^ ^Culture ojKTempers.'
^the Mind^DiJiempers'^Cures.".
fConverfation.
'^CWll of^ Negociation. ^ ^^^ of enlarging a State \,.,„ICovernment ofStates-^ Fountain of Law. /^"^*
Inlpir'd Divinity is herefeparate'] fVfe of Reafon in Divinity, pfrom Thilofophy : yet Reafon >. Deficients -< Degrees ofunity in Religion.>lX
receives the jignet of Vmh J '^Denvationsfrom Scripture,j
The Preparation to thefe Bookjjs popular,»»* Acroamatick,!
ite/a/e/ *k Prerogatives 4«<^ Derogations <?/z.f<«r»/»^. -^ '
*
[R] THE
The Platform of the De/ign.
Reporting
the
LIB. I. THE DIGNITY OF -LEAaNlNG.
rDefire of Knowledge the firft fin.
roivines^Knowledge an InHnite ; an Anxions thing.
J
Cap. I. ^Learning thccaufe of Herefie and Atheilm.
Obje&ed, An/wered.
Learning makes men unapt for Arms,Difables men for Civil Affairs.
Particular indifpoficions pretended.
OhJeClcd, Aftfwcrcd.
rScarcity of means.'" Fortunes -i Privatencft of life.
'^Meannefs of imployment.
^Difcre'
ditei
ftom
rDilho-
nours 8c
Deroga^tidns ofLearning
in the
ILearned
Mens JCap. 3. Manners
FToo incompatible with the times.
\Too fenfible ofthe common good.Not applying to Perfons ofquality>A failing in points of behaviour.i,Grofs flattery praftifed by fome.
Studies la fome impertinents.
rPhantaftical Learning.Dijiempers injlndies-^ Contentious Learning,
Cap.4. i_ Delicate Learning.
fAfFeftion to two extremes, //«/7^//;7;, Novelty.
A diftruft that any thing New flhould now be found out.A conceit that the beft Opinions ftill prevail.
A too peremptory reduction ofSciences into Methods.Peccant
.' A neglecT: of Primitive Philofophy.HHmors< A divorce of the Intelledtfrom the Objed.
•,_Cap.5.1 A contagion ofKnowledge from particular inclinations.An irapatfenceof fufpenfe ; hafte to Pofitive Aflertion.A Magiftral manner of Tradition of Knowledge.Aim of Writers, Jlluftration, not Propagation.
cEnd ofStudies, Curiofity,Pleafure,Profit5Promotioa,€^f.
rWifdom of God. § Angels of Illumination.^Divinc-i, Firft light.^ ^'^'«ws*.§ ^/'e/'s,Contemplation,£^f.Cap. 6. l.The Learning ofAfofes, Job, Solomon^ 8cc.
S Inventors of Arts confecrated as Gods,Civil Eftates advanc'd by Learning.
Honors, and Prero-
gatives ofLearning^^'from Arguments
Icap./.S. jThe concurrency of Arms and Letters.
The Dominion.
[K 2]
l^onations of Learning.
LlB.IL
The Platform
LIB. II. THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING.
r Amplitude ofReward.
'Gtneralhj/ the^W\Cdom of Diredion.
^CoDJundlion ofLabours.
.'Perfbnal,
in Proem. Jlib.
rP/dfe/j CBuildings. § Revenews.
as ^Priviledges, § Difcipline.
l^Speefal^
Promoted^ s^^;^/,r Libraries]'-^ "•'
byI
as tGood Editions.,
I
rer/2i«/CLeftures ibr Arts extant.
[^ as ^Inquirers into Arts non-extant.
rWant of foundations for Arts at large.
I Want of fufficient Salary to Lt^urers.Preju- , Want of allowance for Experiments,diced
j Want ofa right courfe ofprocedlag in ftudies.
forI
Want of Intelligence between Univeffities,
v.Want of Inquiries into Arts Deficient.
'Subjeft^
Heaven. 4 MeteQif^^Genera-<tEanh. § Sea. V.
\
tions. c Elements. § Specificks.
Prefer- rMoafters. § MarrelJ.'
the
Realj by a
right Par-
tition of,Learning .
Into
Cap.i.
'iHiJiory
referr'd
to Me-'
mory
Cap. 2 ."^ ^^"^^' i. Magick, &c, - '-
j
Artt me- rAgricuIture.
jchanick^ ^Alchimy, c^r.
life and end C Narrative.
Cap, 3. ^Induftive.
i
!
Civil-i
yjpto
fCivilJnJpe
jcial. C,5.6
I
Memorials.
Antiquities. CChronicles..'
PerfedHiftory< Lives. ^
CRelations.
2 Pure. § Mixt.'
EccleJiaiiicaKGeneTil of the Church.Cap. 1 1. ^SpeciaKProphefie.
? Providence.
Literary rAges. § Climates. § Declinations,Cap.4. v^Inftaurations, c^c. of Learning.
Append, to Hijiory. Orations. Epiftles. § Apothegms.Cap. 1 2.
C Narrative or Hiftorical.
2 r<?e/?e referred to the<Drammatical or Reprefentative.Imagination, Cap. 1 5. C Parabolical or Allufive.
1.3 Philojophy, referring to Reafon and the will. Lib. feqq,
LIB.
of the Defign.
LIB. m. THE PARTITION OF KNOWLEDGES IN GE-
NERAL INTO
*" r Axioms of Univerfalily.Sumrnary or rrjmttvc
-Jx^^nfcendents of Entity. i • _ _
I God hence Divwe rhilofophji orJ Natural Theology.
,^^.-^
w ^u
•
a,
OCO
o
sa.
.Xboa-il; Cap.!.-
.bnit/'^-'^Appen.S^"?^^*-
!Zv>p«rits.
iTr;«r/p/f/,of TllijJgs;; •
1 vd vbooF^Z-r/V^ of things or of the
I
re(pe<J-
ing5 -
Ob-Jefts.
intoI
theI
..J^W:
cula- I
live"^
ca,4.
* '^Nature
So
'^ •
!
Heavens.
Meteors.
Earth. Sea.
Elements,
Specificks.
ty oi< \Fnter-Generations._things
J
^i- TM^t-^Denfe. §
[j^raUt *^' VJrave. §.
<?/ ^ LLightjd^c.
{
Mo- r Sknple mot.
tiom^SxiiXims ofmot.
Meafures ofmot.
HUofo-i \ ^ \Placits.
fhy. 1 j
Cap. g. i
I
OperativeyAfefiS^i^/V^.."^ fubfer- rMetaphyfick.
^ lyVX) \Magic^. j*vient to'\_Metaphyfick.
j Append.yAn Inventory ofthe eftate ofman.,
tGap.5. \A Catalogue of Polychreftes.
Append. Mathematicks rArithmeticl^.
Cap. 6.'^ \Geot»etry.
I 5 Man Hence the rHumam-y „,., r t » -i r
•^Emanations of \.Cwil >^Mofoph^^^'H
^THEOLOGY jnfpircd, Lib. ult.
LIB. 3;
Xhe Tktform
LIB. IV. THE PARTITION OF HUMANE KNOWLEDGE, OR THEKNOWLEDGE OF HUMANITY.
Ki 'i^^. \\'S.\\\?j f
CMiferies.
''His Perfonjhis-jJ^ Clntelleftual
rGcmraloi C^'^'^'^'^'^'l^nd Moral.
the nature
Iandftate ^ f/W/V^/Z^wC Mind by the Body.
Iof man in I ofthe ^^ody by the Mind.
' refpeft of ',The league
;W^'^V^
Cap.i. offouIand-< I AnnendicesJ^^^'^^S"^"'^'l^body by I
^ rt ^Interpret, of dreams.
It rr r.t CBody Upon the Mind.^^"^prejfionofthc^J^^^^^ the Body.
I
"Humane ,
properly
fo called
,
which re- ^fer's to
mans
^i^t^^jinto Art
Conferving of Health.
"MedJcinal<C\Me of Difeafes.
.Prolongation of Life.
special di-
IvidedintoPhilofo- <
i,phy.
Jiahce
:['\ <
J Cofmet}ck_^ or of Decoration,
jithleticli, orof AQivity.
1 , , CPi(3:urey,
r j. -i\o\
!I ^Native or advotive.
K<i^i<7»4/^Separable or infep.
iwhether)MortaI or immortaLl
;CPaflible or impaifib.
f^^/the j
Facul- Jties
rintelledt. § Reafon.
"Rational-^ Imaginat.§ Memory.C/VNJ '^Appetite. § WilL
1 A ^ J- ^Divination»^Appendices»? _ , . ,.^*^ PFacwatiofu
Civil. Lib. VIII.
«ye»/?- rVoIuntary Motion.'y^l>k. ^Senfe, § Preception.
Vfeand ObjeSs of Faculties, Lib.V.
jHence the Etna- rLogick.
'^nations of \Ethick
LIB.V.
ofthe Defign.
LIB. V. THE PARTITION OF THE USE AND OBJECTS OF THEFACULTIES OF THE MIND, INTO
SVariation. § Produftion.
Tranllation. § Invcrlion.
pericnce hy "^ Application. § Copulation
'"Arts intoe^ ^Cafualty or Chance.
^Interpretation of Nature Nov, Organ,
rt. Inquifi-
tion or In-
veation oj-^
Cap. 2 . ' ArgumentsC Preparation or Trovifiou.
into <„ a- rr ^- L ^General.^SHS,QeltionorTopicl{s<n
i
v.Cap. 3.
flnduftion, whereof a colleclion is in the Nov. Org.
II. Exami' \
nation or <^
Judgementby
Cap.4.
r, „. CDireft.
I Reduaton|j^^^^^^
^y"°-•! rAndyiick Art.
gifra .<
into :
pLogick 5
hath four
Intelleftu-
al Arts,
ttu-j
I
L 2
'Sophif/fis Elenches, hand-led by Ariji. in precept,by Plato in example.
Majority.
Elenchs c/(f Minority.Interp re- > Priority.
le'de^oA *'*^'°'' ^/jPoaerity,Knott)
^Elenchus terms Power.Aft, &c.
I
1Append.
Analogy of Demonjiration
^from the nature ofthe fnlijeCf.
I
Idolae.^ ^General nature ofor i)H- % man./"jYj/id/w/ljrndividual temper.
Impolition offromthe .words and names.
C Helps to memory, WritingIII. C.Jhdy or Uer^ory into^^^^ .^ ^ . .^Prenotion/
^ap-5- C ^•^2EniDl^'"^°
_IV. ElocHton or Tradition. Lib. Vf.
.Ethicks, refer'd to man's wiJl. Lib.VII.
tlB.y.
The Platform
LIB. Vf. THE PARTITION OF THE ART OF ELOCUTION OR. OFTRADITION INTO THE HJ
rOrgan of Speech into.
^ rspea{ing-^, Hence the orignal rPopular.
j^PFriti»g j of Grammar * \ Phllofophical.
Uppend. to Tff^^.^-P««^^i^ meafure,
^Magijlral ^ * Of Probation or Initiative,
r \. Exoteric^. § Acroamatick.
) '(.By way of Method.
''Kinds'^ Ld /e;:y
^''^ Aflertions, and Proofs,,
'^^ -^ iBy Queftions and Detefminations,
Method
Speech "^
the
Cap. 2.
"-<
Parts
-jiv.t J rFitted to matter.Method -i ff r r^-
\ Upon preluppolition,
5 Method by way of Information, § Anticipation,
n4 ,u A rAnalitick. § Syftutick.
Z^^^^*'''*tDixreticic. § Crytick. § Homerical,
'Difpojiiion of a whole work^.
\ Limitation of Fr^^fl///.?///,their^p^^""?°'
Illuftration
ofSpeech or*
Rhetorick.
r Ofthe Dilates of Reafon to Imagination.
*rhe ufe and <7<^fc^Of Speech refpeftively to particulars.
Application *c. ^^ ^^^ wifdom of private Speech.
*r Colours ofGood and Evil, fimple, compar'd.
*Append *^Anti'theta Rerum^ox the counterpoint of things.
I* ^Lefler Stiles and Forms of Speech.
>
rCorrefted Editions.
iCritical-iInterpretation of Authors.
\_A judgment upon Authors.
r Collegiate education of youth.
Ptedan-jA Caveat againft compends.' tical JApplication of Studies to the
1^ quahtyof Wits.
LIBVIL
ofthe Defign.
LIB. VII. THE PARTITION OF MORAL KNOWLEDGE, INTO THE
'"Indivi-
duals,
or ver-
tues
f- Plat-
form of.
Good.Cap. I.
SiMpk
Cap. 2.
r Perpetuity.
}AUive from a defire c/^Certainty.
2 Variety.
„ rr rConfervative Good.P^jfive \ p^rf^ftiye Good.
fGeneral. ;' ' " '
' ; T Profejpont^ &c.
Of Com- i nP\X\\6ioi4.0economkal:,
^ ^ munion, | R^ff^-\s C^oUtical duties,
or /he"^ or Duties \Jfive J rimpojiuret, frauds^ can»
kinds ofe)Vices^ tils, ike.
Good" U COf profefio»s.
;£« Smplj/ and irtef e&ively taken.
Individ. 8cj /Man and Man.
common ^Comparatively yCaik and Cafe.
C hetrveen ^Publick and Private^
>-CTime and Time.
If ^i ^ CHonefty. § Profit. § Pleafure,Compared, or the De.^^. ^
^^^^^ Fortune.jreet of Good of ^Contemplative. A^ivd Good.
IrArms. kj Letters.
^Impreffed by Nafwre^o^Contemplative. §^Adlive courfe of life.
or tempers.'^ rU^nce of X^^^* ^ ^^^' ^ "-^g'O"'t ^Chance ^/ ^^Health. § Beauty, &c.
Jmpot'd by*^ , /Nobility. 6 Honours*Fortune
|j^i,hes.^ Poverty.
J
Culture
of the
. Cap.3. \ordtfiem
^ ' rpieafnre, pain, fear, hope.*^'*^"1Anger, Patience, Love, Hate.
!How flirr'd. How ftill'd.
How fecreted ? How difcloled >
What operations they produce.
What turns they take >
How enwrapt ? How they encountre ?
I fCuflom, Exercife, Habit, Education.
I ^ „ J- jEmuIation, Company, Friends, Fame,|^C«re/, or
i^«>«e^/^^.<aeproof, Exhortatioi, Laws, Books,tStudy, BriefPrecepts hereof.
ITBody
[_Append. The Congrmty between the Good of^ and
'^Mind.
tli lib. VI«,
The Platform
LIB. Vlir. THE PARTITION OF CIVIL KNOWLEDGE INTONot AfFeftedjmuch left delpifed. Speech rConception.
„ ,^in the \Vtferance,rConverfation
Cap. I.ff
\ in /Gefturle rspeaker.But Moderated, that !
is either "i
ife/^e-r Quality of Men.
J, fi?7z/c ^Nature of Matter. §pies thereof out of Solo- ^to theC^ Of time. § Of Place
1»^»/ Proverbs.
^six rCountenance. Works,'Anions. Nature. '^
I
Scatttered occafions^ exam-
rvayst
by ^Ends. Reports.
'Others^
Nego-tiation. JCap. 2 <
•-^^-^'i
fAcquaintance withleen in the world, v.
Three \ A wife temper in liberty
men well
of\vpays
at
(peech aud filence.
A prefent dexterity both to ob-
ferve and aft.
The Ad-
vance-
ment of '•
Fortune'^
Precepts
^thereof
Cover- f Partitions
mentof )omttedStates jDefcients
^Cap.3.^
Horp hit nature and abilitiesfort with
pThe eftate of the prefent time ; Pro-FIim-\feffions that are in prize: His competitors
^felf "^tn fortune ; The Friends he hath chofen
:
CThe examples he would follow.
Setting forth his Vertues ^ Fortunes ; Merita,'
C Caution.
Concealing his Defefts,<Ctf/tf«r.
and Difgraces, by c^"»^*^^''^^'Declaring a Man's mind in particulars by a
mediocrity of Revealing, Concealing.
Framing the mind to become flexible to
occaiaoiis, of place, time, and perlbns,ct"^.
'That he be well skill'd what inftruments to ule
and how.That he overtask not his own abilities.
.
That he do not always ftay for5but fbmetimes.
provoke occafions.
That he never undertake great, or long works.^
That he never fo engage him(elf but that he
I
leave a poftern door open for retreat.
{^That he fo love, as he may hate upon occafion.
"* The art ofenlarging an Efiite.
a Certain in the intimation.^* The fountains\]\x^ in the commandment.
of Lawt. <r Fit to be put in execution.
A Agreeing with the form ofthe ftaie.
\ Begetting vcrtue in the Subjefts.
LIB.IX.
Spars'd •<
of the Defign.
LIB. IX. INSPIRED THEOLOGY.The Partition oflnfpired Divinity is omitted, only an entrance is made unto
three DEFICIENTS.
''I * Tic Limits and Vfe of HVMANE REASON in MattersI DiyiNE.
The(
Wfe it felf^^'^P^'^^^^on of Divine Myfteries.
^J^ J J ^Inferences thence deduced.
'Mining into things not revealed by a too Curi-'Exceffes inJ ous inquiry.
UhatVfe jAttributing equal Authority to Der7z;4f/f>«i-, as^ to Principles themfelves.
Deficients< H * "^^^ Degrees of Vnity in the City of God,
1 V t.itS^"°^3mental 5 one Lo. one Faith, Sec.
Mn ^"'«'^ gsuperftrudive or ofperfeftion.
TA diflent in Fundamental Points, dilcor-C -i porates men from the Church of God 3
I \_ not fo inpperliru&ive Points,
\jll * Emanations from Scripture wherein are obferved
•In fuppofing that all Philofophy is derivedfrom Scripture, as the School of Paracelfusdid, and iome others now do.
.In Interpreting Scripture as one would ahumane Author 5 whereas two thingswere known to God which are not knownto Man rSecrets ofthe Heart,
The\SucceJfion of Times.
I
^Errors in
Interpre-
tation
A DeRde- ^^ Colkaion of Pofitive Divinity upon
rate i particular Texts in brief obfervaiions.'^ Prejudiced
fDilating into commmon places.by«< Chafing after Controverfies
{^Reducing to Methods.
FRAN-
FRANCIS L. V E RV L A MVicouNT S'- ALBAN,
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
LEA R°N I N G.
The First Book.
CHAP. I.
The ConfecratJom of this Wcrkjukto the Ktoji learned of Princes, K. James,rvho in high, htitjujiy conceptions if here admired. § The Diflribntion,
into the Dignity and the Proficiency of Learning. L Difcredits ofLearning
,
pom the ebjeQions of Divines : That the afpiring unto
Knowledge was the firft Sin. That Learning is a thing infinite, andfull of Anxiety. That Knowledge enclines the Mind to Herefie andAcheifm. IL Thefolntion : OriginalGuilt was not in the Qnznniy^buf^
in the Quality o/ Knowledge. § The Corrective hereofChzntj' IIL A^gainjilnhnitY, Anxiety, <?«(;/ Seducements of Sciences ; three Freferva^
tives : That we forget not our mortality. § That Learning give Ua
content. § That it fbar not too high. § And fo Vhilofo^hy leads the
Mind by the Linkj of Second Caufes, unto the Firfl:.
Here were under the Old Law ( Excellent iC/>/g)
"^> both Free-veill-ojferings, and Daily Sacrifices •-, tnk
one proceding upon ordinary observance 3 the o-
ther upon a devout Chcarfulnefs. Certainly, iti
my opinion, fome fuch kind of Homage belongs
to Kings ^lom their (ervants ; namely, That every
one (hould tender, not only Tributes of hisDuty^
but Prefents of AfFeftion. In the former ofthefe, I hope, I (hall not be wanting ; for the
latter I was in fufpenfe what I (hould mo(t principally undertake, and irt
conclufion I thought it more refpeftive to make choice of fome Oblati-=i
on, which might refer, rather to the propriety and excellency of your
individual Perlon^than to the bulinefs of your Crown and State.
§ Reprefcnting your Majefty, as ray duty is, many times unto mymind, (leaving afide the other parts, whether of your Vertue, or ofyour
Fortune) I have been polTefl: with extreme wonder, when I confider thd
A excellency
of the Advancement ofLearning. Lib. L
excellency of thole Vertues and Faculties in yoU5which the Philofbphers
call intelleftual j the capacity of your Mind comprehending (o many and
fo great Notions, the faithfulncfs of your Memory, the (wiftnefs of your
ApprehenGon, the penetration of your Judgment, the order and facility
of your Elocution. In truth rlato'i Opinion fometimes comes into mymind, which maintains, That knowledge is nothing elfe hut refnembrance 5
atidihat the mind cj man hy nature knows all things, once redimed and re-
jiored to her own native light, which the cloudy vault or gloomy tabernacle
of the body had orefpread with darknefs. For certainly the beft and cleareft
Inftancefor this Aflertion (hines in yourMajefty, vvhofe mind is fo ready
to take flame from the leaft occafion prefented, or the leaft fpark of an-
others Knowledge delivered. Wherefore as the (acred Scripture faith of
the wifeft King, That his heart was as thejandsofthejea : which though
it be one of the largeft Bodies, yet it confifteth of the fmalleft portions
;
fo hath God given your Majefty a compofition of Underftanding ex-
ceeding admirable, being able to compafi; and comprehend thegreateft
matters, and neverthelefs, to apprehend the leaft, and not to fufter them
to efcape your Oblervation : Whereas it (hould leem very difficult, or ra-
ther animpoffibility in nature, for the fame Inftrument to make it felf
fit for great and fmall works. And for your gift of Speech, I call to mind
what Cornelius Tacitui (diiiho^ liuguiius defar, Jugi/Jio (iihhhe') prompta
acprojluens, qu£ decerct principem^eloquentiafuit. In truth if we note it
well. Speech that \s Elaborate, ox Affe&ate, or Imitating, although other-
wife excellent, hath fomewhat fervile in it and holding of the fiibjedt 5
but yqxxv Majefties manner ofSpeech is indeed Prince-like^flowing as from
a Fountain , and yet ftreaming and branching it felf into Natures Order,
full of Facility and Felicity ,I/;//7<«/i;/^ none,and Inimitable ofany. And as in
your Civil eftate, re(peQ;ing as well your Kingdom as your Court, there
appeareth to be an Emulation and Contention of your Majefties Vertue
with your Fortune, nam^ely,excellent moral Endowments with a fortunate
Regiment, a pious and patient expeftation when time was, of your grea-
ter Fortune, with a profperous and feaibnable pofleffion of what was ex-
pefted ; a holy oblervation of the Laws of Marriage, with a blefled and
happy fruit ofMarriage in amoftfair Progeny 5 a godly Prop^nfion and
moft beleeming a Chriftian Prince to Peace, with a fortunate concurrence
of the like inclination in your neighbour Princes : So iikewife in yoUr
intelledual Abilities, there (eemethto be no lefs Contention and Emula-
tion ; ifwe compare your Majefties gifts of N.iture with the rich Treafury
of multiplicious Erudition and the knowledge of many Arts. Neither
is iteafietofind any King fince Chrifts time, which may be comparedwith yourMajefty for variety and improvement of all kind of Learning
Divine and Humane. Let who wil 1 revolve and perufe the Succeflion ofKings and Emperours, and he fhall find this judgement is truly made.
For indeed it feemeth much in Kings, if by the compendious Extradion
of other mens Wits and Labours, they can take hold of knowledge, or
attain any (uperficial ornaments or (hews of Learning, or if they counte-
nance and prefer learned men , but for a King, and a King born, to drink
indeed the true Fountains of Learning, nay, to behirafelf a Fountain of
Learning, is almoft a Miracle. And this alfo is an accek to your Majefty,
that in the lame Clofet of your Mind, there are treafurcd up as well Di->
vine and Sacred Literature, as Prophane and Humane , (b that your Ma-jefty
L I B. I. Of the Advancement of Learning. ^
jeft}' ftands inverted with that triplicity of Glory, which was afcribed
to that famous Hermes'TrifmcgiJiuf^ The rovecrof a lOfTg^the llIiiMinaiion
of a Pricji, the Learning of a Philofopher, Wherefore lincc in thefe glori-
ous Attributes of Learning, fb inherent and individual in your Perfon,
yourMajefty fo far excels all other Kings, it is very meet that fiich rare
endowments ofNature and Art iliould be celebrated^not only in the fame
or admiration of the prefenttime, or in light of Hirtory conveyed o-
ver to Pofterity, but be engraven in ibme fblid Work, which both
may exprefs the Power of a great King, and bear a Charaftcr or Signa-
ture of lb excellent a learned King. Now (to return to our intended
purpofe) I concluded with my fclf that I could not make to your Majc-
fty a better oblation, than offome Treatile tending to that end.
§ The Sum and Argument hereof will confift oitrvo Partr : In thcfor^
wf*, which is morellight and popular (yet may not bepadoverj vvefhall
entreat of the excellency of Knoivledge and Learnings through all the parti
thereofj and likewife of the merit of thofe who have worthily and wifely
imploded and placed their bounties and i>:dnjtries in the Augmentation^ andPropagation thereof. In the latter Part (which is the main and lum of this ^
WorkJ Ifjal/propound andjet down what in this kjnd hath been embraced^
undertaken and accoK2plifr)t hitherto^ for the Advance/^tent of Learning i
and again briefly touch atfuch particulars asfeem deficient in this enterprize^
to the end that though I dare not prefume pofitively to feparate and fe-
left what I would chiefly commend unto your Majefty j yet by rcprcfent-
ing many and different Obfervations, I may excite your Princely Cogi-
tations to vilit the peculiar Treafuresof your own Mind, and thence to
extradt what is molt conducent to the amplifying and enlarging of the.
bounds of Arts and Knowledges , agreeable to your Magnanimity andWifdom, -
• - •\"-->'' '
I. In the evitrdiX\i<^\b the fo^mlr Tart ^ to clear the way, andasitwere^
to make filence, to have the teftimonies concerning the D/^w/jf^of Learn-
ing to be better heard, without the interruption of tacit Objections, I
think good firft to deliver Learning from the Difcredits and Difgraces
which Ignorance hath cart upon itjbut Ignorance (eVerally difguiled 5 ap-
pearing and difcovering it felf fometime in the zeal of Divines^ fbmetimein the arrogancy of roliticl{s, and fonietimes in the errors of Learned menthemjelves. I hear the former fbrt fay. That Knowledge is ofthe nature andnumber of thofe things ^ which are, to be accepted with great Limitation andCaution 5 That the afpiring to overmuch Knowledge^ was the original tempta^
tien and fin ^ whereupon enfuedthe Fall ofMan j And tfhit even at this
day Knowledge hath fomewhat of the Serpent in it, and therefore where it
entreth into a man, it makes him fwell, Scientia inflat 3 That Solomon 1 Cor. g:
gives a cenfure, That there is no end of makingBookj, and that much rea- Ecclef.i2i
ding is a wearinefs to the flep:, and again in another place, That in fpaci- E"ief.t.
otfs knowledge there is much contristation, and that he that encreafeth knowf^
i r .
ledge, encreafeth anxiety '-^ That St.P<i«/givesa c:ivea.t,That we he notfpoil'd**
*
through vain rhtlofophy ; And that experience demonftrates how the
Learnedft men have been Arch-hereticks 5 How Learned times havebeen inclined to Atheifm.and how the Contemplation of fecond Caufes
doth derogate from the Authority of the firft.
II. To difcover then the error and ignorance of this Opinion, and the
Ciifunderftanding in the grounds thereof, any man may fee plainly that
A 2 thefet
4 Of the Advancement ofLearning. L i b. I.
thele men do not obferve and confider. That it was not that Pure andPrimitive Knowledge of Nature^ by the light whereof man did give namesto other Creatures in Paradife, asthey were brought before him, accord-
ing to their Proprieties, which gave the occafion to the Fall , but it
was that proud ]Lnovi\edgQ oi^ Good and Evil, with an intent to (hake
off God and to give Law unto himfelf. Neither is it any ^antity ofKnowledge, how great (bever, that can make the mind of man tofwellj
for nothing can fill, much lefs extend the Soul of man but God, and the
contemplation of God : therefore Solomon fpeaking of the two Princi-' pal Senfes of Inquifition, the Eye and the Ear, affirms, That the Eye is'
neverfatfffi'ed withfeeing , nor the Ear with hearing 5 and if there be nofulneis, then is the Continent greater than the Content. So of Know-ledge it felfand the Mind of Man,whereto the Senfes are but Reporters,
he defines likewife in the Words plac'd after theCalendar or Ephimcridea
which he makes of the diverfity of times and fealbns for all Anions and, Purpofes, concluding thus. Cod hath made all things beautifuland decent
in the true return of their feafons j alfo he hath placed the world in mansheart, yet cannot man jind out the worb^which God wor^eth from the begin-
ning unto the end : By which words he declares, not obfcurely, that Godhath framed the Mind of Man, as a Mirror or Glafs capable ofthe Image
of the univerfal world, and as joyful to receive thelmpreffions thereofj
as the Eye joyeth to receive Light 5 and not only delighted in the be-
holding the variety of things and the viciffitudes of times, but raifed
alio to find out and todifcern the inviolable Laws and infallible Decrees
of Nature. And although he feem to infinuate that the fupreme or (um-
mary Law of Nature, which he calleth the work, rohich God work^thfrotti
the beginning to the end, is not poffiblc to be found out by Man , yet
that doth not derogate from the Capacity of the Mind, but may be refer-
red to the impediments of Knowledge, as the Qiortneft of life, the ill con-
junftion of labours deprav'd, and unfaithful Tradition ofKnowledgeover from hand to hand 3 and many other inconveniencies wherewith
the condition of Man is enfnated and involved. For that no parcel of
the World is denied to Man's enquiry or invention he clearly declares in
another place, where he faith , The fpirit of a man is as the Lamp ofGod wherewith hefearcheth the inwards ofallfecrets. If then (uch be the
capacity and receipt of the Mind of Man, it is manifeft that there is nodanger at all from the Proportion or g^antity of Knowledge how large
foever, left it ftiould make it fwell or out-compafs it felf 5 but merely ia
the ^ality, which being in Quantity more or lefs, if it be taken with-
out the true Corrective thereof, hath in it fome nature of malignity, or
venom full of flatuous fymptoms. This Antidote, or Correftive fpice,
the mixture whereof tempers Knowledge and makes it (bfbvereign, is
Charity, which the Apoftle immediately adds in the former claufe, faying,
Knowledge blows up, but Chanty builds up 5 Not unlike to that which hedelivers in another place. If Ifpal^e (faith he) with the tongues ofMen and
Angels and had not Charity, it were but as a tinkjing Cymbal : Not but that
it is an excellent thing to fpcak with the tongues ofMen and Angels,but
becaufe if it be fever'd from Charity, and not refer'd to the publick
good of Mankind, it rather exhibits a vain and empty glory, than any
fubftantial and folid fruit.
As for that Cenfureof Solomon, concerning the excefs of writing andreading
L I B. L Of the Advancemmt of Learning»5
readtvg Bnekf, "f^d the mjjxicty of fpirit irl.ich redotivdcthfrom Knorckdg^
and that admonition of S, Panl^ that we be not fcduccd by vain Philof/fhy ;
ifthofc places be rightly underftood, they do very cxccllenty fct forth
the true bounds and limitations, vHicreby humane knowledge is confin'd
and circumfcribed, yet (b as without any fuch contraftiiig and coarftati-
on, it may comprehend all the univerfal nature of things. Thefe limi-
tations are three/ ThcJirTf, that ve do not [o place our felicity in Know-ledge, as ire forget our Mortality: Thejecond, that rve fnakc application ofour Knowledge, to give ourfelves repofe and contetttmcnt and not dijiajic or
repining : The third, that tve do not prefume by the contemplations of Nature
to attain the Myjieries of God. § For as touching the fir §t, Solomon doth
excellently expound hiralelf in the fame Book 5 1fare well, faith he, that
knowledge recedes asfarfrom ignorance as light dothjrom darkncfs^ and thai'^'^ '^ •
*"
•the wife mans eyes keep watch in his head, whereas the fool roundeth
about in dar^^efs j but withal I learned that the fame mortality involves
them both.
§ For thcfecond, certain it is, no anxiety, or perturbation ofmind re-
fulteth from knowledge, otherwife than merely by accident: For all
Jindwledge and wonder Cwhich is the feed of knowledge^ is an impref-
fion of pleafure in it felff but when weflill to framing conclufions out
of our Knowledge, which obliquely applied to our particular purpofes,
either minifter weak fears or vaft defires, then there grows that vexati-
on and trouble of Mind, whereofv/e (peak : for then Knowledge is nomore Lumen (iccnm, as Hcraclitus the Profound would have it, Lumen fic'
cum optima anima, but it becomes Lumen madidum, or maceratum, being
fteeped and infilled in the humours of the AfFedions.
§ The third rule deferves a little to be ftood upon, and not to be light-
ly paifed over ; For if any ma-n Ihall think by view and enquiry into
thcfe (enfibleand material things, to attain that light whereby he mayreveal unto himfelf the Nature and Will of God, then indeed, ts he
fpoil'd through vain Philofophy. For the Contemplation of the Creatures,
having regard to the Creatures themfelves, prodilceth Knowledge, but
having regard to God, wonder only, which is a broken Knowledge.
And therefore it was moft aptly faid by one of Plato's School, That the phtujui^
fenfe of man carries a refemllance with thefun, which opens and reveals the '*'"""*-
terrejlridl Globe, but conceals andfeals up thejlars and celejiial Globe : So
doth the Senfe difcover natural things, but it darkens and fhuts up divine.
And hence it hath proceded, that fbmeof thechofen rank of the morelearned have fallen into Herefie, whilft they have fought to f^y up to the
fecrets of the Deity, by the waxen wings ofthe Senles.
§ As for the conceit of thofe who are of opinion fhat too much know-ledgeJbould encline the mind to Atheifm, and that the ignorance of thefe-
cond Caufes, Jbould be, as it were a Midwife to our Piety towards thefirjl.
I wonld willingly charge thefe in the language o^Job, WiUyou lye for God job i^.
as one man doth for another to gratifie him .<? For certain it is that Godworks nothing in Nature according to ordinary courle but by fecond
Caules 3 and ifthev would have it otherwife believed, it is mere im-
torture, under colour of Piety to God, and nothing elfe but to offer un-
TO the Author of Truth the unclean facrifice ofa Lye. But farther, it is
an alfured truth and a concluQon of Experience, That a little or fuper-
ficial tafte of Philofophy, may perchance incline the Mind of Man to A-
iheifni
Homer.Iliad. 5».
Of the Advancement ofLearning. Li B. I
//6e?/«;5but afuU draught thereofbrings the Mind back again to Religion.
For in the entrance ot Philofophy5when the fecond Caufes,which are next
unto theSenfoj do offer themfelves to the mind of man, and the mind it
felf cleaves unto them and dwells thtrCjan oblivion of the higheft Caufe
may creep in 5 but when a man palTeth on farther and beholds the de-
pendency, continuation and confederacy of Caufes, and the works of
Providence, then according to the Allegory of the Poets, he will eafily
believe that the hrgheji link^of 'Natures chain ninli needs be tied to the foot
«7/Jupiter's chair. To clofe in a word ; Let no man, upon a weak con-
ceit of (bbriety or ill applied moderation, think or maintain that a mancan (earch too far, or be too well ftudied in the Book_ of God's rvord^ or in
the Book,of God's rvorks--y Divinity ox Philojophy -^ but rather let men a-
wake themfelves and chearfully endeavour, and purfue an endlefi pro-
grels or proficiency in both : only let them beware left they apply Know-ledge to frvel/ing, not to charity '-, to ojlentation not tottfc : aqdagain,that
they do not unwifely mingle and confound thefe diftindt Learnings of
Theology and Philofophy, and their feveral waters together.
p!ato in
M.Gato.
C H A P. II.
Difcredits of Learning from the objedions ofPoliticks, That Learn-
jngfoftens mens Natures^ and makes men unfitfor the exercife ofArms»
That it perverts mens diffojitionsfor matter of Government. § Other
particular indifpofttions pretended. W. The Solution. Learning
maizes not men unapt for Arms. \\\. Learning enables men for Civil
affairs. IV. Particular feducements imputed to Learning , As, Carz-
cus "Uncertainty^ § Pertinacious Regularity, § Mifleading Precedents^
§ Retired flothfulnejs, § Relaxation of Difcipline^aie all x!ithev cured
than caufed by Learning.
Ow let us delcend to the Difgraces whereby PoUtickj de^
hme Learning j They be thefe. Thai Learning doth foftett
mens manners, and mal{cs them more unapt for the honour
and exercife of Arms : That it doth marr and pervert mensdijpoftions for matter of Government and Policy 3 which
the fludy of Arts makes either too Curious by vanity of Reading'-;, Or too
peremptory by the jiriS rigour of Rules , Or too overvpecning, by reafon ofthe greatnefs of examples 3 Or too incompatible rcith the times, bj reafon ofthe dijfimilitude of examples 3 Or at leaji it doth divert and alienate mens
mindsfrom bufinefs and a&ion, inJiiHing into them a love of Icifure and
privateuefs.
§ And that it doth bring into States a relaxation of Difciplifie^ n>hileji e-
very man is more ready to argue than obey. Out of this conceit Cato fur-
named the Cenfor, one of the wifefl men indeed that ever liV'4, whenCarneades the Philofopher came in Embaflage to Rome, and that the youngmen of Rome began to flock about him, being allured with"the fweetntt
and Majefty of his eloquence, gave coUnfel in open Senate, That they
fliouldgive him his difpatch with allfpeedjeji he fl^ouldinfeU and inchant the
minds
L I L. I. Of the Advancement of Learning. 7
mindi of the)OHth^ and at mtamrcs brint^ in an alteration of ths manners
and cajioms of the State. This fame conceit or humor mov'd I'irgil^^xc-
ferring the honour of his country, before the reputation of his own•Profellion, to make a kind of reparation between the Arts of Policji, and
the Arts of Literature, challenging the one to the Romans, yielding the
the other to the Grecians^ in the verfes fo much renowned,
T« regere intperio pepnlos Romane r/temvnto^ Virgil,
H£ tibi entnt Artes ^"" ^*
And we fee that Anytus ihe zccw(ev o£ Socrates, laid it as an article of P'^f"^-
charge and accufation againft him, that he did with the variety and^'^
'
°^''
power ef difcourles and difpuration, embaiejin the minds ofyoung men,
the Authority and Reverence of the Laws and Cuftoms of their Coun-
try 5 and that he did profefs a pernicious and dangerous Science, where-
in, whoever was inftruGted, might make the vvorle matter feeiii the bet-
ter, and to lupprels Truth by force of Eloquence.
ir. But thele and the like imputations have rather a countenance of
Gravity, than any fincerity of Truth ; For experience doth witne(s that
the felf-fame perfons, and the (elf-fame times, have flourilht mth^ glory
of Arms and Learning. As for men, we may inftancein that noble pair
of Emperors Alexander the Great, and Julius Cafar the Dictator 5 the one
was Arijiotle's Sct^olar in Philofophy ; the other Cicero's Rival in Elo-
quence. But if aay man had rather call for Scholars that have become
great Generals, than Generals that were great Scholars, let him take
Epaminondas the Theban, or Xenophon the Athenian ; whereof the one
was the firft that abated the power of Sparta^ and the other was the hrft
that made way to the overthrow o( the Jlfonarchy of Perfta. And this
<onJun£lion of Arms and Letters, is yet more vifible in times than in per-
ibns, by how much an Age is a greater objeft than a Man : For the felf-
fame times with the Egyptians, Ajjyrians, Perfiaus, Grecians and Rotfians,
that are raoft renowned for Arms, are likewile mofl: admired for Leam-
TK1 5 fo that the graveft Audtors and Philofophers, thegreateft Captains
and Governors have lived in the fame Ages. Neither indeed can it o-
therwife be , for as in man the ripenefs of the (trength of the body and
the mind comes much about one age, fave that the Itrength of the body
comes fomewhat the more early •, fb in States, the glory of Arms and
Le^-»?/7_^ (whereofthe one correfpondeth to the body, the other to the
•foul of man) have a concurrence, or a near fequence of Time.
III. l^ow ^ox Platter of Policy and Government, that Learning fliould
rather be an impediment than an adjument xhtTtnnto is a thing very im-
probable. We all confefs that it is an unadvifed adl to commit a natural
Bodv, and the cure of Health -, to Emperiqne Phyfitians, who com-
monly have a few receipts which (eemtothem to be univerfal Reme-dies ; whereupon thev are confident and adventurous, when yet they
neither know the caufes of Difea(es, noi: the Complexions of Patients,
nor the peril ofSymptomes,nor the Method of Cures, We fee it alike er-
' or in thofe, who for expedition of their Caufes and Suits rely upon pet-
ty Advocates and Lawyers, which are only men of Practice, and not
grounded in their Books, who are many times eafily furpriz'd, v/hen a
cew cafe falls out befides the common Road of their experience : So bylike
8 Of the Advancement ofLearning. L i b. I.
like realbn, it cannot but be a matter of doubtful confequence, if States
be managed by Emperique Statcf-men. On the contrary, it is almoft
without inftance, that ever any Government was difaftrous, that was ia
the hand of Learned Governours. For hovvfoever it hath been ordina-
ry with Politick men to extenuate, and difable Learned men by the
. name of Pedants, yet Hiftory, which is the miftrels of Truth, makes it
appear in many particulars, that the Government of Princes in minori-
ty, hath far excelled the Government of Princes of mature age, evenfor that reafon which Politicks feek to traduce, which is, that by that
occafion the State hath been in the hands of Pedants. Who knows notthat for the firft five years (b much magnified during the minority ofNero, the Burden of the State was in the hands of Seneca a Pedant ?
So Wkew'iCt GordiaKus the younger owes the ten years applauded govern-
ment to Militheus a Fedant. And with the like happiness Alexander .Ve-
©e>-*if govern'd the State in his minority, in which fpace women rul'd all,
but by the advice and counfel of Preceptors and Teachers. Nay, let aman look into the Government of the BiJI}op of Rome, as by name, into
the Government of Fius ^inCtm or Sextus ^inCtus in our times, whowere both at their entrance efteemed but as Fedantical Friars ; and hefhall find, that fuch Topes do greater things, and procede upon truer
Principles, than thofe which have afcended to the Papacy from an e-
ducation and breeding, in affairs of eftate and Courts of Princes. Forthough men bred in learning are, perchance, notfo quick and nimble in
apprehending occafions, and accommodating for the prefent to points
of convenience, which the Italians call Raggioni di Stato, the very nameP'.aton. whereof P/«f,gw7»/«f could not hear with patience, but was wont to
fay. That they were the inventions of wicked men, and repugnant to Reli-
gion and the moral Vertiies ; yet in this there is made ample recompence,
that they are perfed: and ready, inthefafeand plain way ofReligionj
Juflice, Honefty, and the Moral Vertues , which way, they that con-
ftantly keep and purfue, fhall no more need thofe other Remedies,than
a found body needs Phyfick. And befides, the fpace of one mans life
can not furnifh prefidents enough to dired the event of but one manslife. For as it hapnethfbmetimes that the great Grand-child, Nephewor Pro-nephew, refembleth the Grand-father, or great Grand-father
more than the Father , fo many times it comes to pais, that the occur-
rences of prefent times may fort better with ancient examples, than with
ihofcof later or immediate times. Laftly, the wit of one man can nomore countervail the latitude of Learning, than one mans means can hold
way with a common purfe.
IV. And were it granted that thofefedncements and indifpofttions im-
puted to Learning, by Politicks, were of any force and validity, yet it
mufl beremembred withal, that Learning miniftreth in every of them,
greater Itrength of medicine or remedy, than it offereth caufe of indif-
pofition or infirmity. For if that Learninghy a fecret influence and ope-
ration makes the mind irrefohite andperplext, yet certainly by plain pre-
cept it teacheth how to unwinde the thoughts, how far to deliberate,
when to refblve , yea, it fliews how to protrad, and carry things io fuf-
penfe without Prejudice till they refolve.
§ Be it likewife granted that Learning maizes the minds of men more.
peremptory and inflexible, yet withal it teacheth what things are in their
nature
Lib. I. Of the Adancement ofLearning.
nature demonftrative, and what are conjeftural 5 and propounds as
well, the ule of diftindtions, and exceptions, as the ftability ofrules andprinciples.
§. Be it again, that learning mijleacls and wrejieth mens mindt ^ vphc~
ther by dtjproportion^ or dijjimilitude of examples, I know not, yet I knowwell, that it unfoldeth, and laies open as well the force of circumftances,
as the errors ofcomparifons, and the cautions of applications 5 fo that
in all thefe it doth morcreftifie mens minds, then pervert them. Andthefe remedies tejr/;///^ doth every way convey and infinuate by the
quick penetration, and forcible variety of examples. Let a man lookinto the errors oi Clement Vilj fo lively defcribed by Gidcciardwc^who
(erved under him , or into the errors and waverings o^Cicere, painted
to the life by his own penfill, in his Epijiles to Atticus, and he will fly a
pace from being inconftant and irrefblute in his defigns. Let him look
into the errors of Thocion, and he will beware how he be obftinate or
inflexible. Let him read the fable of Ixion, audit will difpel vapo-
rous hopes and fuch like fumes and clouds. Let him behold Cato the
Second, and he will never be one of the Antipodes, to tread oppofite to
the pre{ent world.
§ Now for the conceit. That learning JJjonld be a friend to Jloth, and
P)onld orefpread the mind with aftveet /lumber ofrepofe and retirednefs j it
were a ftrange thing, if that which accuftometh the mind to a perpe-
tual agitation, fliould be the Fatronefs to Jlothfulnefs : whereas con-
trariwife it may be truly affirmed , that no kind of men love bufinefs
for it felf, but thofe that are Learned j for other Perfbns love affairs
and bufiuefs for the rrofit, as hirelings the work, for the wages 5 others
for Honor, for while they are in Aftion^ they live in the eyes ofmen and
refreQuheir reputation, which othewile would wear, others for Foreer
and the Friviledges of Fortune, that they may pleafure their friends, anddifpleafure their foes 5 others that they may exercifc fame families
Tchercin they take a pride , and in this imagination , entertain their
thoughts in a good humour and plcafing conceit towards themfelves;
others to advance other ends : Co that as it is (aid ofuntrue valours, that
ibme mens valours are in the eyes of thofe that look on, fo the induftry
and courage of thefe men feems to aim at this, that other may applaud
them, or they hugg themfelves in the contemplation of their own de-
fignments ; only Learned men love bufinefs and imployment, as anions
agreeable to nature, and no left healthful to the mind than exercife is to
the body^taking pleafure in the Adion it felf,and not in the purchafe; fo
that, ofall men living, they are the moft indefatigable , if it be to-
wards any bufinefs, which can replenifh and detain the mind according
to the dignity thereof. And if there be found fome laborious in read-
ing and ftudy, and yet idle in bufinefs, and adion, this grows not from
learning, but from fome weaknefs or (bfcnefs of body or mind, fuch as
Seneca fpeaks of, ^idam (faith he) tam [tint umbratiles ut ptttcnt in Controv.
turbido effe qnicqiiidin luce cji. Well may it be, that fuch a point of ^^^- 4.
a mans nature may make him give himfelfto learning,but it is not learn-'°^'
ing that breeds, or implants any fuch point in his nature. But if any
man notwithftanding refolvedly maintaineth, that Learning takes up too
much time rvhich might otherrvife be better imployed j I anfwer , that no
man can be (o ftraitnsd and oppreft with bufinefs, and an aftive courle
B of
lo Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b . I
of life, but may have many vacant times of leafure, vvhilfl: he expefts
the returns and tides ofbufinefs, except he be either ofa very dull tern,
per and of no difpatch ^ or ambitious (little to his credit and reputation)
to meddle and ingage himfelf in imployment of all natures and matters
above his reach. It reraainetb therefore to be enquired, in what mat-
ter and how, thole fpaces and times of Leafure, fhould be filled up and
fpent ; whether in pleafures or ftudy •-, fenfuality ; or contemplation,
as was well anfwered by Dcmofthcncsxo.-Efchines , a man given to plea-
fure, ' who when he told him by way of reproach, that his orations did
plut in fffieU ofthe Lamp, indeed (iaxd Demojihenes) there isgreat difercfjce he-
Deraoft. tween the things tbatToH and I do b/ lampJight.-WheTefoteht no man fear
left learning Ihould exptilfe hitfinejs ; nay rather it will keep and defend
the pofleffionsoftHe mind, againft idlenefs andpleafure, which other-i
wife, at unawares, may enter, to the prejudice both of Bufinels and
Learning.; _
;
§ Again, whereas they objeft. That learning Jhottld nndermine the
reverence of Lairs and Government, it is a meer calumny without all
fhsdovt' of truth : For to fay that a blind obedience (hould be a (urer
obligation then an ocular duty, is all one to (ay, that a blind manmay tread-furer by a guide, then a feeing man can with the ule of a light
and his eyes. Nay it is without all controverfie that Learning doth
make the mind of man, gentle, dudile, maniableand pliant to govern'
ment 5 whereas ignorance makes them churliQi, thwart, and mutinous ;
which the Records oftime do clearly manifeflr, confidering that the moft
unlearned, rude and barbarous times have been moft fubjeft to fediti-
ons, tumults and changes. As for the judgement of Cato the Cenfor ,
. ^^ he was well puniQlt for his hlafphemj/ againft learning: For when he was
Cato!'' '
paft threefcore years old, he was taken with an extreme dcdre to go to
the fchool again, and to learn the greeks tongue , which doth well de>
monftrate that his former ccnfure of the Grecian Learning was rather
an affefted gravity, than the inward fenfe of his own opinion. As for
Virgih verfes, though it pleafed him to brave the world in taking to
the Romans the Art of Empire , and leaving to others all other Wr^j-j
as popular and fervile ; yet fo much is manifeft, that the Romans never
afccnded to that hight of Empire, till the time they had afcended to the
hight of Arts, For in the time of the two firft Cafars, Perfons moft per-
feft in the State-principles of Government, there lived contemporaries,
the bejl Poet, Virgilius Maro 5 The beji Hijioriographer, Titus Livius •-, the
left Antiquary, Marcus Varro 5 the beji or fecond Orator Marcus Cicero ;
without queftion the chiefeft, every one in their feveral faculty, that
to the memoi'y of man are known. Laftly, as for the accufation of SO'
crates, only this I fay. The timemuft be rcmembred when it was pro-
fecuted, namly under the thirty Tyrants^ of all mortals the bloodieft,
bafeft and moft unworthy of Government: which revolution of State
and Time was no fooner over, but Socrates, whom they had made a
Perfbn Criminal , was made a Perfon Heroical, and his Memory accu-
mulate with all honours divine and humane^and thole Difcourfes of
his, which were then termed Corrupting of Manners, were after cele-
brated by all Pofterity for moft foveraign medicines of Mind and Man-ners. And let this ferve for anfvvcr to Politiques, which in their hu-
morous feverity, or in their feigned gravity , have prcfumed to throwimputations
Lib. I. Of the Adaiicemcnt ofLedrniug. 1
1
imputations upon Learnings which redargution neverthelefs, (avethat
we know not whether our labours may extend to other ages, feerasnot
fo needful for the prcfent , feeing the afpeft and favour of twomoftlearned Pruices (^rctv? Elizabeth atid Tour Mujctiy ^ being as C.7/2ijr
and rdiiix , Lnciciu Sidera, Stars of a mofl: benign influence) hathwrouglit in us of Britain^yt» much lov.c and reverence towards Learning,
Chap. IIL
I. Difcredits of Learning from Learned mens Fortunes , Manners,
Nature of ftudies. II. \r\l\\Q¥on\xnes fearcity of Jlleans^ § Ob-
fcurity of life. § Meanncfs of Imployment. III. In their Manners,
too Regularfor the times, §. Too fenfible of thegood of others^and
neglecfive of their own. ^ They fail in applying themjehes to Parti-
cular Perfons. § They fail in fome points of Behaviour. ^ Grofs
Flattery pra&is'd byfome Learned--, ^ Injianced in the Modern De-dication of Bookj. ^( Difcreet Morigeration allowed.
I. K"tOw come we to the third fort of Difcredit or Diminution of' ^J Credit, that redounds upon Learning from learned men them»
felves , which commonly clcaveth fafteft. It is derived either from
their Fortune^ or from their Manners, or from the Nature of theirjiudies j
whereof the hrfl: is not in their power 5 the fecond is not to the point 5
(b as the third alonefeemeth properly to fall into enquiry : but becaule
we are not in hand with the true value of things , but with popular
eftimation, it will not be amifsto infinuate fomewhat alibof the twoformer.
II. The Derogations thercfore.or Diminutions ofCredit which growto Learning jrom the fortune of the Learned men , are taken either
from their Poverty and fcarcity of Means ; or from their ohfcure andpri-
i/ate courje of Life ; or from the meannefs of imployment wherein they are
converfant.
§. As concerning IVant, and that ufually is the cafe of Learned men,that they are poor, and commonly begin with little, and grow not rich
fo faft as other men, vvhich convert their labours cheifly to lucre andencreafej it were good to leave the common Place in Commendationof Poverty to fbme Frier Mendicant to handle, (if by their leaves I maybe fo bold) to whom much was attributed by Machiavell\n this point, DeU.Ha!.when hefaid, that the Kingdom of the clergie had been long before at an Fior.Ub. !<•
end^ if the reputation and reverence towards the poverty of Friers andMonks^ had not born out thefcandalsofthefuperflHitiesana excefjes ofBifiops aud Prelates : fo a man might (ay that the felicity and magnifi-
cence of Princes and great Perfons, had long (ince turned toB.irbarifm
and RudeneG., if the Poverty of Learning had not kept up civility andhonour of life. But wi-^hout fuch advantages of hunting after the
praiie thereof it is worthy obrcrvation,what a facred and reverend thing
Povert" of Fortune was , for fbme ages in the Roman State, which yet
Was a State without Paradoxes ; For thus faith T/tus Liviiis in his iu'
B 2 trodudtQij
12 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. I.
Pr^r.lib. trodudtioHj Either my affeUion to the work^ I have undertake7z deceives'* we, or there was never State more great^ more religious^ more richly fur-
tiijlyd xfithgood preJidentSj «or vphicb avarice and riot conquered fo late ^
nor where jo great reverence to Poverty andParcimony continuedfo long.
So likewife after the State of Rovte was now degenerate,- we read that
when C^far the DiBator took upon him a Reftauration of the col-
lapfed ftate, one of his confidents gave him this counfel. That of all
Points the moft fummary to fuch a defignment, as he went about, was
by all means to take away the eftimation of wealth , For { faith he )
Qrat adC *^^fi ^"'^ ^^ Other evils^ together with the reputation of mony fbaU ceafe^
Csfar, ifneither publique Officers nor any^ other Dignity^ which commonly are foSaluft.iin-
coveted^ were expofed to fale. To conclude this point, as it was truly
faid that Rubor eU virtutis Color, though fometimes it come from vice 3
Dio".''"
ft) you may truly fay, Fauperfas eji virtutis fortuna, though fbnietimes
Cyn. it may proceed from mifgovernment and improvidence. Surely this is
Solomons Cenfurc, ^ifcfiinat ad divitias non crit injons^ and Precept,'^"^' ^ * Buy the truth andfell it nof-y So wifdom and knowledge judging it right
P^'^v.ij-and equal that means fhould be imployed to get Learning, and not
Learning be applied to gather up means.
§ To what purpofe fhould we fpeak of the^privafenefs and obfcureneft
oflife^ which is objeded to learned men > It is a Theme fo common' and fo frequently handled by all, to extol LC(?/«re and re/ire^/we//, not
taxed with fenfuality and floth, before a Civil and Aftive life 5 for
fafety , liberty, fweetnels, dignity, or at lead: freedom from indignities,
as no man handles this fubjeft, but handles it well : Inch a confonancy
it hath to mens conceptions in the expreffing; and to mens confent in
the allowing. This only I will add, that Learned men forgotten in
States , are like the Images oi Cajjius and Brutus in the funerals of Ju-nia^ of which , not to be reprefented as others were, Tacitus faith, Eo
Annal.3. '/'/'^ p^'<ffvlgcbant quod non vifebantur.
§ For Meannefs ofimployment ajfgncd to Learned men, that which is
moft traduced to contempt is. That the government ofchildhood andyouth is commonly allotted to them^the contempt ofwhich age is tranf-
ferred upon the Preceptors or Tutors. But how unjuft this traduce-
ment is, if you will reduce things from popularity of opinion, to raea-
fure of reafon, may appear in that we fee men are more careful whatthey put into new veflels, than into a veffel (eafon'd 5 and more curi-
ous what mould they lay about a young plant, than a plant corrobo-
rate : So as it is manifeft that the weakeft terms and times ofall things,"
u(e to have the beft applications and helps. Harken, ifyou pleafe, to
To 12 ^^^ Hebrew Fvabbins, Tour young menfjail fee vijions, your old menfiaU
dream dreams j from this Text they coUeft, that youth is the worthier
age, by fo much as Revelation is more clear by vifions, than by dreams.
And it is worth the noting that however Pedants Lave been the deri-
fion and fcorn of Theaters, as the Apes of Tyranny, and that the mo-dern loofenels or negligence hath taken no due regard to the choice ofSchool'majiers and Tutors
'-^yet it hath been an ancient complaint drawn
down from the beft and wifeft times, even to our age, that States weretoo bufie with their L^^n-j- and too negligent in ^oint o^ Education.
Which excellent part of Ancient Difcipline hath been in fome fort re-
vived of late times ^/ //.»e Cc^/i't^ge/ t?/ ^At' jfe/;«7j, whole pains and dili'
gence
L I B. I. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 1
3
gence when I conlider, as wcli ia the culture of knowledge, as infor-
mation of manners, the faying of AgefiUui touching rhurnabazus comesinto my mind, Talu cum (is rtthrawKoJicr ejfes. And thus much con- P'"'- '-^
ccrning the dilcredits drawn from the Fortunes andCoMclitio» of Learn'^'^"^
'
ed vjcti.
III. As touching the Mamiers of Learned ntett^ it is a thing belonging
rather to their individual Perlbns, than their ftudies and point oflearn-
ing : No doubt there is found among them, as in all other Profcffions,
and Conditions of life, men of all temperatures, as well bad as good,but yet fb, as it is not without truth that is faid, abire Jiudia. in mores 5
and that Learning and Studies, unlefs they fall upon very depraved
difpofitions, have an influence and operation upon the manners ofthofe that are convertant in them, to reform nature and change it to
the better.
^ But upon an attentive and indifferent review, I for my part, can
not find any difgrace to learning can proceed from the Manners ofLearned mcn^ adherent unto them as they are Learned 5 unlelsperadven»
ture it be a fault Cwhich was the fuppofed fault of Demnjihenes, Cicero^
Cato thefecond, Seneca, and many more) that becaufe the times they
read of, are commonly better, than the times they live in , and the
duties taught, better than the duties praftifed, they contend toofar, to
reduce the corruption ofmanners to the honesty of precepts, and prefcripts^
cf a too great hrght, and to impofe the Laws of ancient Jeverity upon dif-
joltite times : and yet they have Caveats enough touching this aufterity
out oftheir own fprings : For Solon, when he was asked Whether he had p.^. ._
given his Citizens the belt laws } the besi ffaid he) offuch as they tvould Solon."
receive. So Plato, finding that his own heart conld not agree with the
corrupt manners of his Country, refufed to bear place or office, faying,
That a mar^s Country is to be ufed as his Parents were, that is, with per- ^^ ^- .
fwafion and not with violence, by entreating and not by contejiing: And cpifl. ali-
C<ejars counfelor put in the fame caveat, faying, non ad vetera inlfituta *"•
revocans qu£ jampridem corruptis moribus hidibrio funt : hxxdi Ciceroc'^c'
r
notes this error direci:lyin Cato thefecond , writing to his friend Atti- sainft.ad
cus, Cato opiime fentitfed nocet interdum Reipub. loquitur enimtanquam^j^Jf"-
in Rcpub. Tlatonis,non tanquam inf£ce Romuli. The fame Cicero doth iib.2.ep.u
excufe and expound the Philofophers for going too far, and being too
exact in their Prelcripts , Thefcjame Preceptors and Teachers, ffaith he) p^^, ^^
feem to havcjiretched out the line and limits of Duties fomewhat beyond the Mur«na.
natural bounds, that when we had laboured to reach the higheft point ofPer-
fection, we might reji where it was meet : and yet hirafelf might fay, yl/(?-
nitis funt minor ipje mcis j for he ftumbled at the fame ftone , thoughin nor Co extreme a degree.
§ Another fault which perchance not undefervedly is objected a-
gainft Learned men, is th\s,that they have preferr\i the honoiir and profit oftheir Country, and Majlers before their own fortunes and fafeties. So De-Mofihencs to his Athenians, My Counfels (faith he ) if you pleafs. to note
7t, are not juch whereby I Jboula grow great amongit you, you become lit' q^tie amongfi the Grecians ^ but they be of that nature as are fometimes not
goodfor me to give, but are always goodfor yr'u tofoUoi». So Seneca af-
ter he had confecrated that ^inquennium Neroms to the eternal glory
of Learned Governors, held onhishoneft and loyal courfe of Goodand
.orona.
14 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i e. I.
and FreeCounfel, after his Mafter grew extremely corrupt to his great
peril and at laft to his ruine. Neither can it be otherwife conceived 5
for Learning endues mens minds with a truefenfe of the frailty of their
Pcrfons, the Cafualty of fortune ; the Dignity of the foul ; and their
vocation ; which when they think of, they can by no means perfwade
thcmfelves that any advancement of their own fortunes^ can be fet downas a true and worthy end of their being and ordainment. Wherefore
they fo live, as ever ready to give their account to God, and to their
Mafters under God, whether they be Kings or States they ferve, in this
Mar.aj. Qjde of words, Ecce tibi Lucrifeci^ and not in that Ecce mihi Lucrifeci,
But the corrupter fort of Politiques , that have not their minds infti-
tuted and eftablilh'd in the true apprehenfion of Duties, and the con-
templation ofgood in the univerfality, refer a// things to themfelves^zs if
they were the rcorlds Center^ and that the concurrence of all linesJ/jould
touch in them and their fortunes j never caring in all tempefts, what
becomes of the Ship, fo they may retire and iave themfelves in the
Cock-boat of their own fortune. On the contrary, they that feel the
waight of Duty, and underftand the limits of felf love, u(e to makegood their places, and duties, though withperil; andif they chance
toftand fafe in feditionsand alterations of times and Government, it is
rather to be attributed to the reverence which honefty even vvrefteth
from adverfaries, than any vcrfatile or temporizing advantage in their
own carriage. But for this point offender Icnfe, and faft obligation of
duty, which without doubt Learning doth implant in the mind, how-ever it may be taxed and amerced by Fortune 5 and be defpifed byPolitiques in the depth of their corrupt principles, as a weak and im-
provident virtue, yet it will receive an open aliowance,(b as in this mat-
ter there needs the lels difproofor excufation.
§ Another fault there is incident to Learned men, which may (boner
be excufed than denied, namely this ; That they do not eafily apply and ac-
commodate themfelves to perfons rvith vphom they negociate and live
:
which v/ant of exaft application arifeth from two caufes^ Thefi'rji is,
the largenefs andgreatnefs of their minds^irhich can hardlyjioop and be con-
fined within the obfervation ofthe nature and cujiom of one perfon. It is the
Seneca, fpeech of a Lover, not of a wife man, Satis magnum alter alteri theatrum
fumns. Neverthelefi I fhall yield that he that cannot contraft the light
of his mind, as he doth the eye of his body, as well as difperfe and di-
late it, wants a great faculty for an aftive courfe of life. Thefecond
caufe is the honcjly and integrity of their nature, which argueth no inha-
bility in them, but a choice upon judgement j for the true and juft li-
mits of obfervance towards any perlbn extend no farther, than (b to
underftand his inclination and difpo(ition,as to converfe with him with-
out offence ; or to be able, ifoccafion be offered, to give him faithful
counfel, and yet to ftand upon reafonable guard and caution, in refpedt
of our felves ; but to be fpeculative into others, and to feel out a mans
difpofitjon, to the end to know how to work him.windc him and go-
vern himatpleafure ; is not the part of an ingenious nature, but rather
of a heart double and cloven ; which, as in friendQiip, it is want of in-
tegrity, fo towards Princes and Supcriours it is want of Duty. For the
Cuftom of the Lev.mt, whereby it was accounted a hainous offence, to
gazeandlix their eyes upon Princes, is indeed, in the outward cere-
mony
L I B. I. Ofthe Advancement of Learning.
mony, barbarous, but good in the moral; for it becomes not Subjcfts
by bent iind inquifitive obfervations, to penetrate into the hearts ofVtov.^i.
Kings, which the Scripture hath declared to be infcriit.tbk.
ij There is yet an!)ther fault with which I will conclude this Part
,
which'is often noted in Learned menj namely, that infmall andoitt-
reard mutters oj hehaviour and carriage (as in countenance, gefture,
march, ordinary difcourfc.and the Iike)f/uy do niar.j timesfailto obferve
dccctjjie and difcrctiov 5 fo as the vulgar fort of capacities make a judge-
ment, oif them in greater matters, by that which they find wanting in
fraall and ordinary points of Aftion. But this prejudication doth of-
tentimes deceive them: nay let them know, they have their anfwerixomTkemiUccks^ who being invited to touch a Lute, faid, arrogantly
enough, being applyed to him(elf , but pertinently to the purpofe in
hand. That he could not indeed fiddle, but he l{nevp horv to mal{e a fmall Plut in
Toxon^ a qreat State. And there are ; no doybt, many well feen in the'''^'^*'^''^-
Arts of Government, and Policy, Which are tofeek in ordinary conver-
sation and punftual occafions. I refer fuch fcoffers to the Elogie Al' Pl^ro
cibiades gave of his Mafter Socrates, whom he compar'd to the Cal/i'^*'"^"
fots of the Jpothccaries, which on the ontfide rvere draren tvith Apes, Owlsy
and Antiques, but contained within precious liquors andfoveraign con-
feUionsj acknowledging that to vulgar capacity and popular report,
he was not without fbme fuperficial leviteSjand deformities, but was in-
wardly repleni(ht with excellent powers and virtues. And (bmuchtouching the Point ofManners of learned men.
§ In the mean time I thought good to advertife, that I have no pur-pole to give allowance to (bme bafe and unworthy Conditions offamerrofejfors, whereby they have difcreditcd both Themfelves and Learn-
ing ; fiich were thofe trencher Philofophers , which in the later age ofthe Romanftate; were ufually in the houfes of great Perfons, whomnot improperly you may cdAlfolemn Varajites : of which kind Lucian
makes a merry difcription ofthe Philofbpher, that the great Lady tookto ride with her in the Coach, and would needs have him carry herJittleDog /l/e/z/^wj-j which he doing officioufly and yet uncomely, the
Page fcoffing faid, I doubt our Philofopher of a Stoick^ will turn Cynique. ^^ Merc.
But above all the reft, the grols and palpable flattery v/hereunto ma-'^®°^"'*'
ny not unlearned have abafed and abuled their wits and pens, turning
as Du Bartus faith Hecuba into Helena, and Faujlina into Lucretia, hathdimi'.iifht the prize and eftimation of Learning.
§ Neither is the Adodern Dedication of Bookj to Vatrons to be Com-mended ; for that Books, fuch as are worthy the name of Books,oughtto have no Vatron but Truth and Reafon. The cuftom of the Ancientswas better, who were wont to dedicate their writings only to private andequalfriends , or to entitle the Books with the names of fuch friends 5
or if ihey Dedicated their Books to Kings or great Perfons, it wasto forae fuch as the Argument of the Book was fit and properfor. Thefe and the like Courles may deferve rather apprehenfion thandefence.
§ Nor fay I this, as]f I condemned the Jldorigeration and application
of Learned men, to men infortune and place ; for the anfvver was goodthat Arijiippus made to one that askt him in mockery, How it came topafs
ihat philofophers werefollowers ofRich men^ and not Rich men of Philo- iaerf.fa
1
6
Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. I.
fofhers ^ He anfwercd foberly and yet ftiarply, That it vpas becaufe Phi'
hfophers l{nen> -well what they bad need of, hut Rich men did not. Oflike
nature was the anfwer which the (ame Philofopher made when having
a Petition to Dionyfius Sind no car given to him he fell down at his feetIbid. jnfnanncrofalVorJhipper, whereupon Dionyfius Jiaid and gave him the
hoaring^ and granted it : but a little after, Ibme perfbn tender of the ho-
nour and credit of Philofophy , reproved Arifiippits that he would offer
the ProfeJJion of Thilojophy Jiich an indignity as for a privatefait tofa// to
a Tyrantsfeet ^ to whom he replyed 3 That was not hisfault, but it wasthefault of Dionyfius that had his ears in his feet. Neither was ft ac-
counted weaknefs, but a di(cretion in him that would not difpute hisspartkn. beft with Adrianus C^far, excufing the faft. That it was reafon toyield to
drian. ^'^'-^ ^^'^^ commanded thirty Legions : Thefe and fuch like applications andJloopings ofLearned men below the terms of Gravity, at the command ofneceffity or the advantage of occafion, cannot be condemned ; for
though they may feem, at firft fight, fomewat bafe and fervile, yet in a
judgement truly made, they are to he accounted fubntrjjions to theOc-cajion and not the Fcrfon.
Chap. IV.
I. Dijiempers of Learningfrom Learned mens {^ndies,are ofthree forts.
Phantaftical Learning, Contentious Learning, Delicate Learning.
N. Delicate Learning, a Curiofity in words through Profufenefs offpeech. § Decent exprejjion commended. § AffeQed Brevity cen'
fured. in. Contentious Learning, a Curiofity in matter, through the
novelty oftcrms,orJiri&nefs ofPofitions. ^ A vanity either in Mat"-
ter or in Method. IV. Phantaftical Learning hath two branches^
Impofture, Credulity; § Credulity is a belief of Hijiory. ^ Orabelief of Art or Opinion j and that either Real in the Art itfelf.
^ Or Perfonal in the Author offffch an Art, or Science.
LEt us now proceed to thofe Errors, andVanities, which have inter-
, venedamongfi thefiudies of Learned men, and therervith are inter--
mingled^ which is the principal point and proper to the prelent Argu-ment 5 wherein my purpofe is not to patronize errors, but by a Cenfureand reparation of the errors, to fift out that which is found and fblid,
and to deliver the fame from afperfion. For we lee it is the manner ofmen, efpecially of envious perfbns, to fcandalize, and deprave that
which retains the State and Virtue, by taking advantage upon that
which is corrupt and degenerate , as the Heathens in the Primitive
Church us'd to blemifli and taint the Chriftians, with the faults and cor-
ruptions of Heretiques: Neverthele(s I have no meaning to make anyexaft animadverfion ofthe Errors, and Impediments in matters of Learn-
ing, which are more fecret and remote from vulgar opinion, but on-
ly to fpeak of fuch as do fall under a common and popular ob-
fervation, and known, or at lealt , which recede not far of there-
from. ^
LI find
Lib. I. Of the Advancement ofLearning. ij
I. I find therefore chiefly three vanites, and vacuities in Learning,
which have given occafion to the reproach and difgrace thereof. Forthofe things are efteemed vain which are either falfe^orfrivolous -, name-ly, wherein there is, either no truth, or no ufe : thoje Pcrfons we efteem
vain, which are either Credulous in things falfe, or Curious in things oflittle ufe. And Cunofity is either in »/.z//cr or in rvords j that is whencither labour is fpent in v,iin matters, or time is wafted in the delicacy
ofJTnc words : fo that it is agreeable as well to true realbn as approvedexperience, to fet down three diftempers of Learning : The firft is
rhanta^lical Learning •) The fccond Contentious Learnings The third
Fainted and Delicate Learning : or thus, vain Imaginations, "Vain Alter-'
cations^ vain afcclations. And with the laft I will begin.
If. This Diftemper feated in xhtjuperfluity andpr^ufenef offpeech
(though in times part by turns , it was in fome price) about Luthers
time, got up mightily into credit, and eftimation. The heat andefficacy of Preaching, to win and draw on the people, began chiefly
about that time to flourifh •, and this required a popular kind of ex-prefljon. This was furthered by the Enmity and Oppofition concei-
ved in that fame age againft the School-men ^ whofe writings were alto-
gether in a differing ftile and form ofexprefliin^ taking liberty to
coyn and frame new and rude terms of Art, without any regard tothe purenefs and elegancy of fpeech, fo they might avoid circuit ofwords, and deliver their fenfe and conceptions, in a precife exaft ex-
predion : and fo it came to pafs a little after, that a greater care wastaken for Words, than Matter 5 and many afTefted rather Comptnefsofftile^ around and clean Period; the fweet falling of the claufes i
and illuflrations by Tropes and Figures ; than the waight ofMatter,foundnefs of Argument, life of Invention, or depth of Judgment.Then (prang up \.\\^ flowing and rontery vein of Ojorius , the Portugal
Biihop, tobein priceand requeft; Then did <y/«r/»/«f fpend fuch in-
finite and curious pains upon Cicero the Orator, and Hcrmogenes the
Rhetorician. Then did our Carre and Afcham in their Lectures andWritings almoft Deifie Cicero, and Demoflhenef^ and allure youngStudents to that polittt and flourilliing kind of Learning. Then didErafmut take occafion to make that fcoffing kind of Eccho, 'Decern an-
nas conjumpfi in Legendo Cicerone, to which the Echo anfwered, One,
Afme. Then grew the Learning ofthe Schoolmen to be utterly defpi-
(ed, as rude and barbarous. In fura, the whole iaclination and bent
ofthofe times was, rather about Copy than Weight. Here we lee the firft
Drjiemper ofLearning, when, as we have (aid, mcnfiudy Words andnot Matter. Whereof though I have reprefentcd examples of late
times only, yet fuch vanities have been accepted,in forne degree or o-thcr, in ancient times, and will be fo hereafter. Now it is riot pofli-
ble but that this fbould have an operation todifcreditand debafe the
reputation ofLearning, even with vulgar capacities; when they fee
Learned mens Works, like the firft letter of a Patent, which thoughit belimmed and fet out with large flourifhes, yet it is but a letter.
And it (eems to me that rigmalionsfrenz.ie is a good Emblem and Por-
traiture of this vanity ; for what are words but the Images of matter,and except they be animated with the fpirit of reafbn, to fall in Lovewith them, is all one as to fall in love with a Pifture.
e s. Bee
1
8
Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . I,
§. But yet notwithftanding it is a thing not haftily to be condemned
to illuftrate and poliQi the obfcurity and roughnefs ofPhilofophy, with
the fplendor of jvords ^ndfenfible elocHtion, For hereof we have great
examples in XenophoK, Ckero, Seneca^ Plutarch, and even in Plato
himfelfiand theufe hereof is great: For though to the fevere inquifition
ofTruth, and the deep progre(s into Philofophy, itislbmehindcrance,
becaufe it is too early fatisfadtory unto the mind, and quencheth the
thirft and defire offarther fearch , yet if a man be to have any ufe of
fuch knowledge in Civil occafions (of Conference, Counfel^ Perjvpafion^
Vifcourfe, and the like) he (hall find all that he defireth prepar'd and
fet out to his hand in thofe Auftors. But theexcefs of this is fo juftly
contemptible, that, as Hercules, when he faw the Image o^ Adonif,
re«»if »//«/(?», in the Temple, faid, niljacri es i, fo there is none of Her-
cules his followers in Learning, I mean, the more induftrious and fevere
inquirers into Truth, but will defpife t\io(c Delicacies and AffeSatiens^
as indeed capable ofno Divineneft.
§ Little better is that kind of ftile( yet neither is that altogether
exempt from vanity) which neer ^bout the fame time fucceeded this
Copy and fuperfluity offpeech. The labour here is altogether, That
ivords may be aculeate, fentences concife, and the Tphole contexture ofthe
fpeech and difcourfe, rather rounding intoitjelf, thanfpread and dilated :
So that it comes to pafs by this Artifice , that evey paffage (eems morewitty and weighty than indeed it is. Such a ftile as this we find more
exceffively in Seneca 5 more moderately in Tacitus and Plinius Secuit"
duss and of late it hath been very pleafing unto the ears of our time*
And this kind of expreffion hath found fuch acceptance with meaner
capacities, as to be a dignity and ornament to Learning 5 neverthelefe,
by the more exaft judgments, it hath been defervedly delpi(ed, andmay be (et down as a dijlemper of Learning, feeing it is nothing elfe
but a hunting after words, and fine placing of them. And thus muchofthe firft Difeafe or Dijiemper of Learning.
IIL Now followes the diftemper/c//t'^ in AIatter,v/\\ich. we fet downas afccond difeafe of Learning^and have defigned it by the name of con-
tentious fubtilty 5 and this is in nature fomcwhat worfe than that where-
of we fpake even now. For as the fubftance of Matter,is better than the
beauty of words 5 fo on the contrary, vanity ofMatter is more odious
than vanity of words. Wherein it feemeth that the reprehenfion ofSt. P<?«/was not only proper for thofe times, but Prophetical for the
times following i and not only refpedtive to Divinity, batextenfivei.tim. tf. to all knowledge, Devita prophanas vocuvt novitates : For in thefe
words he affigns two Markes and Badges of fufpefted and falfified (ci-
ence^ The firft is the Novelty and Strangenc^ of Terms --^ The other,
theJiri&nefofPofitions^ which of neceffity induce oppofition and fb
Alterations and Queftions. Certainly like as many fubftances in na*«
ture, which are folid and entire, doe many times putrific and corrupt
into Worms •-, Co good and (bund Knowledge doth often putrifie and dit
folve into a number offubtle, idle, unvvholfome, and (as I may terme
fhem) vermiculate Qiieftions, which feem indeed to have a kind of
Motion and Quicknels in them, and yet they are un(bund and hollow,
and of no folid ufe. This kind oi Degenerate Lcur/?/»^^ corrupting it
Iclf, did chiefly reign amongft the i'c7j(?('/;»ewi who having abundanceof
L I B. I. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 19
of Leifurc , (harp , and ftrong wits, and fmall variety of readingj
(for their wits were Ihut up within the writing of a few Authors, chiet-
ly Arijlotle^ their Diftatorjas their Perfons were (hut up in the cells of
Mona(teries and Colleges) and for moft part ignorant of the Hiftory
either of Nature, or of Time, did out of no great Qiiantity of Matter,
but infinite agitation of their Wit and Phancy, as of thefpindle, fpin
out unto us tho(e laborious webs of Learning, which are extant in
their Books. For the Wit and Mind ofMan, if it work upon Matter,
by contemplating Nature and the Works of God, worketli according
to the (tuiF, and is limited thereby 5 but if it worketh upon it felf, as
ihcjpider morks his veeb, then it is endlc(s, and brings forth Co'orvebs ofLeartijug^ indeed admirable for tinenefs ofthred and work, but of no
Subljance and Profit,
ij This fame unprofitable/»/-///// or C«r/£?///y, is of two forts ^ and
it isdifcerned either in the fubjeft and A-iutter it felf, fuch as is fruitlei^
Speculution or Controvcrfie, whereof there are no fmall number, both
in Divinity and Philofophy ^ Or in the Alanrier and Method of bifid-
ling, which amongft School-men was this ^ Upon every Polirionor
Aflertion they framed objeftions, then folutions of thofc objeftions,
which (blutions, for the moft part, were only diftinftions, whereas
indeed, the ftrength ofall fciences, like the Oldmutjs Fagot, confifteth '^'5'P-,^,,
not in every ftickafunder, but in them all together united in the band,^l^,'^^
For the Harmony offcieticcs, that is when each part fupports the other,
is and ought to be the true and brief way of confutation and fuppref-
fion of all the fmaller fort of objections : but on the other fide, ifyoudraw out every Axiom, as the fticks ofa Fagot, one by one, you mayeafily quarrel with them, and bend and break them at your pleafure.
So that as it was faid oiSetfcca^verhornm Alimttiis rerumfrangit ponderu, Fabiu":
may truly be (aid of the School-men, ^£Jliotinm Mir.iitiis jcientiarum Qi'-ir,ait,
frangmit fofidera. For were it not better for a man, in a fair room to
fet up one great light, or branching candleftick of lights, whereby all
may befeen at once, than to goupand down with a Imall watch can-
dle into ever corner ? And fuch is their Alcthod^xh&t refteth not fo muchupon evidence of Truth proved by Arguments, Authorities, Simili-
tudes and Examples 5 as upon particular Confutations, and Solutions
of every fcruple, cavillation, and objection j thus breeding qutftioa
upon queftion ^ even as in the former relemblance, when yon carrj the
light into one corner,you darken the reji. So that the fable of Scyl/a feems
to be a lively image of this kind of Philofophy or knowledge 5 whichfor the upper part had the fhape ofa comely Virgin, but below, Candi-
da. fuccinQant latrantibns ingnina movjiris ', So you ihall find forae gc- Vrg.Bi-'c;
neralitics of the School- men, fair and well proportioned, and invented ^'^^ ^^
to fome good purpofe •, but then when you dcfcend to diftinclions anddecifions , in ftead ofa fruitful womb for the ufe and benefit of manslife, they end in monftrous and "barking ^cftions. Wherefore it is noraarvail, if this quality of Knov^lcdege fall under, even popular con-
tempt, the people being apt to contemn Truth upon occafion of Con-
Troverfies,and altercations ^ and to think they are all out of their way,
which never meet and agree among themfelves j and when they fee the
digladiationsof Learned men, about matters of no ufe or moment, they
eafily fall upon that jucigcmeut of Dionyfnts of Syracula, verba ifafnnt
C 2 f:nH>/i
20 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. I^
LaeFCliis
in Plato.
HoTat.
Eioi.
Tacit.
D« Mirab,
Aufcvilt.
fenum ^{ioforHM. Notwithftanding it is mofl certain5that if the School-
men, to their great thirft of Truth, and unwearied travail ofwit, had
joyn'd variety, and univerfality of reading, and contemplation, they
had certainly proved excellent lights to the great advancement ofall Arts and Sciences. And thus much of the fecond Difeafe ofLearning.
IV". For the third Diieale of Learning which concerns Deceit or Vn-trnthM is ofall the reft the fouleft^as that which doth deftroy the Nature
and eflential form of Knowledge, which is nothing but a reprefenta-
tion of Truth. For the Truth of Being, and the Truth of Knowing are
all one, differing no more than the direft beam, and the beam reflefted.
This vice therefore brancheth it (elf into two forts, Impojiure and Cre-
diil/tj •-) the one deceives, the other is deceived , which although they
appear to beof.1 diverfe naturej theone feeming to proceed of Cun-ning, and the other of Simplicity j yet for the moft part they do con-
cur, for as the verfe noteth,
Fei contatorem fugito nam garntlus idem eli :
Intimating that an Imqui^tive man is a Pratler 3 Co upon the like reafbn,
a Credidutis man is a deceiver. As vve fee it in Fame and Rumors, that
he that will cafily believe Rumors, will as eafily augment Rumors
,
which Tacitus wifely notes in rhefe words , Fingunt fimul crednntq-j
fiich affinity there is between a 'propedlity to Deceive and a facility to
Believe.
§ This facilitj/ of Crediting and accepting all things, though weak-
ly authorized, is of two kinds, according to the nature of the Matter
handled, for it is either belief of Hifiory, or fas the Lawyers fpeak) mat-
ter of Fail, or matter ofOpinion. In the former kind, we fee with what
lofs and detriment of Credit and Reputation, this error hath diftain'd
and embafed much of the Ecclefiajiical Hijlorj, which hath two eafily
received and regiftred Reports and Narrations ofMiracles wrought byMartyrs, Hermites, or Monks of the Defert, Anchorites, and other ho-
ly men j and of their Reliques, Sepulchers, Chappels, Images and
Shrines. So in Natural Hijlory , we fee many things have been rafhly,
and with little choice or judgement received and regiftred, as may ap-
pear in the writings of Flinius, Cardanns, Albcrtus, and diverfe of the
Arabians, which are every where fraught with forged and fabulous Re-ports, and thofe not only uncertain and untried 3 but notorioufly ur>
true and manifeftly conviftcd, to the great derogation of Natural Phi-
lofophy vj'nh grave and f . ber men. Wherein in truth the wifdom and
integrity of Arijlotle doth excellently appear, that having made fo di-
ligent and exquifite a Hrflory of living Creatures, hath mingled it fo
fparingly with any vain or feigned niatter 3 but hath rather cafl: all
Prodigun/f Reports, which he thought worthy the recording into onecommentary^ wifely difcerning that matter of manifefl: Truth (whichmight be the experimental ground-v/ork whereupon Philofbphy andSciences were to be built) ought not unadvifedly, to be mingled with
matter of doubtful faith ; and yet again things rare and flrange, whichto many fcem incredible, are not wholly to be fupprefledordenyed to
be recorded to Pofterity.
But
L I B. I. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. ai
§ ?>\xtihztoi\\ev Facility of Credit^ which is yielded, not to Hiihryand Reportt, but to Arts and Opiniont^ is likewife of two forts ', either
when too much beliefis attributed to Arts themfelves, or to certain /^w-
r/i(7rj- in any Art. The Sciences themfelves, which hold more of thefancy and of belief, than of Reafbn and Demonltration, are chiefly
'^
three Ajirologie^ Natural Migjqne znd Alchimy-^ of which Sciences ne-
verthelcls the end and pretences are noble ^ For Ajirology profelleth tO"
dilcover the influence and domination of the fupcriour Globe, over theinferiour ; Magique propofeth to it felfto call and reduce Natural Phi-lofophy from variety of fpeculations , to the magnitude of works:Alchimy undertakes to makeafeparationand extraftion ofall heteroi^e-
neoiis and unlike parts ofbodies, which in mixture ofNature are Impli-
cate and Incorporate^and to refine and depurate bodies themrelve3,that
are diftained and (biled^to fet at liberty fuch as are bound and imprifon-
ed 5 and to bring to perfedlion fuch as are unripe. But the derivati-
ons and profecutions, which are prefumed to conduce to the(e ends,both in the Theory and in the Praclife of theje Arts, are full of Errors
and Fanity. Nor is the Tradition and manner of Delivery for mofl:
part ingenious and without fufpition, but vail'd over andmunited withdevifes and impoftures. Yet furely to Alc/jiwy this right is due, that it
may truly be compared to the Husbandman whereof y^y^'/'e makes the
Fable, tlat rehen he died, told his fans he had left unto them a great mafs
ofGold buried under ground in his Vineyard, but did not remember the
particular place where it ivas hiddei: '-^ who when they had with fpades
turn'd up all the Vineyard ^ gold indeed they found none ; but byreafon of their flirting and digging the Mold about the Roots of their
Vines, they had a great Vintage the year following: (b the painful
(earch and ftir of AlchimiUs to make Gold, hath brought to light a
great number ofgood and fruitful experiments.as well for thedifclofing
of nature, as the ufe of mans life.
§ As for the overmuch Credit that hath been given to Authors in Sci-
ences, whom they have invejied with the power of Dilators, that their
wordsfyouldjiand, and not of Confuls to give advice j the damage is in-
finite that Sciences have received thereby,as a Principal caufe that hathkept them low at a flay, and that they have lien heartlefs, without anynotable Grcweth or Advancement. For hence it hath come to pafs, that
in Arts Mechanical, the firfl devifer cometh fhort, and time fupplies and »
perfefts the refl ^ but in Sicnces, the firfl Author goeth farthefl, andtime loofeth and corrupteth. So we fee Artillery, Sailing , Printing ,
were imperfeft, fbrmlefs, and grofly managed at firfl, but in progrefs oftime accommodated and refined. But contrariwife the rhilofophy andSciences of AriHotle, Plato, Democritus, Hjpocrates, Euclide, Archimedes,
were of mofl vigor in their Authors, and in procefs of time,, becamerather degenerate and embafed, and lofl much of their luflre 5 where-of the reafon is no other, but that in Arts Mechanical, many wits and in-
dujlries have contributed in one, in liberal Arts and Sciences, many wits
and industries have beenfpent about , and yielded to the art offame one •-,
whom (notwithflanding many times)his fedlators have rather depravedthanilluftrated. For as water vi'xW not afcend higher than the level ofthe firft Spring- head, from whence it defcendeth^ fo knowledge de-
rived from Arijlotle , will never rife higher than the knowledge ofArijiotk,
22 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. I.
Ariftor. 'JriUotle. And therefore although the pofition hegood,Oportet clijcen-
Soph Tb '^^'•"^''^'^^'^5 yet it muft be coupled with this, Oportetjam edoCiitm ju'
I.' dicio juo Hti. For Difciples owe unto Mafters , only a temporary be-
liefs and a fufpenfion of their judgment, until they be fully inftrudied,
and not an ablbluterefignation oftheir liberty, and a perpetual capti-
vity of their judgements. Therefore, to conclude this point, I will fay
no more but this. Let great Authors Jo have their elite ^ as jve do
not derogate from Timc^ ivhich is the Author of Authors and tarctit ofTruth.
Chap. V.
Peccant Humours in Learning. I. Extreme aff'e&ion to two extremes,
Atitiquity^ "Novelty. II. A dijiruji, that any thirrg Nevp^ Jhottldtiorv
befoionl out. HI. That of all Sects and Opinions^ the heji hath fiill
prevailed. IV. At? over early rcdu&ion of Kticvpledgc into Arts
af/dAIethpds. V. y^ »c^/e(!? tf/ Primitive Philofophy. VI. A Di'
'vorce of the Intelle[ifrom the ObjeB. VII. InfcBion of Knowledge
in general from individual inclinations. VIII. An impatience ofDoubt, hafi to Ajjertion, IX. A A/agiJiral manner of Tradition ofKnowledge. X. Aim of writers, lUuJlration, not Propagation ofKnowledge. XI. End ofjludies, Curiojity, rkafurcs, Prof't^ Prefer»
ments^ &c.
T'Hus have we at length gone over three DifVempers or Difeafes ofLearning ^ befides the which, there are other, rather peccant Hu-
mours, than confirmed Difeafes, which neverthelefs are not fo fecret and
intrinfique, but that they fall under a popular (en(e and reprehenfion,
and therefore are not to be pafled over.
I. The firft of thefe is an extreme affecfion of two extremities, Anti'
quity and Novelty -, wherein the daughters ofTrme, do take after the Fa-
ther 5 for as Time devoureth his children, fo thefe, one of them feeketh
to deprefs the others while Antiquity envieth there (hould be new Ad-ditions
--iand Novelty CTin not be content to add things recent, but it
muft deface and rejeft the old. Surely the advice of the Prophet is the
true direftion in this cafe, slatefuper vias antiquas C^ vidcte quxnamfit
Jcrera.iy. ^'^'^ reda ^ bona e> amhidate in ea. Antiquity ae(erveth that reverence,
that men (hould make a ftay a while, and ftand thereupon, and look
about to difcover which is the beli: way j but when the dilcovery is well
taken, then not to reft there, but cheerfully to make progrellion. In-
deed to fpeak truly, Antiquitasfculi,'JuventusJlIundi, Certainly our
times are the Ancient times, when the world is now Ancient, and not
thofe which we count Ancient, ordine retrogrado, by a computation
backward from our own times.
II. An other error induced by the former is, afufpition and diffidence^
that any thing fduuld be now to be found out, which the world Jl)ould have
T\ Tft *"'fi'""^ f"^^^ overfo long time : as if the fime objeftion might be made
lib.!. ' toTimc. wherewith I//a./« reproacheth Jupiter, and other the Hea-
thea
Li B.I. Of the Advancement of Learning. 23
then Gods, For he wonders that they begat fo many children rV/ old time,
and begot none in his time ^ and asks in fcoffing manner, whether they
jvere nojp become Septuagenary, or whether the Laiv Papia j made againji
old mens marriages, had rejirained them ^ So it feems men doubt Jca(fc
time is become paft children and generation. Nay rather the levity andinconftancy of mens judgements, is hence plainly dilcovered, whichuntil a matter be done, wonder it can be done. So Alexanders expe-
dition into A(ia was prejudg'd as a vaft impoflible entcrprize 3 yet after-
wards it pleafed Livie^ lb to flight it as to fay of Alexander^ Nil alind^^^•^^^•$'
quam bene anfus ejivana contemnere : The fame hapned unto Columbus
in the weftern Navigation. But in intellectual matters it is much morecommon, as may be feen in many propofitions in Euclid, which till
they be demonftrate, they feem ftrange to our affent •-, but being De-monftrate, our mind accepteth of them by a kind of Recognifance or
Retra(3:ation;(as the Lawyers fpeak)as ifwe had underftood and known,them before.
HI. An other error which hath (bme affinity with the former is, a
conceit That all fc3s and ancient opinions, after they have been difcujfed
and ventilated j the belijlilj prevail'd andJuppreji the rejl: Whereforethey think that if a man lliould begin the labour of a new fearch andexamination, he mull: needs light upon (bmewhat formerly reje(n:edj
and after rejection, loft, and brought into oblivion ; as ifthe multitude,
or the vvifeft, to gratifie the multitude, were not more ready to give paf-
(age to that which is popular and fuperficial , than to that which is fub-
ftantial and profound. For Time (eemeth to be of the nature of a R-iver,
which carrieth down to us that which is light and blown up, and fiuk-
eth and drowneth that which is waighty and folid.
IV. Another error of divers nature from the former is , The over^
early and Peremptory reduQion of Knowledge into Arts and Methods 5
which once done, commonly Sciences receivefmall or no augmentation. Foras young men, when they knit and fhapeperfeftly, do feldomgrowtoa farther ftature : fo knowledge while itisdifperft into Aphorifms, andOi^rz//rf/<7«/3 may grow and fhoot up 3 but once inclofed and compre-hended in Methods, it may perchance be farther polifhtand illuftrate
,
nnd accommodated for ufe and practice, but it increafeth no more in
bulk and fubftance.
V". Another error which doth fucceed that which we laft noted, is,
Xbat after Atjlribution of particular Arts and Sciences into theirfeveral
places, many men have prejently abandoned the nnivcrfal notion of things,
or Philofophia Prima, which is a deadly enemy to all Progrejfion. Profpefts
are made from Turrets and high places, and it is impoffible to difco-
yer the more remote and deeper parts of a^ny Science, if you ftand butupon the flat and level of the iame Science, and afcend not as into a
Watch-Town to a higher Science.
VI. Another error hath proceeded from too great a reverence, anda kjjid of Adoration of the mind and underiiavding of m.in , by means
whereof men have withdrawn themfelvcs, too fnuch, from the contemplat/-
vn ofNature, and the obfervations ofexperience ; and have tumbled up anddown in their own fperuJations and conceits 5 bur of theie furpaffing Opi'
fc-j^(7ry3and(if I may fo {peak^lntelleclualisis,(wh.ich arenotwithllanding,.
taken for the moft fublime and divine Philofophers) HcracUtus gave a|uft
24 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. I.
N.I. iuft ccnlurejlaying. Men feek^ truth in their ovp» little vporld^ and not in
the greAt common world ^ for they difdain the Alphabet of nature, and
r/-/"wer-BM;^of the Divine works; which if they did wot, they might
perchance by degrees and leafure , after the knowledge of fimplc
letters, and fpelling of Syllables , come at laft, to read perfeftly
the Text and Volume of the Creatures. But they, contrariwife, bycontinual meditation and agitation ofwit, urge, and as it were invocate
their own fpirits to divine, and give Oracles unto them, whereby they
are defervcdly and pleafingly deluded.
VII. Another Error, that hath (bme connexion with this latter, is,
"Xhat men do oftentimes imhne and inje^ their meditations and doSrines
TPith the infufions offome Opinions^ and conceptions of their ovpn.^ Tohich
they have moji admired j orfame Sciences to which have moji applyed and
confecrated themfelves ,giving all things a Dye and TinS/tre , though
very deceivahle, from thefe favorite studies. So hath Plato intermingled
his Philofophy with Theology 3 Arifiotle with Logick 5 The lecond
School of Plato, ProcUis and the reft, with the Mathematicks. Thefe
Arts had a kind of Primo-geniture with them, which they would ftill be
kiffing and making much of, as their firft born fbns. But the Al^
chimifls have forged a new Philofophy out of the Fire and Furnace ;
and Gilbert our Country-man, hath extrafted another Philofophy out
of a Load-ftone. So Cicero^ when reciting the feveral opinions of the
nature ofthe foul, he found a Mufitian that held the foul was but aTufc.lib.i. harmony, iaith pleafantly, Hie ab artefna no» recejjit: But of thefc
Be Gen. ertors Arifiotle faith aptly and wifely, ^i refpiciunt adfauea de facili
alibi. VIII. Another error is. An impatience of Doubt , and an unadvifed
hajle to AJfertion without due and mature fufpenjion ofjudgement : Forthe two ways ofcontemplation are not unlike the two ways of adion ,
commonly fpoken of by the Ancients; of which the one was a plain
and fmooth way in the beginnining, but in the end impaflible i theo-
ther rough and troublefome in the entrance, but after a while fair andeven ; fo is it in contemplations, if a man will begin in certainties, he
Ihall end in doubts ; but if he can be content to begin with doubts,
and have patience a while, he (hall end in certantics.
IX. The like error difcovereth it (elf in the manner ofTradition andDelivery ofknowlege^ which is^ for the moft part^imperious andmagifiral^
not ingenious andfaithful/^fo contrived^as may rather command our afftnt^
thanjlandto examination. It is true that in compendious Treatifesde-
figned for Pradticc , that Form of Writing may be retained ; but in a
juft and compleat handling of knowledge, both extremes are to bea-G?c. dc Voided, as well the vein oiVellieus the Epicurean, who feared nothingNat. Dief.
y^ much oi tofeem to doubt of any thing '-, as that of Socrates and the Aca-
demy, leaving all things in doubt and incertainty ; Rather men Ihould
aifeft candor and fincerity, propounding things with more or hCs
aflTeveration , as they ftand in their judgement proved , more or
lefs.
X. Other errors there are in thefcope that men propound to themfelves
whereunto they bend their endeavours andftudies : For whereas the moft
devout Leaders and noted Profeflbrs of Learnbg , ought chiefly to
propound to themfelves to make fome notable addition to the Science
they
L I B. I. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 25
they profels , contrariwife , they convert their labours to afpire to
certain fecond prizes, as to be a profound interpreter^ or commentator 5
a fharpand ftrong champion or De/e«^fr 5 a Methodical compdunderor Abridger : fo the Revenues and Tributes ofSciences come tb be im-
proved, but not the Patrimony and Inheritance.
XI. But the-greateft errorof all thereft isj^^e wz/Z^^w^or wi//>/4f/»g
the lajiandfarthfji end of knowledge : For many have entred into a de-
fire of Learning and Knowledge, fomeuponan inbred and reftlefs «7«-»
riojity 3 others to entertain their minds with variety and delight ; others
fbr ornament and reputation 5 others for contradi^ion and vidlory iti
difputej others for Lucre and living 5 few to improve the gift of rea-
fon given them from God, to the benefit arid ufe of men. As if there
were fought in knowledge, a couch^ whereupon to reft a reftlefs and(carching fpirit, or a Tarrafs for a wandring and variable mind to walkup and down in at liberty unreftrained 5 or fbme high and eminentTower ofState^ from which a proud and ambitious mind, may have a
Profpedt, or a F^r^ and commanding ground for ftrife and contenti-
on 3 or zfljopfot profit and (ale 5 and not rather a rich Jlore-houfe andArmory for the glory of the Creator of all things, and the relief ofmanscftate. For this is that which indeed would dignifie and exalt Learn-
ing 5 ifcontemplation and aftion were more nearly and ftraiitly, than
hitherto they have been conjoyn'd and united together : which combi-nation, certainly would be like unto that conjunction of the two high-
^ft Planets, when Saturn which hath the Dominion over reft and con-
templations, confpires with Jupiter the Lord of Civil fociety and Adi-on. Howbeit I do not mean when I fpeak of Ufe and Aftion, Profel^
(bry or Lucretive Learning, for I am not ignorant how much that di-
verts and interrupteth the Frogrejfion and advancement ofknowledge 5
like indeed the Golden apple, thrown before Atalanta, which while (he
goes afide and ftoopeth to take up, the race is hindred.
Decliuat cnrfus aurnmq'j volubik toUit» . O^rtd.
Keithcr is it my meaning, as was fpoken of Socrates^ to call Philofb-
phy down from heaven, to converfe upon the earth •, that is to lay 2V<<-
iural Phylofophy afide, and to celebrate only Mpral Fhilofophy and Fc-
Ucy. But as Heaven and Earth do conlpire and contribute, to the ufe
and benefit of the life of Man 5 Co indeed this ftiould be the end ofbothThilofophies 5 that vain fpeculations, and what ever is empty and bar-
ren, being rejeded 3 that which is folid and fruitful may be preferved
and augmented j that (b Knowledge may not be a Courtezan for
Pleafure, or as a bond-woraaa for gain 5 but as a fpoufe for generatioUj
fruit and honeft fblace.
^ Now me thinks I have described. and opened, as by a kind of dif-
fcftion, thofc Peccant Humours ; or at leaft, the Principal ofthem, tphich
have not only given impediment to the Troficience of Learning, but havsgiven alfo occafion to the traducement thereof. Wherein if I have cometoo near the quick, it muft be remembred , Fidelia vulnera amaniis do pfai.iift;
lofaofculamalignaniis : however this furely I think I have gained, that I
ought to be the better believed, concering the Commendations of Learn-
ing in that which followSjbecaufe I have proceeded fo freely concerning
D cenfiir^
26 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . I.
cenfure, in that which went before. And yet I have no purpofe to ea-
ter into a Landative of Learmng^ or to make a H)if»n to the Mujes 5
though I am of opinion, that it is long fince their Rites were dueJy ce-
lebrated : but my intent is, without varnifti or amplification, to take the
iuft waight, and to ballance the Dignity of Knowledge in thefcales with
other things j and tofearch out the true values thereof, from tejiimo»
mes Divine and Humane.
Chap. VI.
' oJ • ..V.I s-.'
The Dignity of Learning from Divine Arguments and Teftimoniesu
I. From Gods vpifdom, § Angel/ oflUnmination. § Thejirjl Light
andfirji Sabbath. § Mans imployment in the Garden. § Abels
contemplative life, § 7he invention of Mufick. ^ Confujion ofTonguesi II. The excellent Learning o/Mofes. § Job. § Solo-
mon. § Chrift. § 5/. Paul. § The Ancient DoSon of the Church,
^ Learning exalts the Mind to the Celebration of Gods glory j and is
a Prejervative againji Error andVnbelief,
I. TTTrft therefore' let «ff leek tfte Dignity of Knowledge , ia the
17^ Arch-Type or firft Platform, which is in the Attributes^ and in
the A^s of God:, as far as they are revealed to man, and may be ob-
served with fobriety. Wherein we may not feek it by the name ofLearning ', for all Learning is Knowledge acquired, and no knowledgein God is acquired^ but Original : and therefore we muft look for it byanother name, that is roifdom otfafience, as the (acred Scriptures call it.
It is fo then j In the xoorks of the Creation , we (ee a double emanation
Qtn'i. ofDivine virtue from God 5 whereofthe one is referr'd to Tower, the
other to IVifdom , that is chiefly expreft in making the Mafs and fub-
ftance of the Matter 5 this in difpcrfing the beauty of the Form. This
being fuppofed^it is to be obferved, that for any thing which appears in
the Hiftory ofthe Creation, the confWed Mafs and Matter of Heaven andEarth was made in a moment of Time 5 yet the Order and Difpofttion ofthzX-Chaos or Mafs, was the work offix days : iuch a note ofdifference
it pieafed God to put upon the works of P^xrer, and the works of fT//-
dom 5 wherewith concurs, that in the Creation of the Matter , it is
not recorded that God (aid Let there be Heaven and Earth, as it is (aid
ofthe works following ; but fimply and aftually, Cod made Heaven
and Earth: (b that the Matter (eems to be as a Manufa&ure^ but the
Form carries the ftile ofa Larv ot Decree.
§ Let us proceed/r^jw God to Angels or Spirits, whofe nature in or-
der ofDignity is next Gods. We fee,i[b far as credit is to be given to the
Celettial Hierarchy, fet forth under the name o£ Dionyjins Areopagita^
Dion^^'"- ^^ ^^^ order of Angels, the firft place or degree is given to the
A\*o. Seraphim, that is. Angels of Love : the (econd to the Cherubim, that is.
Angels of lUitmination : the third, and fo following, Places to T/^r^we/,
Brincipalities and the reft, which are Angels of Power and Miniftry.
Sd
Lib. I. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 27
So as from this order and diftribution , it appears , that the Angds
of Knowledge and lllumin.ition^ are flaced before the Angels of Office a»4Dof/tin-ttion.
§ To defcend from Spirits and Intellc(!l:ual Forms, to Senfible andMaterial Forms , we read that the firji of Created forms rvas Light 5
which hath a relation and correfpondence in nature and Coporealthings, to knowledge in Spirits and Incorporeal things. So in the di-
attribution of D^j/jjWe fee the day wherein God did refl: and contemplate
his own works, was bleft above all the days wherein theFabrick of the
Vnivcrfe was Created and Difpofed.
§ After the Creation was finillit, we read that Alan was pUcd in the
Garden to mn\ therein 5 which work Co appointed to him, could beno other than the tpork of Contemplation , that is , the end hereof wasnot for neceflity , but for delight and exercife without vexation or
trouble; For there being then no reludtation of the Creature, nofweat of the brow ; mans imployment muft of conftquence have beenmatter of delight and contemplation, not of Labour and lVorl{. Again,
the firft Afts that man perform'd in Paradije, comprehended the twoftmmary parts of kjiorvledgc j thofe were the view ofCreatures, and the
impofition of names. For the knowledge which introduc'd the Fall , it
was (as we have toucht before) not the Natural Knowledge concerning
the Creatures 5 but the Moral Knowledge of Good and Evil, where the
fuppoficion was , that Gods Commandments or Prohibitions were not
the Originals of Good and Evil, but that they had other beginnings^
which man afpircd to know, to the end to make a total de-
feftion from God, and to depend wholly upon himfelf, and his Free-
will.
§. To pafs to the firft event or occurrence after the Fall ofMan, wefee (as the Scriptures have infinite Myfteries, not violating at all the
truth of the ftory or letter^ an image of the two States, the Contempla- Gen.43
five and Acfive, figurd in the Psrfons of Abel and Cain , and in their
Profeflions and Primitive trades of life 3 whereof the one was a
Shepherd who by rcafon of his leifure , reft in a place , and free
view of Heaven , is a lively image of a Contemplative life 5 the o-
ther a Husbandman, that is , a man toil'd and tired with workingsand his countenance fixt upon the earth : where we may fee the fa-vour and Election of God went to the Shepherd, and not to the tiller ofGround.
§ So in the Age before the Flood, the holy Records (with in thofe Gen.4i
few Memorials which are there entred and regiftred, touching the oc-
currences ofthat age)have vouchfafed to mention and honour Inventors
of Alufick^and workj in Rkials.
§ In the next Age after the Flood , the great judgement of Godupon the ambition of Man was the Confufton of Tongues j where- Gen.iu
by the open trade and intercourfe of Learning and Knowledge was chiefly
embraced.
II. Let us defcend to i^/tf/e/ the LaW'giver, and Gods firft Notary,
he is adorn'd in Scripture with this commendation. That he wasfeeniri
all the Learning of the Egyptians j which Nation, we know, was one Acta 7*-
of the moft ancient Schools of the world 3 for fo Plato brings in the
Egyptian Prieft faying unto Solon, Tou Grecians are ever children^
D 2 pH
28 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. I.
lit limno you have «0 kpowledge of Antiquity , ftor Antiquity of Knoveledge : Let
us take a view of the Ceremonial Law of Mofes^ and we fhall find (be-
fides the prefiguration of Chrift, the Badge or Difference of the peo-
ple of God, from the profane Race of the world j the exercife and im-
preffion ofobedience^and other facred ufes and fruits ofthe fame Law)that fome of the moft learned Rabbins, have travelled profitably
and profoundly in the fame, intentively to obferve and extraft, fome-
tevit. 13. times a Natural , Jometimes a Aloral fence of the Ceremonies and Ordi'
nances ': For example, where it is faid of the LeprofiejJJ/ the whiteneft
have over-fpread the fiefl)^ the Patient may pafs abroadfor clean 5 bm if
there be any vphole fief) remaining, he is to befentenced unclean^ and to be
feparated at the dtfcretion of the PrieU> From this Law one of them
coUefts a Principle in Nature ; That Putrija&ion is more contagious be-
fore maturity then after. Anotlaer raifeth a Moral inftruftion 5 That menore fpread with vice, do not fo much corrupt publick^ Manners, as thofe
that are half evil and but in part only. So that from this and other like
places in that Law, there is to be foundjbefides Theological fence^much
afperfion of Philojfophy.
§ So \\^Qy^\^Qt\\z.t excellent ^ook^ of Job^ if it be revolved with di-
ligence, it will be found full and pregnant with the fecrcts of Natural
Job 25. Philofophy-y as for example, oiCofmography, and the roundnefe of the
Earth in that place, ^i extendit Aquilonem fuper vacuum, ^ appendit
Terram fuper nihilum, where the Penfilenefs of the Earth , the Pole ofthe North; and the Finitenels or convexity of Heaven, are manifeftly
touched. Again , of Ajironomy and Confiellations , in thofe words,ibid. spiritus ejus ornavit Gcelos, d^ obfietricante manu ejus edu&us eji colu»Job jg. ^^j, tortuofus : And in another place, Canji thou bind the froeet influ"
enecs of Pleiades, or loofe the bands of Orion ; where the fetled andimmoveable configuration of the firft Stars, ever ftandingat equal di-
(tance, is with great elegancy defcribed. So in another Place, Which
Job o,maketh Ar&urns , Orion and Pleiades and the fecret chambers of the
South : Where he again points at the depreffion of Southern Pole, de-
figning it by the name oi the fecrets of the South , becaufc the Sou-
thern Stars are not feen upon our Hemifphere. Matter of Generation
Job 10. of living Creatures, Haft thou not poured me out like milk^, andcondenjed
me like Curds .«' Matter of Minerals, Surely there is a Minefor Silver,andJob 28. a place xoherein Cold isfined , Iron is digged up out ofcompared duji^ and
Brafs extra&edfromjione diffolvcdin the furnace^ and (b forward ia the
lame Chapter.
§ So likewise in the perfbn o^ Solomon the King, wefee the endowments of rvifdom, both in his Petition and Gods afjent thereunto, prefer»
ed before all terrene and temporal felicity. By virtue of which Dona-tive and Gxunt, Solomon being Angularly furnifht and enabled, not on-ly writ thofe excellent Parables or Aphorifms concerning Divine andMoral Philofophy ; but alfb compiled a Natural Hijiory of all verdure
1 Rs2.4. or vegetables From the Cedar upon the Mountain, to the Alofs upon the
Wall J which is but the rudiment of a plant, between putrifadion
and an Herb; and alfo of all things that breath or move. Nay the
fame Solomon the King, although he excell'd in treafureand the mag-nificence of Building, of Shipping, and Navigation, of Service andAttendance, of Fame and Renown, and the like train of Glory, he
reaps
L I B. I. Of the Advancement of Learning. 20
reaps and makes claim to himfelf of nothing 5 but only the Honour ofthe Inquifition, and Invention of Truth, for fo he faith exprefly. TheGlory of God is to conceal a thing, but the Glory of a King is to find it Prcv.if,
out. As if according to that innocent and afFeftionate play of Chil-
dren, the Divine Majefty took delight to hide his works, to the endto have them found out 5 and as if Kings could not obtain a greater
Honour, than tobeGodsplay-fcllows in thatgame, efpcciallyconfi-
dering the great command they have of wits and means, whereby thefbveftigation of all things may be perfefted.
§ Neither did the difpenfation of God vary in the times after ourSaviour came into the world 5 For our Saviour himfelfdidfirfifhere his
fower tofnbdue Ignorance, by his conference with the Do&ors of the Law, L'Jc ^and the Priefis in the Temple, before he (hewed his power to fuddue Na-ture, by his great and fo many Miracles. And the coming of the Holy Afta A» '
Ghofl rvas chiefy fignrd andexprefi in thefimilitiide and gitift of Tongues^ poft.z,
which are the vehicula fcienti<£.
§. So in the eledion ofthofe inflrnments tvhich itpleafedGod to ufe itt
the Plantation of the Faith, at the firft he iraployed perlbns altogether
Unlearned, otherwife than by infpiration from the holy Spirit ; where-
by more evidently he might declare his immediate and divine work-ing, and might abale all humane Wifdora and Knowledge ; yet never-
thelelsthat qounfel of his in thisrefpeft was no fooner pcrform/d, but
in the next viciflitude and flicceflion of time he lent his divine Truthinto the world, waited on with other Learning, as with (ervants andhand-maids , therefore we fee St. Pauls pen
, (who was only learned Aila A-
amongji the Apofiles) was chiefly imployed by God, in the Scriptures of °"^'''
the new Teftament.
(j So again we know, that many of the Ancient Fifiops and Do&ors
of the church were excellently read and Jiudied in all the Learning ofthe Heathen, in (b much that the Edict of the Emperour Julian, where- ppift. g^j
by it was intcrdi&ed unto ChriHians to be admitted into Schools, or ex- Jambl.
ercifes of Learning , was efteeraed and accounted a more pernitious
Engine and Machination againft the Chriftian Faith , than were all the
languinary profecutions of his Predeceflbrs. Neither could the emu- P-Diacf,
lation and jealoufie of Gregory the Firfi, (otherwife an excellent man) ^' ^^"f-
who defigned to cxtinguijh and obliterate Heathen Authors and Antiquity^
ever obtain the opinion of Piety and Devotion amongft holy men.But contrariwife it was the Chriftian Church, which amidft the inun-
dations of the Scythians from the North-weft, and the Saracens fromthe Eaft, did preferve in the facred Lap and Bofom thereof the^rcf/«/x
relicks of Heathen Learning, which otherwife had utterly perifht andbeen extinguifht. And of late in our age we maylikewife fee the jfe-
fuits, who partly in themfelves, and partly by emulation and provoca-
tion of Adverfaries, have much quickjied and strengthened the Jiatc ofLearning'-^ we fee, I fay, what notable fervices they have done, andwhat helps they have brought in, to the repairing and eftabjifhing ofthe Roman Sea.
§. Wherefore to conclude this Part, there are two principal Duties
and Services befides ornament and illuftration, which humane Learning
doth perform to Faith and Religion .• Th» one, becaufe they are effeQii-
at incitements to the exaltation and cdebratim of the Clo^y of Gad: for
30 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. I.
Pfal.xix. asthePfalms, and other Scriptures, do often invite us to the contem-
plation, and publication of the magnificent and wonderful works ofGod 5 fo ifwe fhould reft only in the outward form, as they firft offer
themfelves unto our fenfes •, we fhould do the like the injury to the Ma-jefty of God, as if we ftiould judge of theftore and wealth offome ex-
cellent Jeweller , by that only, which is fet out towards the ftreet
Mat.22. in his fhop. The other ^ becanje they\mim^er ajingnUr help andprefer"
vative agaitjjl unbeliefs and errors : Ton err , not knowing the Scriptures
nor the Porver of God. Where he lays before us, two books or volumes
to ftudy , if we will be Tecur'd from errors ; Firft the volume ofScriptures, which reveal the will of God 5 then the volume of Cream
tares, which exprefs his power ; whereof the latter is as a key to the
former, not only opening our underftanding to conceive the true fence
of Scriptures, by the general rules of Reafon and Laws of fpeechj
but befides, chiefly opening our belief, in drawing us unto a due me-ditation ofthe omnipotency ofGod^ the charafters whereofare chiefly
figned and engraven upon his works. Thus much for Divine Tejiz-
monies and Evidences , concerning the true Dignity and value ofLearning.
Chap. VII.
7he Dignity of Learning from humane Arguments and Teftimonies.
L Natural, Inventors of Netp Arts for the Commodities of Mans
life, confecrated as Gods. IL Political, Civil Elates and affairs
advanced by Learning. § The beji and happie^i times under Lear»'
ed Princes and others. § Exemplified in the immediate fucced'
ing Emperours, from the death of Domitian. IIL Military, the
concurrence of Arms and Learning. § Exemplified in Alexander
the Great. § Julius Csfar the Di&ator. § Xenophon the Vhi'
lofopher.
AS for Humane Tejlimonies and Arguments , it is fo large a field,
as in a difcourfe of this compendious nature and brevity, it is fit
rather to ufe choice, than toirabrace the variety of them.
L Firft, therefore in the degrees of Honour amongft the Hea-
thens, it was the higheft, to attain to a Veneration and Adorati-
on as a God J this indeed to the Chriftians is as the forbidden
fruit ; but we fpeak now feparately of Humane Teftimony.
Therefore, (as we were faying) with the Heathens, that which the
Grecians call Apothcofts--, and the Latines Relutio inter Divos 5 was theHerodia.l. fupreme Honour which man could attribute unto maa : fpecially,
fiqd!'^* when it was given, not by a formal Decree or Aft of Eftate, (as it was
ufed amongft the Roman Emperours,) but freely by the aflent ofMenand inward belief. Of which high Honour there was a certain degree
and middle term : For there were reckoned above Humana Honours,
Honours Herdeal j znd Divine'-, in theDiftribution whereof, Antiqui-
ty obferved this order. Founders of States 5 Lawgivers, Extirpersof
Tyrants 5
L I B. I. Of the Advancement of Learning, ^ i
Tyrants j Fathers of their Country, and other eminent Perfbns in Ci-
vil Merit, were honour'd with the title of Worthies only, or Demi-Cods i, (uch as were Thefeuf^ Minos, RowHluf, and the like ; on the o-
therfide fiichas were Inventors and Authors of new Arisj andfnch as
endowed mans life vith new Comntodities, and accejjions, were ever confc'
;frated among the Greater and Entire Gods '-, which hapned to Ceres, Bac-
^hut. Mercury, Apol/o, and others, which indeed was done juftly andupon Ibund judgment ; For the merits oftheformer, are commonly con-
fined. ^vi.thin the circle ofan Age, or a Nation, and are not unlike fea-
fbnable.and favouring ftiowers, which though they be profitable anddefirabJe, yet ferve but for that feafon only wherein they fall, and for
a Latitude ofground which they water : but the benefices of the latter,
like the influences of the Sun, and the heavenly bodies^ are for time,
permanent, for place, univerlal : thole again are commonly mixt with
ftrife and perturbation 3 but thefe have the true character ofDivineprefence, and come in Aura lent without noife or agitation.
II. Neither certainly is the Merit of Learning in Civil affairs, andin
-
reprejfing the inconveniences which growfrom man to man, much inferiour
to the other,which relieve mans necejfities, which arifefrom Nature. And Of ph.'^
this kind ofmerit was lively fet fdrth in that feigned relation oiOrpheushis Theatre, where all beafts and birds affembled, which forgetting their
proper natural appetites of Prey, ofGame, ofQuarrel, ftoodallfoci-
ably and lovingly together liftening unto the Airs and accords oftheharp, the found whereof no fooner cealed, or was drown'dby fomelouder noife, but every beaft returned to his own nature. In whichFable is elegantly deforibed, the nature and condition ofmen, who are
tofTed and diforderedwith fundry (avage and unreclaim'd defires, ofProfit, ofLuft, ofRevenge j which yet as long as they give ear to
precepts, to the perfvvafion of Religion, Laws, and Magiftrates, elo-
quently and fweetly coucht in Books, to Sermons and Harangues 5 fo ,
long is fociety and peace raaintaift'd, but ifthefe inftrumentsbe filent,
or that feditionsand tumults make them not audible, all things diflblve
and fall back into Anarchy and Confufion.
§ But this appeareth more manifeftly, when Kings or?erfons oj Au-thority under them, or Go-vernours in States, are endowed with Learning :
For although he might be thought partial to his own profeffion that faid, ^1^°'^^
Thenfjjould People or States be happy when either Kings were Philofophers
or Philofophers Kings 5 yet fo much is verified by experience, that under
TPife and Learned Princes and Governours of State, there hath been ever
the befi and happieji times. For howfoever Kings may have their errors
and imperfeftions 3 that is, be liable to Paffions and depraved cuftoms,
like other men,yet if they be illuminated by Learning,they have certain
anticipate notions ofReligion, Policy, and Morality, which preferveand
refrain them from all ruinous and peremptory errors and excefles,
whifpering evermore in their ears, When Councellours, and Servants
ftand mute and filent. Solikewife Senators and Councellours which be
Learned, do proceed upon morefafe andfubjiantial principles than Coun-
cellours which are only men of experience : Thofe feeing dangers a farre
off, and repulfing them betimes 3 whereas thefe are wife only near at
hand, feeing nothing, but what is imminent and ready to fall uponthem, and then truft to the agility x)£ their witj in the point ofdangers,to ward and avoid them; § Which
52 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. I.
§ Which felicity of times under Learned Princes (to keep ftillthe
law ofbrevity by ufing the moft felefted and eminent examples) dothbeft appear, in the-Age which pafled from the death oiDomitianut the
Emperour, untill the reign oi Comtnodtfs^ comprehending afuccejjion of
fix Princes, all Learned, orfmgular favourers and advancers of Learniug^
•nnd of all ages (if we regard temporal happinefj the mojiflourijl^ing that
ever Romefajv, which was then the Model and Epitome of the world: ASuet.in matter revealed and prefigur'd unto Domitian in a dream, the nightDora, pa-
before he was flain, /(?r hefeem'd tofee grown hehinduponhisfljoulders a
neck^anda head ofgold j whichDivinzt'ion cameindeedzccoidia^ly to
pals, in thofe golden times which fucceeded ; ofwhich we will makefome particular, but brief commemoration. Nerva was a Learned
Ptince, an inward accquaintance, and even a Difciple to ApoUomu0i^rvatuise the Pythagorcan j who alfoalmoft expired in a verfe ofHomers,Vion.l69.
JOFlin.Pan.
Telk Phabe iuis, lachritnas ulcijcere nojlras.
Trajan was for his Perfon not Learned, but an admirer of Learnb^and a munificent benefadlor to the Learned, a Founder ofLibraries,
and in whofe Court (though a warlike Prince) as is recorded, Profet
Dion.iii fours and Preceptors were of moft credit and eftimation. Adrian wasAdriano. ^^^ ^^^ curious man that lived, and the infatiable inquirer ofall va-
riety and fecrets. Antonius had the patient and fubtile wit of arion in School- man, in fo much as he was called Cymini-SeSor^ a Carver, oretAnton. P,
^jjjj^gf. ^y" Cummin-Jeed : And of the Divifratres, Lucius Commoduswas delighted with a (bfter kind ofLearning 5 ^.nd Marcus was (urnani'd
the Philofopher. Thefe Princes as they excel'd, the refi in Learning, fathey excel'd them Ukewife in virtue andgoodne^. Nerva was a moft miJ,d
plin Pan.Eniperour, and who(\i he had done nothing elCe)gaveTraJvn to the
Aur.via. World. Trajan, of all that reigned, for the Arts, both of Peace andC.13. War, was moft famous and renowned : the iame Prince enlarged the
,. boundsof the Empire 5 the fame, temperately confin'd the Limits and
dIoo!^^ Power thereof; he was alfb a great Builder in (b much as Conjlantine
Trajan, the Great, in emulation was was wont to call him, Parietaria, Waff"
Flower, becaufe his name was carved upon fb many walls. Adrian
was Times rival for the viftory ofperpetuity, for by his care and mu-nificence in every kind, he repairqi the decaies and ruines of Time.
Antoninui, as by name, fo nature, a man exceeding Pious , for his na-
In Ant.p. fureand inbred goodne(s, was beloved and moft acceptable to men ofall forts and degrees; whofe reign, though it was long, yet was it
kj peaceful and happy. Lucius Commodifs (exceeded indeed by his bro-in Vero, ther) excel'd many of the Emperours for goodnels. Marcus formedinM. nt.
j^y nature to be the pattern and Platform of virtue, againft whom that
/^er in the banquet ofthe Gods had nothing to objedl:, or carpeat,
jave his patience towards the humours ofhk wife. So in this continued
foquence of//x Pr/«fe/, a man mayfee the happy fruits of LearninginSo"jnUani veraignty. Painted forth in the greateft Table ofthe world.
111. Neither hath Learning an influence or operation upon Ctvtl merit andthe Arts ofpeace only^ux. likewifo it hath no lels Power & Efficacy mMar-tial and Military virtue, as may notably be rcprefented in the examples
ofAlexander the Great j and IhIws Ctcfar the Dilator, raeution'djby the
way
Csfaie;.
— " — .11 » — fc. »7
Lib. I. Of the Advancement ofLearning. ^^'
way before, but now in fit place to be refuraed 5 ofwhofe military ver-
ities and A'^s inrv-tr^ there needs no note or recital, having been the
wonders ofthe world in that kind •-, but, oUheir affcUion JNclpropeKjioft
towards Learn/fig, and peculiar pcrfecfion therein^ it will not be imper-
tinent to (ay.fbmething.
§ Alexander was bred and taught under Arijlotle, (certainly a greaP
Philofophcr) who dedicated divers of his Books o( Phtlofophy unto him :
he was attended with Cahjihenes, and divers other Learned perfons
that followed him in Camp, and were his perpetual alibcjates, in all
his Travels and Conquefts. I^hat Price and Ejiimation he had Leark'
ing in, doth notably appear in many particulars 5 as in the envy heex-prelled towards Achille's great fortune, iji this. That he had fo goad a P'"t »"
Trumpet of his A&ions aadprotvefas Homer's verfes. In the judgment^^^'^^^'^'
he gave touching the prcious Cabinet of Darius, which was found a-
mongfl the reft of the fpoils •-, whereof, when queftion was mov'd,what thing was worthy to be put into it, and one faid one thing, ano-ther, another, he gave fentence for Homer's works. His reprehenlbry piut.ut
letter loArijlotJe, after he had fet forth his Book ofNature, wherein he f"P".
expoftaiates with him, for publifhing the fecrets or myfteries of Philo-
(bphy, and gave him to underftand, That hitafelf ejiccmed it more to m iumZf
excel others in Learning and Knowledge, than in Power and E>»pire.
There are many other particulars to this purpofe. But how excellently
his mind was endowed with Learning, doth appear, or rather (liine in all
his Speeches and anfivers, full of knowledge and wilclom j whereofthough the (Remains be fmall, yet you (hall find deeply imprelled in
them, the foot-fteps ofall fciences in Moral knowledge 5 Let//je fpeech
ofAlexander he ohikxvcd touching Diogenes, and fee (ifye pleafe) ific
tend not to to the true eftate ofone of the greateft queftions in moralPhilofophy ? Whether the enjoying of oHtrvard things, or the contemning
ofthem, be the greater happinef. For when he faw Diogenes contented
withfo little, turning to thole that ftood about him, that mock'd at theCynicks condition, he faid. IfI were not Alexander, Icouldwifti tobe
Diogenes. But Seneca, in this comparifon, prefers Diogenes, when ^"^"'
he faith, Pitts erat quod Diogenes noUet accipere, qttam quod Alexander n^'htnA,
foffet dare. There were more things which Diogenes would have refttfed,
than thofe were which Alexander could havegiven. In Natural knowledg,obferve that fpeech that was ufual with him, That hefelt his mortality p.
chiefly in two things. Sleep, and Lujl : which fpeech, in truth, is extraft- A!exan<l/
ed out of the depth of Natural Philofophy, tafting rather ofthe concep-tion ofan /^/->/^^//^, OTCiDemocritiis, thanan Alexander j feeing as wellthe indigence, as redundance of nature,* defign'd by thefe two Aftsare, as it were, the inward witnefl'es and the earneft of Death. In
Poefy, let that fpeech be obferved, when upon the bleeding of his
wounds, he called unto him one of his Flatterers, that was wont to a-
fcribe unto him divine honour , look^^Cmh he) this is the blouUofa man^notfuch liquor as Uqmerfpeakj of, which ranfrom Venus hand, when it
•was pierced by Diomedes : with this fpeech checking both the Poets^
and his tiatterers, and himftlf. In Lo^/f^ obferve thit repfehenfion ofDide3ick_ Fallacies, in repelling and retorting Arguments, in that fay-
ing ofhis wherein he takes up Cajjander, confuting the informers againft
his father Antipater. For when Alexander hapned to fay^Doycu tkir.k_tkeje
E meti
54 ^/ ^^^ Advancement of Learning, L i b. I.
T'lut.inA- ffien would comejo far to complain^ except theji hadjf/Ji caufc ^ CaflanderUxand.
anfvvered, Tea^ that was it that made them thus bold, becanfe they hoped
the length of the way would dead the dtfcovery of the afperfion , See (faith
the King) thefitbtiUy ofAriflotle wrcjiing the matter both waies. Pro and
Contra, Yet the fame Art which he reprehended in another, he knewwell how to ufe himfelf, when occafion required, to ferve his ownturn. For fo it fell out that Calijlhcnes, (to whom he bare a fecret
grudge, becaufe he was againft the new ceremony of his adoration)
being mov'd, at a banquet, byfome of thofe that fate at table with
him, that for entertainment fake (being he was an eloquent man) hewould take upon him fome Theme, at his own choice, to difcourfe
upon, which Calijihenes did, and chufing the Praifes of the Macedo-
nian Nation, performed the fame with the great applaufe of all that
Plutarch, heard him : whereupon Alexander, nothing pleafed, (aid. That upottut lupra. agoodfiibjeB it was eafie for any man to be eloquent, but turn, faid he,
your ftile, and let us hear what you can lay againft us. Calijihenes un-
dertook the charge, and performed it, with that fting and life, that:
Alexander was fain to interrupt him, faying ^ An ill mind alfo, as wellof
agood catife might infufe eloquence. For Rhetoric^ whereto Tropes andOrnaments appertain j fee an elegarvt ufe of Metaphor, wherewith hetaxed Antipater, who was an Imperious and Tyrannous Governour-
For svhen one o^Antipaters friends commended him to Alexander foe
his moderation, and that he did not degenerate, as other Lievtenants
did, into the Perfian Pride, in ufing Purple, but kept the ancient Ma
-
Plutarch, cedon habit, Eut Antipater ((kith Alexander") is all Pnrple within. So* likewife that other Metaphor is excellent 3 when Parmenio camt unto
him in the plain oiArbella 5 and fliewed him the innumerable multitude
of enemies which viewed in the night, reprefented, by the infinite
number oflights, a new Firmameut offtarres 5 and thereupon advifed
Ph;t.in him toaflail them by night, I will not, Jaid Alexander, Jieal a vi^ory,.
Akxan. For matter of Policy, weigh that grave and wife diftinftion, which all
ages have embraced, whereby he differenced his two chief friends, E-
Ut fupra. phejiion and Craterus, when he faid. That the one loved Alexander, andthe other loved the King, Defcribing a Difference ofgreat import, a-
mongft even the moft faithful fervants of Kings, that fome in fincere
affe&ion love their Perfons, others in duty love their Crown. Obferve
how excellently he could tax an'error, ordinary with Counfellors ofPrinces, who many times give counfel, according to the model oftheir
riut.ia ov/nmind and fortune, and not of their Mafters. For when D<«r7"«r
Alex. had made great offers to Alexander : l,faid Parmenio, roonld accept thefe
conditions. If I were as Alexander : (aid Alexander, Jurely fo would F^
were Ias parmenio. Laftly, weigh that quick and acute reply, which
he made to his friends asking him, what he wonld refervefor himfelf, giving
amay fo many and great gifts ^ Hope, faid he 5 as one who well knew^ "P"' that when all accounts are caft up aright, Hope is the true portion and
inheritance ofall that refolve upon great cnterprizcs. This was Julius
C<efars portion when he went into Gaul , all his eftate being exhaufted
by profufe Largefies. This was likewife the portion of that noble
s.-fran. Prince, howfbever tranfported with Ambition, Henry Dnk^e ofGuyfe^BiCin. ofwhom it was ufually (aid , That he was thegrealeji tifurer in all France,^'^
' becajtfe that all his wealth was in- names, and that he had turned his
whole
Lib. I. Of the AdvMcement ofLearning. 3^
whole ejiatc into obligations. But the admiration of //•« Princej vvhilfi:
I reprelent him tomy felf, not zn^lexander the Great, but zsAriJletks
Scholar, harh perchance carried me too far.
§• As(ox IhUus C^fa)\thc excellency of his Learning, needs notto beo!ar»^'^'°
argued, either from his education, ot his company, orhis anfvvers5C1c.dc c-
Forthis, in a high degree, doth declare it felf in his own vvritings, ^^^^^ ?i^
and works, whereof fome are extant, (bme unfortunately perifli't. lui.
'
For firft", there is left unto us that excellent Hijiory ofhis oxen wars, which
he entitled only a Commentary-, wherein all fucceeding times have ad-^"^'^'"
mired thefolid weight of matter, and lively images of Aftions and'""''"'*
Perlbns expreft in the greateft propriety ofwords, & perfpiciiity ofNar-
ration, that ever was. Which endowments, that they were not in-
fufed by nature, butaccquired by Precepts and injint^tons ofLearning,
is well witnefTed by that work of his entitled De Analogia, which was Parag.?^,
nothing elfe but a Grammatical Phihfophj, wherein he did labour, to
make this vox adrUcitum, to become vox ad Licitum, and to reduce
cuftome offpeech, to congruity of(peech ; that words, which are the
the images ofthings, might accord with the things themfelves, and not
ftand to the Arbitrement of the vulgar. So likewife we have by his
cdift, a reformed computation oftheyear, correfpondent to the courfe sun fn
oftheSun^ which evidently (hews, that he accounted it his equal glo-parag. 40,
ry, to find out the laws of the ftars in heaven ^ as to give laws to menon earth. So in that Book o{\\\senm\ed Anti-CatOj it doth eafilyap- pjutin
pear, that he did afpire, as well to vidlory ofwit, as vidory ofwar 5 Czfa:.
undertaking therein a Conflift againft the greateft Champion with the
Pen, that then lived, Cicero the Oratour. Again in his Book ofy^/^i?^/»-
thegms, which he collefted, we fee he efteemed it more honour, to
to make himfelf but a pair of Tables, or Codicils, wherein to regifter
the wife and grave fayings of others 3 than if his own words were hal-
lowed as Oracles, as many vain Princes, by cuftom of Flattery, delight
to do. But if I Ihould report divers of his 3"^eefAe/, as I did \x\ Alex-
ander, they are truly (uch, as Solomon notes. Verbafapientnmjnnttan- ^^^j^ 1
quamaculei, d^ tanquamclavi in altnm defi^xi :whexefoxel\v'\\\hexeox\\y
propound three, not fo admirable for elegancy, as for vigour and effi-
cacy ; Asfirft, it is reafon he bethought amajier ofwords, that couldwith one word appeafe a mutiny in his army : the occafion was this fThe Romans, when their Generals did (peak in their Army, did ufe
the word, Milites, when the Magiftrates fpake to the people, theydid vfe the word, ^uirites : C^fars ibuldiers were in a tumult, and (e-
ditiouQy prayed to be cafled, not that they fo mearrt, but by expoftu-
lation thereof, to draw Ci^yir to other conditions; He, nothing daun-ted and refolute, after fbme filence began thus, Ego, ^irites, which Siiet.in
word did admit them already cafhiered ; wherewith the ibuldiers were '"'-P^^S'
fofijrprized, and fb amazed; as they would not fuffer him to go on in
his fpjech j and relinqui(hiPig their demands o^DifmijJion, made it nowthcif earneftfuii, that the name of Alilites, might be again reftored
thera. ihefecondfpeech was thus ; C<efar did extreamly affeft the nameofKing j therefore fome were (et on, as he paflTed by, in popular accla-
mation to faiute him Km-.^.- he finding the cry weak and poor, put off
theraatter with ajeft, as if they had mift his fir-name, Non i?ex/«Wj „"5'^^*
(faith he)^c/ C<efary indeed fuch afpeech, as if it be exactly fearch'tj
E 2'
th€!
^6 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b . I.
the life and fulnefs ofit can fcarce be expreft. For firft it pretended a
refufal of the name, but yet not ferioms. Again, it did carry with it an
infinite confidence, and magnanimity j as if the Appellation C^/ir had
been a more eminent Title, than the name of Kings which hath come
to pafs, and remaineth fo till this day. But, that which moft made for
him, this fpeech by an excellent contrivance, advanced his own pur-
pofe j for it did clofely infinuate, that the Senate and People of Rome
did ftrive with him about a vain (hadow, a name only , (for he had
thcpower of a King already) and for fuchaname, whereof mean fa-
milies were invefted 5 for the Sir-name /Jca:, was the title of many fa-
milies 3 as we alfo have the like in our Dialedt. The laft fpeech,which
I will mention in this place, was this; When Cafar, after the war was
declared, did poflels himfelf of the City of Rome^ and had broke o--
pen the inner Treafnry^ to take the mony there ftored up, for the fer-
vice of the war , MeuUus , for that time Tribune, withftood him 5Plut. in to whom C<^/ar, Jfthon doU perjiji ffaith he) thou art dead 5 prefently
taking himfelf up, he added, Young man, it is harder for me to fpeak.
this^thanto doit-J
Adolefcens^ dm ins efimihi hoc dicere quam facere\
A fpeech compounded-of the greateft terror, and the greareft clemen-
cy, that could proceed out of the mouth of man. But, to purfiie C<e-
fars Abilities in this kind no farther, it is evident, that he knew well
his ownperfeBion in Le^rwiw^jas appears,when fome fpake,what a ftrange
refolution \tV72i5 in Lucius iScylla to refign his Di&ature ^ he fcoffing
at him, anfwered. That Scylla could not skill ofLetters^ and therefore
Suet, in /^nerv not horp to DiCiate,'"'
^ Now it were time to leave this point touching f/&ej?r/5 concur-^' ''' ranee of Military virtue and Learnings (for what example in this kind,
can come with any grace, after Alexander and C£lar .<?) were it not that
I am tranfported with the height and rareneft of one other particular
inftance, as that which did fo (uddenly pafs from fcorn to wonder 5
Xen.Hift. and it is ofXcnophon the Philofophor^who went from Socrates his Schoolde Exp. into Afia with Cyrus the younger, in his expedition againfl: King Ar-^*'^*'
taxerxes. This Xenophoff, at that time was very young, and never
had (een the wars before 5 neither had then, any command in the Ar-
my, but only followed the, war as a voluntary , for the love andcon-verlation ofProxenus his friend. He was by chance prefent when Fa-
linus came in meflage from the great King, to the Grecians , after that
C/raj was flain in the field, and the Grecians, a handful ofmen, having
loft their General, left to themfelves in the midd of the Provinces ofTerfiUy cut off from their Country by the interception of many miles,
and ofvery great and deep Rivers. The Meffage did import that they(hould deliver up their Arms, and fubmit themfelves to tne Kings mer-cy ; to which meflage before publick anfvver was made, divers of the
Array conferr'd familiarly with Falinus, amongft whom XenophonHift. de hapned to fay thus, IVhy
,((aid he) Falinus we have now but thefe twa
Cy. Ex. things left, our Arms and our Virtue^ if we yield up our Arms, howfljall
we make ufe of our Virtue^ whereto Falinus fmiling faid , If I be not
deceived, Toung Gentleman, you are an Athenian, and fiudy Philofophy^
and it is pretty thatyou fay, but you are much abufed, if you think^your
Virtue can withjiand the Kings Power ; here was the fcorn, the won-der followeth. Th^s young Scholar or Phihfopheri after all the Cap-
taios
L I B. I. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. o n
tains and Commanders were murthered by trealbn, conduced ten thou-fand Foot, through the heart of all the Kings high Countries, froni
Babylon loGrecJa, in defpite of all the Kings forces 5 to the aftonifh-
ment of the world, and the encouragement of the Grecians in timefucceeding , to make invafion upon the Ter^an Mof:archy and to fubvertit. Which indeed foon after, Jtfon the Thejjalian conceivd and de-fign'd 5 Agefilaus the Spartan attempted and commenced 5 Alexanderthe Macedonian at laft atchievedjall being ftirred up, by this brave lead"
ing A& of that yojtng Scholar,
Chap. VIII.
The Merit of Learning from the influence it hath upon Moral Vir-
tues. ^ Learning a foveraign rc»tedy for all the difeafes of the
Mind. § The Dominion thereof greater than any Temporal TonP"
cr, being a Foiver over Reafon and Belief. ^ Learning gives For"
Inner, Honours^ Delights excelling all others, as the foul the Jenfe.
§ Durable Monuments of Fame. § A PrcfpeSl of the immortality
of afuture rvorld.
TO proceed now, from Imperial and Military Virtue, to Moral, andthat which is the Virtue of Private men : Firft, that of the Poet
is a moft certain truth,
Scilicet ingenuas didiciffe fideliter Artcs Ovid, d^EmoUit mores nee fmit ejjeferOS, I'ont.
For Lcarnitig doth reclaim mens minds from fVildenefs and Barbarifm 5
but indeed, the accent had need be put upon Fideliter 5 for a fuperfi-
cial confufed knowledge doth rather work a contrary efFefl:. I fay.
Learning tal{es arvay levity, temerit)f, and infolency, whilftit fuggeftsall
dangers and doubts, together with the thing it (elf j ballanceth the
weight of reafons and arguments on both fides 5 turns back the firft
offers and placits of the mind as fufpeft, and teacheth it to take a tried
and examined way : Thefame doth extirpate vain and excejjive admi'
ration, which is the root of all weak advifement. For wc admire
things, either becaufe they are New, or becaufe they are Great : Asfor novelty, no man that wades in Learning,and contemplation of things
throughly, but hath this printed in his heart, Nil novifubfole : nei- EcckQ,ther can any man much marvail at the play of Puppets, that thrufts but
his head behind the curtain; and advifeth well of the organs andwires that caufe the motion. As for Magnitude , as Alexander the
Great , after he was ufed to great Battles, and conquefts in A(ici ; whenat anytime he received Letters out of Greece, of (brae fights and fer-
vices there, which were undertaken commonly for fome Bridge, or a
Fort, or at moft for the befiege of fome City ^ was wont to fay, It
ftemed to him, that he was advertifed of the Battles of Homers Frogs and
Mice: So certainly, ifa man meditate upon the world aad the Fabrick
thereof
j
3 8 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. I.
thereof^ to him the Globe of the Earth, with men marching upbn it,
( the Divinenefs of fouls excepted ) will not feem much other ,
Sen.Xat. than a HiUock^of Ants whereoffame creep , asd run tip and downxeith
^f''*'* their Corn, others with their Eggs, others empty '^ ail about a little heap
of Duji. V
^ Again , Learning takes away , or at leaji , mitigates the fear of
death, and adverje Fortune ; which is one of the greateji impediments to
Virtue or Manners, for ifa mans mind be feafoncd and imbued with
the contemplation of Mortality, and the corruptible nature of things,
hie will, in his apprehenfion , concur with Epi&etui, who going forth
one day faw a woman weeping for her Pitcher of Earth ^ and going
forth the next day (aw anather woman weeping for her fon, faid, HeriEnchir.C. ^j^i fragilem frangi, hodie vidi mortalem mori : Therefore Virgil did
Vi c^z".' excellently and profoundly couple the knowledge of the caufe and the' conqueft offpars together, as concomitants :
Geor,2Felix qui potuit rerum cognofcere caufasj
^iqj metus omnes &• incxorabilefatuta^
Subjecit pedibHS,jirepitut»q'j Acherontis avari.
It were too long to go over the particular Remedies, which Learning
doth minilier to all the difeafes of the Mind-, fometimcs purging the ill
Humours, Ibmetimes opening the obftruftions, fometimes helping di-
geftion, fometimes exciting appetite, often healing the wounds andexulcerations thereof, and the like. Therefore I will conclude with
thaf, which (eems to be the fum of all, which is, that Learningfo dif'
pofeth and inclineth the mind, as that it is never wholly fetled andfixt in
PtetAlciC '^-"^ defe&s thereof, but ever awakes itfelf and breaths after a. Growth andPorph. in Teyfe&ion : For the unlearn'd man knows not what it is to defcend intoStob. Sen.
[^jf^jj-fij'^ ^y. fp call himfelf to account , or what a fweet life it iffenfMy to
t^iiitMor. feel, that he is every day better. Ifhe chance to have any good parts, hewill be boafting thefe 3 apd every where expofe them to the full view,
and it may be ufe them dexteroully to his own advantage and reputa-
tion i but not much improve or encrea(e them. Again, what faults (b-
ever he hath, he will u(e art and induftry to hide and colour them,
but not to amend them 5 like an ill Mower that mowes on ftill and ne-
ver whets his Sythe : Contrariwife, a learned man doth not only imploy
his mind and exercife his good parts, but continually reforms himfelf, andmakes Trogrejfion in virtue : Nay, to fay all in a word. Certain it is,
that Veritas and Benitas differ but as the Seal and the Print , for good-
nefs is truth's imprcjfion 5 and on the contrary the ftorms andtempefts of Vice and Paffions break from the Clouds o^ error and
faJJwod.
1 1. From Morality,let us pafs on to matter ofpower and cotumandmenty
and confider, whither there be any foveraignty or cn^pire comparable to
that wherewith Learning invefis and crowns names. We fee the Dignity
of commanding, is according to the dignity ofthe commanded ; Com-mandment over Beafts and Cattle, fuch as Heardmen and Shepherds,
have, is a thing contemptible ^ Commandment over children, iuchas
School-mafters and Tutors have, is a matter of fmall honour; com-
mandment over flaves^, is a difparagementj rather than a honour 3 nei-
ther
L I B. I. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. o 9
ther 15 the commandment of Tyrants much better, over a fcrvile Peo-ple, difmantled of their Spirits and generofity ofmind^ therefore it
was ever held, that honours in free Monarchies and Common-wealthshad a fwectnefs more than in Tyrannies 5 becaufe a command over the
willing is more honourable than over the forced and compelled:Wherefore I'irgil, when he would out of the higheft ftrain of his Artexprcls the bcft of Humane honourSjthat he could attribute to Cajar^he
doth it in thefe words,
vi&orq'-, votcMtei Gsorg, 4«. ?cr roptilos ciatjiira, viamqj affcQat Olympo»
Bui the Comminchaent of knowledge is far higher than the CommMch/tentover the will^ thoughfree, and not enflaved and vajjal'd : For it k a DO'minion over R':afon,Belief andtheVndersianding^whichkthe highejipart
ofman^iind gives Lavp to the will itfelf: For without Qiieltion there is nopower on earthjWhich advanceth and fets up a Throne, and,as it were,a chair (fi flute, in the (buls ofmen and their Cogitations, Aflents, andBelief, bul Knowledge and Learning : And therefore we fee, the detefta-
bleand extreme pleafure xhzt. Arch-Hereticks, falfe Prophets, and Iffipo-
liors are ravifht, and tranfported withal, when once they find that theybegin to have a Dominion, and Superiority over the faith and confci-
encesofmen, indeed (b great, as he that hath once taftedit, itisfcl-
dora feen that any perfecution or torture can make them relinquifh this
Soveraignty ; But as this is that which the Divine Author ofthe Reve-lations calls, The dSpth or profoundnefs ofSatan ; fbon the contrary, the AFoca*juftand lawful Soveraignty over mens minds, eftablifht by the clear e-
vidence , and fweet commendation of Truth, approachcth certainly
neareft to the fimilitude of the Divine Rule.
§ As for Fortunes andHonours, the magnificence of Learning doth not
fo enrich and adorn whole Kingdoms and Comnton-wealths, as it doth not
tikswije amplife and advance the Fortunes and Ejiates ofpartivularperfons^
For it is an ancient obfervation, ihzt Honter hathgiven more men their
living, than either Scylla, or Q.diCzx,or Auguftus ever did, notwithftanding
their great Largelles,fuch infinite donatives, and diftributionsofmuch
Land. No doubt, it is hard to fay,whether Arms or Learning have ad*vanced greater numbers : But if wefpeak of Soveraignty, we (ee, that
ifArms have carried away the Kingdom,yet Learning hath born away
the Priejihood, which ever hath been in fome competition withEmpire.
§ Again, Ifyoii contemplate the Flcafiire and Delight ofKnowledge andLearning, ajjnredly it far furpaffes all other pleafure : For what > Shall,
perchance, the pleaOires of the Affedtions fo far excel the pleafuresof
the fenfes, as a happy obtaining of a defire, doth a fbng or a dinner 5
and muft aot by the (an--? degrees of conlequence, the pleafure of the
rntelleft tranfcend thofe of the Affeftions ? In all other pleafures there
is a finite fatiety, and after *hey grow a little ftale, their flower andverdure vades and departs j whereby we are ianrrufted, that they werenot indeed pure and finccrc pleafures, but (hadows and deceits oiPlca-
furts'y and that it was the Novelty which pleas'd, and not the Qiia-
lity ; therefore voluptuous men often turn Fryars, and the declining
• age
Ao Of the Advancement of Learning. Lie. I.
age ofambitious Princes is commonly more fad and befieged with Me-lancholy 5 BtH of Knowledge there is nofatiety t, but viciffitude,perpetu-
ally and interchangeably^returning of fruition and appetite ; fo that the
good of this delight mud: needs be fimple, without Accident or Fallacy.
Neither is that Plea/are of fmall efficacy and contentment in the mind
of man, which the Poet LHcrettus defcribeth elegantly , Suave^ mari
De Rer. mag»o turbantjbus £qiiora ventis, 6cc. // is a view of delight (faith he) to
Ka.tfb.i.Jiand or walk^npo» theflore, and to fee apip toji with tempeii upon the
fea : apleaftre tofiand in the window of a Cafile , and to fee two Bat'
tailsjoyn upon a plain : but it is apleafure incot»parable, for the mind of
man, by Learning to befetled andfortiji'ed in the Tower of Truth, andfromthence to behold the errors andwandrings ofother men below.
§ Laftly, leaving the vulgar arguments , That by Learning man excels
man , in that wherein man excels beajis ; that by the help of Learning,
man afcends in his underftanding, even to the heavens, whither in bo-
dy he can not come, and the like^ let us conclude this difcourfe con-
cerning the dignity and Knowledge of Learning, with that good, where-
unto mans nature doth moft afpire, Immortality and continuance. For
to this tendeth Generation, railing of Houfcs and Families, Buildings,
Foundations, Monuments, Fame, and in cffed the fum and height ofhumane defires. But we fee howfir the monuments oftvit and Learnings
are more durable than the Monuments of maleriate Jllemorials and Ma-t}ifa3uref. Have not the verfcs of Homer continued xxv Centuries of
years and above, without the loft of a fyllable, or letter ? during
which time, infinite number of I^laces, Temples, Caftles, Cities, have
been decayed or been d^^moliiht. The Pi&ures and Statues of Cyrus
,
Alexander, C<efar, no nor ofthe Kings and Princes ofmuch later years ,
by no means poffible are now recoverable^for the Originals,worn awaywith age, are peri(ht , and the Copies daily lofe of the life and Primi-
tive refemblance , But the images of mens wits,remain unmaimed in book/
for ever, exempt from the injuries of time , becaufe capable of perpetual
renovation. Neither can they properly be called Images, becaufe, ia
their way, they generate ftill and cart their feeds in the minds ofmen 5
laifing and procreating infinite Aftions and Opinions in fuccceding
ages. So that ifthe invention of a fhip, was thought fo noble and won-derful, which tranfports Riches and Merchandice from Place to Place j
and confbciates the moft remote regions in participation of their fruits
and commodities, how much more are letters to be magnified, which at
finps, pajjing through the vajifea of time, Jo counite the remoteli ages of. Wits and Invention in mutual Trafique and Correfpondency ?
§ Furthermore, we fee fome of the Phiiofophers which were mofV
immerfcdin thefenfesand leaft divine, and which peremptorily deny-
edthe immortality of the foul, yet convided by the power of truth
came to this point. That whatjoever Motions and A&s thefpirit of mancould perform without the Organ of the body, it was probable that thofe re-
mained after death j fuch as were the motions of the underftanding,but
not of the affedtions ^ fo immortal and incorruptible a thing did l{now'
ledgefeem to them to be. But we, illuminated with divine Revelation,
difclaiming thefe rudiments, and delufions of the fenfes, know that not
only the mind, but the affedtions purified 5 not only the foul, but the
body fhall be advanced in its time to immortality. But it mufl be re»
membred.
Lib. I. Of the Advancement ofLearning. ^i
reraerabredj both now and other times, asthe nature of the point mayrequire, that in the proofs, of the dignity of Knowledge and Learning,
I did at the beginning feparate Divine Teftimonies, from Humane;which method I have conftantly purfued, and fo handled them both a-
part. Although all this be true, neverthele(s I do not take upon me,
neither can I hope to obtain by any Perorations, or pleadings of this
cafe touching Learning, to reverfe the judgement either o£jEfops Cocl^^y
that preferred the Barky-corn before the Gemm , or of Midas^ that being Ovid;
,
chofcn Judge between Apollo, Prcftdent of the Mufcs^ and Pan Prejident of^^'^'^»
sheep, judg'd for plenty 5 or oi^ Parity thatJudgedfor Pleafure and love,
againft wifdom and power; or of Agrippina'$ choice, Occidat matrcn/^ Eun'p, jii
moda i/ftperet ! preferring Empire with any condition never Co dete- ^*^^^'^-
ftable ; or of Vlyffes, qui vctulatft pr<etulit immortalitati -, being indeed
figures oftho(e that prefer cuftom before all excellency 5 and a number Tac. An;
ofthe like popular judgements : for thefe things muft continue as tfiey^^^"
have been, but fo will that al(b continue, whereupon Learning hathwat.xl;
ever relied as on a firm foundation which caa never be ftiaken : jf«/?i-
ficata ejifapicntia a Filiisfnis.
THE
4?
I
THE
Second BookO F
FRANCIS L. V E RV L A MVjcouhtS"^ ALBAN,
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
LE ARklNG.To the KING.
THE PROEMT&e Advancement ofLearning commended unto the care ofKings. I. The
Adts thereof in general , three , Reward , Dire&jon , Jjjijiance.
II. In fpecial, about three objefts, Places , Bookj ^Verfent. § In
places four Circumftanccs, Buildings^Revenues^ Priviledges^ Laws ofDifcipline. § In Books two , Libraries
,good Editions. § In
Perfbns two. Readers of Sciences Extant , Inquirers into Parts non-
extant. III. Defedts in thefe Afts of Advancement, fix i If^ant ofFoundations for Arts at large. § Meannefs of Salary unto ProfeJ^
fors. § IVant of allowancefor Experiments. § Prcpojierous injii'
tutions, and unadvifed pra&ices in Academical Hudies. § Want
of Intelligence between the Vniverjities of Europe. § IVant ofIn^
quiries into the Deficients of Arts. § The Authors Defign. § In»
genious Defence.
[T might feern to have more convenience, ahhough it
come often otherwife to pa(s, (Excellent King,) that
thofe that are fruitful in their Generation, and have ,
this way, a fore-fight of their own immortality in their
Defcendants, (hould above all men living, be careful
of the the eftate of future times, unto which they can-
not but know that they rauft at lafl: tranfrait their deareft Pledges.
Q. Elizabeth^^as a fojourner in the world , in refpeft of her unmar-ried life, rather than an inhabitant: ftie hath indeed adorned her own
F 2 time
44 ^f ^^^^ Advancement of Learning, L i b. I.
time, and many ways enricht it 5 but in truth, to Your Majefty, whomGod hath bleft with fo much Royal IfTue worthy to perpetuate you for
ever 5 whofe youthful and fruitful Bed, doth yet promife more chil-
dren; it is very proper, not only to irradiate, as you do, your owntimes, but alio to extend your Cares to thole A(^s which fucceeding
Ages may cherifh, and Eternity it felf behold ; Amongft which, ifmyaffeftion to Learning do not tranfport me, there is none more wor-
thy, or more noble, thaa the endowment of the world vpithfou?td and
fruitful Advancements of Learning : For whyftiould we ereft unto our
felves fome few Authors, toftand like Hercules Columns^ beyond which
there (hould be no difcovery of knowledge ; (eeing we hzveyour Maje-
fiy^ as a bright and benign Star, to conduft and piolper us in this Na-vigation.
I. To return therefore unto our purpofe, kt us weigh and conG-
der with otir felves, what hitherto hath been performed, what pre-
termitted by Princes and others, for the Propagation of Learning: Andthis we will purfue clofely and diftinftly, in an Aftive and Mafculine
Exprefljon, no where digreffing , nothing dilating. Let this groundtherefore be laid, which every one may grant , that the greateft andmoft difficult works are overcome, either by the Amplitude of Rewardy
or by the wifdom and fottndnefs of Dire&ion , or by conjunHion of La-
bours 5 whereof the firft, enccurageth our endeavours-^ thefecond, takes
away Error and Confufwn , the third, fuppUes the frailty of Man. But
the Principal amongft thefe three , is the wifdom andfoundnefs ofDi-
reBion^ that is , a Delineation and Demonftration of a right andeafie way to accomplifh any enterprize ; Claudus enim , as the
Ecclef.io. (aying is, in via antevertit Curforcm extra viam -^ and Solomon z^t-
ly to the purpofe , If the Iron be blunt , and he do not whet the
edge , then mujl he put too more firength ; but wifdom is profitable
to BireUion : By which words he infinuateth, that a wife ekUion ofthe Mean^ doth more e^cacioujly conduce to the perfe&ing of any en»
terprizc, than any enforcement or accumulation of endeavours. This I
am prefled to fpeak , for that fnot derogating from the Honour ofthofe who have any way de(ervcd well of Learning) I fee and ob-
ferve, that many of their Works and Adls , are rather matter ofMagnificence and Memory of their own names , than of Trogreffion
and Proficience of Learning ; and have rather encrcafed the num-ber of Learned men ^ than much promoted the Augmentation ofLearning.
IL The Works or Afts pertaining to the Propagation of Learning ,
I
are converfant about three objefts ; about the Places of Learn-
ing'-, about the Bool{sj and about the Perjons of Learned men. Foras water, whether falling from the Dew of Heaven , or rifing fromthe fprings of the earth , is eafily fcattered and loft in the ground,
except it be collected into fome receptacles , where it may byunion and Congregation into one body comfort and fuftain it
felf 5 for that purpofe the induftry of man hath invented Con-duits , Cifterns and Pools, and beautified them with divers ac-
complilhments , as well of Magnificence and State, as of Ufeand Neceffity : fo this moft excellent liquor of Knowledge , whetherit diftil from a divine infpiration 3 or fpring from the fenfes ,
would
Li B.I. . Ofthe Advancement of Learning. ac
would fbon peii(h and vanifh, ifit were not conferved in Book/^ Tradi-tiotis. Conferences, and in rltca purpofely defigned to that end 5 as V-rtiverpics, CoUedger, Schools, where it may have fixt_/?.///tf«j and Pow-er and Ability ofuniting and improving it felf.
§ And firft, the works which concern the Seats of the Mnfes^ave four.Foundations of Hc;«/cj- ; Endowments with Revenues j Grant of Privi-ledges'^ Injlitutions, andjiatutesfor Government 5 all which chiefly con-duce to privatcnefs and quietneisof life, and a difcharge from cares andtroubles, much like the jiations Virgil defcribeth for the Hiving ofBees,
rrincjpio Sedes Apibu^jiatioquepetenda^
^0 ncquefit ventis aditus, df'C. Geor.4,
fj But the works touching Books are chiefly tVv^o : Firfl: Libraries
wherein, as in famous flirines, the Reliques of the Ancient Saints full
ofvirtue, are repofed. Secondly, nert> Editions of Authors, with cor-
reBed imprejfions 3 more faithful Tranflattonsy more profitable Cloffes
more diligent Annotations'-) with the like train furnilh't and adorned.§ Furthermore, the works pertaining to the Per/tf^/^/Le^r/??^/ «re»
befides the Advancing and Countenancing of them in general, are like-
wile two 5 the Rcmuneratioon and Dejignation of Readers, in Arts andSciences already extant and known ; and the Remuneration and Defigna-tion of writers concerning thofe parts of Knowlege, which hitherto havevot been fujfjcientlj/ till'd and labour d. Thefe briefly are the worksand Afts, wherein the Merit of many renowned Princes and otherilluftrious Perfons, hath been famed, towards the Jiate of Learning.As for particular Commemoration, of any that hath well deferved ofLearning, when I think thereof^ that of Cicero comes into my mindwhich was a motive unto him after his return from banilhment to ^^ive
general thanks, Difrcile non aliquemj ingratum, qnenquam praterire : ^.
Let us rather according to the advice of Scripture, Look, unto the part poftredtr.'
of the race which is before us, than look,backjtnto that which is already a*- -P^'^-^d
tained.' *''^^-5'
III. Firfl: therefore, amongfl: fb may C^^^^^i?/ ofEurope, excellently
founded, Ifindftrange, that they are all dejiinated to certain Profejfions
and none Dedicated to Free and Vniverfaljiudies of Arts and Sciences :
For he that judgeth, that all Learning (hould be referred to ufe andAQ:ion, judgeth well; but yet it is eafie this way to fall into the error
taxt in the Ancient Fable, in which, the other parts of the Body cntred .^'^''i^*°
an ASion againji thefiomach, bccaufe it neither perform'd the office ofjl/o- ^ifop,"'
tio», as the Limbs do'-y nor offenfe, as the head doth--^ but yet all this^''''•
while it is the fliomach, that concofteth, converteth, and diftributeth
nouriOiment into the reft ofthe body : So ifany man think fhilofophy
and univerfal contemplations a vain and idle (ludy, he doth not confider
that all Profeffions and Arts from thence derive their lap and ftrenp'th»
And furely I am perfvvaded that this hath been a great caufe why the hap-
py progrejjion of Learning hitherto hath been retarded^, becaule thefe Fun-
damentals have been ftudied but only in paflage, and deeper draughts
have not been taken thereof: For ifyou ryillhaved Tree bear morefriiii
than it hath ufed to da, it is not any thing you cm do to the Boughs,^
but
46 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i e. I^
I Sara.je,
but it is the ftirring ofthe earth about the root, and the application of
new mould, or you do nothing. Neither is it to be pafled over in fi-
lence, that this dedicating ofColkdges and Societies, only to the ufe of
Trofejfory Learning, hath,^ not only^ been an enemy to thegrorpth ofScien-
ces •) but hath redounded likswife to the prejudice of States andGouern-
ments : For hence it commonly falls out that Princes, when they wouldmake choice ofMinifters fit for the Affairs of State, find about themfuch a marvellous fblitudeofable men , becaufe there is no education'
Collegiate defign d to this end, where fuch as are fr&m'd and fitted by-
nature thereto, might give themfelves chiefly to Hijiories, Modern Lan-
guages, hooks and difcourfes of Policy, that fo they might come morea-
ble and better furnilh't to fervice of State.
§ And becaufe Ft7««<^erT of Colledges do Plant, and Founders ofLe-
&urers do water, it followeth now in order to fpeak of the Deferswhich are in publickLeftures; thefmalnef ofJiipends (eCpecially with
us) ajfigned to Readers ofArts or ofProfeJJions : For it doth much import
to the Prngrcjjion and Proficiency ofSciences, that Readers in every kind
be chofen out ofthe ableft and moft fufficient mew 5 as thofe that are
ordained, not for tranfitory u(e, but for to maintain and propagate the
feeds of Sciences for future Ages ^ This cannot be, except the Rewardsand Conditions be appointed fuch, as may fufficiently content the moft
eminent man in that Art, fo as he can be willing to ipend his wholeAge in that funftion and never defire to praftice. Wherefore that Sci-
ences may floiirifi, D4w<ij-Military Law fhould be obferved. That thofe
thatjiayed with the CarriageJJjould have equal farts with thofe that were
in the AUion •-, elfc will the Carriages be ill attended. So Readers in
Sciences arc, as it were, Protectors and Guardians of the Provifionof
Learning, whence the Aftion and Icrvices ofSciences may be furni(h't.
Wherefore it is realbn that the Salaryes ofSpeculative men, fl)ould be e-
tjualto the gains ofActive menj otherwife if allowances to Fathers ofSciences be not in a competent degree ample and condign, it will
come to pals,
Virg. Ge- Vt Tatrem invalidi referentjejunia Nati.or. 3.
'
§ Now I will note another De/e5, wherein (bme Alchymifl: ftiould
be called unto for helps forthis Sedt ofMen advife Students to fell their
Books and to build furnaces , to quit Alinerva and the Mules, as Bar-
ren Virgins, and to apply themfelves to Vulcan. Yet certainly it mudbe confeft, that unto the depth o^Contemplation, and the fruit ofope-
rativejiudies in many Sciences,efpecially Natural Philofophy,and Phyfickji
Bookj are not the onlyfubffdiary Injiruments, wherein the Munificence
ofmen, hath not been altogether wanting j for we fee Spheres, Globes,
Ajlrolabcs, A/aps, and the like, have been provided, and with indu-
ftry invented, as Helpsto Ajironomy and Cofmography 5 as well as Books,
We lee likewife (bme places dedicated to the ftudy of Phifick^ to haveGardensfor the infpeStion and obfervation of fimplcs of aU CottSj and to
be authorized the ufe of Dead Bodiesfor Anator,/y-Le&ures. But thofe
do refped: but a few things •-, in the generality fet it down for Truths
That there can hardly he made any main Proficience in the difclojing ofthe
fccrets ofNature, unlejf there be liberal Allowancefor Experiments'^ whe-
ther
L I B. L Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 4,j
ther ofV\ilcanorofD3e6a.]uSj I fftean ofFurnace^ orofEngitte^ or any o-
iherkjnd: And thexe^oxe as Secretaries andspidlsofstate^ are allow-
ed to bring in Bills for their diligence in the inquiry and dilcovery ofNew Occurrences and Secrets in Foreign Eftates 5 foyou viuji allow In-
telligencers andspiah ofNature their bills of Expcnccsj elle vou fhall ne-
ver be advertifed ofmany things moft worthy to be known. For ifA^lexaader madefuch a liberal yljjignation of Treafurc unto Arijiotlc^ for
Hunters, FowlerSj- Fi(hcrs, and the like, that he might compile a Hi-ftory of living Creatures 3 certainly much more is their merit, whowander not in wild forrefts of Nature, but make therafelves a waythrough the Labyrinths ofArts.
§ Another DefecS: to be obferved by us (indeed of great import) is,
A neglc&j in thofe which arc Governonrs in Vniverfities, cfConfultation 3
and in Princes andfuperior Terfons^ of vifttation 5 to this end, that it
may with all diligence be conjidered and confiilted of whether the Readings^
Dijputations and other Scholajiical exercifes, anciently infiituted^ will be
good to continue, or rather to antiquate andfiibjiitute others more ejfe&u-
al: For amongft Your Majefties moft wife maxims, I find this, That z"« /,,„i«;,R;
all ufaget andrr£fidents, the times be conjidered wherein they Jirji began j
Tphich if they were weak^ or ignorant, it derogatethfrom the Authority ofthe ufjge and leaves itforfufpc&. Therefore in as much as the ufages
and orders ofUniverfities, were for moft part derived from times moreobfcure and unlearned than our own, it is the more reafon that they bere-examined. In this kind I will give an inftance or two for examplesfake^ in things that (eem moft obvious and familiar. It is an ufu-
al practice ( but in my opinion fomewhat frepofierous ) that Scholars
in the Vniverfities , are too early entred in Logick^ and Rhetoric!^ ;
Arts indeed fitter for Graduats than Children and Novices. For thefe
two (if the matter be well weighed) are in the number ofthe grav-
eft Sciences, being the Arts of Arts, the one for Judgment , the other
for Ornament. So likewife they contain Rules and Direftions,either for
the Difpofition orllluftration of any (ubjedt or material Circumftancethereof; and therefore for minds empty and unfraught with matter,
and which have not as yet gathered that which Cicero calls Syha :{nd
SupeUex, that is ftufi and variety of things, to begin with thofe Arts,
(as ifone v/ould learn to weigh, ofmeafure, or paint the wind) dothwork but this effeft, that the virtue and ftrength ofthefe Arts^ whichiare great and,Univerfal, are almoft made contemptible, and have de-
generated either into C/i/W///^ 6' opAi/?r;' or ridiculous Ajfc&atiom, or at
leaft have been embafed in their reputation. And farther, the untime-ly and unripe acceffion to thefe Arts, hath drawn on,by nccefliiry con-lequence, a watery and (uperficiary delivery and handling thereof, as
i^fitted indeed to the capacities ofChildren. Another inftance whichI willfet down as an Error now grown inveterate, long agoc in the Uni-Verfities, and it is this •, That in Scholajiical exercifes, there ufoth to be
a divorce^ very prejudicioHs, betwee» Invention and Memory: for there
fhe moji eftheirfpeeches are either, altogetherpremeditate, fo as they are tit"
ieredin the very precife form ofwords they were conceived in, and nothing
left to invention , or meerly extemporal,fo as very little is left to Memory •^
Whereas in Life and Aftion, there is very little u(e of either ofthefe a-
part, but rather of their intermixture 5 that is, of notes or memorials 5
48 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lie. If.
and ofextemporal fpeech: So as by this courfe, exercises are not ac-
commodate to pradice, nor the Image anfwereth to the Life ; And it
is ever a true rule in exercifes, that ai/, as neer as may be, Jliotdd repre-
fent thofe things vohich in common courfe oflife ufe to bepraaifecl 3 other-
wife they will pervert the motions and faculties of the mind, and not
prepare them. The truth whereof is plainly difcovered, when Scho-
lars come to the Pradtice of their Profcffions, .or other Aftions ofCivillife, which when they fet into, this defedt, whereofwe fpeak, is (boa
found out by themfelves, but fooner by others. But this part, toneh-
ingthe amendment ofthe InjiitHtions ofthe Vniverfities, I will conclude,
Ad^ijf^''^'with the claufe ofC^r/ letter to 0/>/?m, Hoc ^emadmodum fieri pojfit^
lib.ix.* nonnuUamihiin mentem veniuntd^ multa. reperiri pojfnnt^ dc iisrebu^^
rogo vos^ ut cogitationemjufcipiatk,
§ Another Defeit which I note, a(cends a little higher than the pre-
Icedent : For as the progrejjion of Learning confijieth much in the veife Gg-
vernment and infiitution ofVniverJities in particular '> foit would be more
advanced^ iftheVniverJities in general, difperfed through a/J Europe, were
united in a neerer conjunUion and correfpondence by mutual Intelligences
For there are, as we fee, many Orders and Societies, which, thoughthey be divided under feveral Soveraignties and fpacious Territories,
yet they do contraft and maintain a Society and a kind of Fraternity
one with another ; in fb much that they have their Provincials and Ge-
nerals, to whom all the reft yield obedience. And furely as nature cre-
ates Brother-hoods in Families 5 and Arts Mechanical contraft Brother"
hoods in Communalties-, the Anointment ofGod fuper-induceth a bro-
ther-hoodin Kings and Bifloops , Vows and Canonical rules unite a Bro-
ther-hood in Orders , in like manner, there cannot but intervene a liable
and Generous Fraternity betiveen men by Learning and lUuminaiions 5 re-
flefting upon that relation which is attributed to God, Vvho himfelf is
Uc, I. called. The Father of Illuminations or Lights.
§ Laftly, this I find fault with, which I fomewhat toucht upon be-
fore, that there hath not been, or very rarely been, any public^dejignatiofi
ofable men, who might write or make inquiry offuch parts ofLearning as
have not been hithertofufjiciently laboured andfubducd. Unfo whichpoint it will be very available, ifthere were erefted a kind otvifitation
ofLearning :) and a Cenfe or Eftimate taken, what parts ofLearning arc
rich and well improved , what poor and deftitute. For the opinion ofPlenty is amongfi the Caujes of want 5 and the multitude of Books makesa (hew rather of (uperfluity, than penury. Which furcharge, never-
thelefs, ifa man would make a right judgement, is not remedied byfuppreffing or extinguifhing books heretofore written, but by publQi-
txod.7. '"8 good new books, which may be offuch a right kind, tZ»4/, as the
Serpent of Aiofes^ may devour the Serpents ofthe Enchanters.
^ The Remedies of thefe defers now enumerate, except the laft,
and ofthe laft alfo, in refpedl ofthe Aftive part thereof, which is the
Defignation of writers, axe opera Bafilica, towards which the endeavours
and induftry ofa private man, are commonly but as an Image in acrofs way, which may point at the way, but cannot go it : But the
fpeculative part, which pcrtaineth to the examination of/knowledges, name-ly, what is deficient in every particular Science, is open to the induftry
ofa private man. IVhcrefore my defignment is to attempt a general and
faithful
L I B* II. Of the Advancement ofLearmng' ^.c)
faithful fcrambnlttion and vifitution of Learnings fpccially ivitba dill'
getit Jfulcxa3 enqidrj/y what parts thereof Ijefrcfj and rpajie, and are not
jet improved and converted to ufe by the indiijiry of men 3 to the end that
fuch a plot made and recorded to memory, may minifter light both to
publtck Dtfignations , and the voluntary labours of private endea-
vours. Wherein neverthcleft my purpofe is , at this time , to note only
Omijjions and Defacncies, and not to Mal^c redargution of Errors and 0-
ver-fghts : For it is one thing to fet forth what ground licth unmanur'd,
and another thing, to correft ill husbandry in that w-liich is ma-nured.
§ In the undertaking and handling of which work I am not igno-
rant what a bufinefs I move , and what a difficult province I fuftain,
and al(b, how unequal my abilities are unto my will : yet I have a
good hope, that ifmy extreme love to Learning carry me too far, I
may obtain the excufe of affeftion, for that, it is not granted to man^ To
love and to he rvife. 1 know well that I muft leave the (ame liberty o^judgement to others, that I ufe my fclfj and intruth, IfhalLbe indiffe-
rently glad, to accept from others, as to impart that duty of humanity 5
Ham qui erranti comiter monjirant viam^ Sec. I do fore-fee likewife^that cic. o.^c
many of thofe things which I fliall enter and regifter as Omifions and '-."^^ ^"'
Deficients^ will incur divers cenfures ; 4/, that fome parts of this enter-"'^*
prife were done long-ago and now are extant 5 others^ that they tafte
of curipfity, and proraifc no great fruit ; others, that they are too dif-
ficult and irapollible to be compalTed by humane induftries. For the
two firft, let the particulars fpeak for themfelves : For the laft, touch-
ing ifftpojjihilityj I determine thus j All thofe things are to be held pof^
fible and perforraable, which may be accompli(ht by fome perfooj
though not by every one; and which may be done by the united la-
bours of many, though not by any one apart j and which may be e&fefted in a fucceffion ofages, though not in the (ame age j and in brief^
which may befinilT:it by the publick care and charge, though not bythe ability and induftry ofparticular perfons. If, notwithflanding^thers
be any man who would rather take to himfelfthat of Solomon, Dicit Pi'
ger^Leo eji in via, than that of Virgil. Prov.iij
Pojfuntquia pofie videntnr : It is enough to me, ifmy labours may -^Q-?'
beefteemedas votes, and the better fort of wifhes: for as it asketh
fome knowledge to demand a queftion not impertinent , fb it requireth
feme fenfe to make a wiih not abfurd.
Chap. I.
I. An univerfal Partition ofHumane Learninginto, § Hijlory. ll.Poe'
try. III. Philofophy. ^ This Partition is takenfrom the triplicity ofJntcUe&ive Faculties : Memory : Imagination : Reafon. ^ ThefamePartition is appropriate to Divine Learning.
'r"iHat is the truefr Partition of humane Learning , which hath
eference to the three Faculties of Mans foul, which is the
G {Q9t
5o Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b . 11.
feat of Learning. Hiliory is referred to Memory , Poefie to ih^ It»agi-
nation, Thilofophy to Reafon. By Ptfe/^e, in this place, we underftand no*
thing elfe, bnx. feigned Hijiory^ or Yahl^s, AsforTer/e, that is only a
(tile of exprellion, and pertains to the Art of Elocution , of which in
due place.
§ Hijiory is properly of Individuals circumfcrihed within time and
place : for although Natural Hijiory feem to be converfant about univer-
fal Natures j yet this Co falls out,becaufe of the promifcuous fimilitude
in things Natural comprehended under one kind , fbthat ifyou knowone, you know all of that fpecies. But ifany where there be found
Individuals,which in their kind are either lingular , as the Sun and the
Moon j or which do notably digrels from their kind, as Mongers 5 thefe
are as aptly handled in Natural Hijiory^zs particular men are in Civil Hi-
Slory. All thefe are referred unto Memory,
II. Poefie^ in that fence we have expounded it,»- Ukewife of Individu-
als^ fancied to the fimilitude of thofe things which in true Hijiory are re-
corded, yet fo as often it exceeds meafure 5 and thole things which in
Nature would never meet, nor come to pals , Poefie corapofeth and in-
troduceth at pleafure, even as Painting doth ; which indeed is the workof the Imagination.
III. Philofophy difmilTeth Individuals and comprehendethjnot the firft
Impreffions, but the abftradt Motions thereof, and converlaat in com*pounding and dividing them according to the Law of Nature, and ofthe things themfelves ; And this is wholly the office and operation ofReafon.
§ And that this Dijiribution is truly made, he Ihall ealily conceive
that hath recourle to the Originals of Intelleftuals. Individuals onlyftrike the fenfe, which is the port or entrance of the underftanding.'
The Images or Impreffions of thole Individuals accepted from the fenfe,are lixt in the Memory, and at firft enter into it entire, in the fame maa-ner they were met : afterwards the underjianding ruminates upon them,and refines them, which then it doth either meerly review 5 or in awanton delight counterfeit and refemble 5 or by compounding and di-
viding digeft and endue them. So it is clearly manifeft, that from thefe
three fountains of Memory , of Imagination and of Reafon , there are -
thefe three Emanations, oi Hijiory, of Poefie, and o( Philofophy^andthit
there can be no other nor no more : for Hitfory and Experience^ we take
for one and the lame, as we do Philofophy and Sciences.
§ Neither do we think any other Partition than this is requifite to
Divine Learning. Indeed the informations of Oracle and of Senfe bedivers ; both in the matter and manner of Conveying, but the fpirit
ofMan is the lame, the Cells and Receptacles thereof the very lame.
For it comes to pals here, as if divers Liquors, and that by divers Fun-nels, lhould?be receiv'd into one and the lame veflel. Wherefore Theo-
logy alio confifts either o^ Sacred Hijiory , of Parables^ which are a kindoi Divine Poefie 5 or of Precepts and Do&rines, as an eternal Philofophy,
As for that part which feems fupernumerary, which is Prophecy, that is
a branch oiHijiory : however Divine Hilary hath that prerogative overHumane, that the Narration may be before the Fad: as well after,
CHAP.
L I B. II. of the Advancement ofLearning. 5
1
Chap. II.
I. The Partition of Hiftory into Natural and Civil {Eccleftajlical andLiterary comprehended under Civil.') II. The Partition oi NaturalHijiory, into the Hijlory of Generations. III. Prater-Generations,
IV. 0^ Arts.
I. r Tlftory \s ^\t\iQr Natural or Civil : in IVj/wr^/ the operations of
JL J, Nature are recorded ; in Civil the Aftions of men. In boththefe without queftion, the Divine Workings are tranflucent, but moreconfpicuous in ACfs Civil j in fo much as they conftitutea peculiar kindof Hiftory, which wc ufually ftile Sacred or Ecclefiajiical : And in
truth to us fuch feems the Dignity of Learning and of Arts to be, that
there ought to be relerv'd a Particular Hijlory for them apart from the
reft 5 which yet weunderftand to be comprehended, zsEcclefiajiich^Hi^
ffory alCo is, und^r Hijiory Civil.
II. The Partition of Natural Hijlory we fhall raife out of the ftate
and condition of Nature herfelf^ which is found fubjeft to a triple
ftate Jand under a three-fold regiment : For Nature is either Free and
difplaying hcrjelfin her ordinary courje 5 as in the Heavens, living Crea-
tures, Plants, and the Univerfal furniture of the world 5 or put out ofher ufual courje and depot'd front herjiate, hy the pravities and infblencies
of contumacious Matter, and the violence of Impediments, as in Mon*Iters ; or laftly, (he is Compreji and fajhioned , and as it were new caji
,
as in Artificial Operations : Let therefore the partition ofNatural Hijio'
ry, be made into the Hiftory of Generations 5 of Prater-Generations ,
and of Arts ; whereof the laft we u(e to call Hisiory Mechanical, orExperimental. Tiie firft of thc(e handles the Liberty of Nature 5 the
fecond the Errors ; the third the Bands thereof. And we are the ra-
ther induced toaftign the Hijlory ofArts,as a branch of Natural H/jiory^
becaule art opinion hath long time gone currant, as if Art were fomedifferent thing from Nature^ and Artij^cial horn Natural. From this mi-
ftake this inconvenience arifes, that many writers of Natural HiUory
think they have quit themfelves fufficiently, if they have compiled a
Hiftory of Creatures,or of Plants,or of Minerals--,xht experiments ofMe-chanical Arts paft over in filence. But there is yet a more fubtile deceit
Which fccretly fteals into the minds of Men, namely, that Art ftiould bereputed a kind of Additament only to Nature, whofe virtue is this,that
it can indeed either perfeft Nature inchoate, or repair it vfhen it is decaf-
id, orfet it at libertyfrom impediments 5 but not quite alter, tranfmute.,
orpake it in the foundations : which erroneous conceit hath brought
in a too hafty defpair upon mens enterprifes. But on the the contrary,
this certain truth ftiould be throughly fetled in the minds of men, Thai
Artifcials differ not from Naturals in Form and Ejfence , btit in the Ef-
ficient only •) for man hath no power over Nature, lave only in her /1/(7-
tion j that is, to mingle or put together Natural bodies, and toleparate
or put them afunder j wherefore,where there is Apportion and Separa*
tion of Bodies, Natural conjoyning (as they term it) Active with Pajjive,
fflanmay do all things ; this not done, he can do nothing. Nor is it;
G 2 materia:!
52 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. 11.
material fo things be managed in a right order, for thcproduftion of
fuch an efFed, whether this be done by the Art of Manor without the
Art ofMan. Gold is fometimes digefted and purged from crudities
and impurities, by fire; fometimes found pure in fmallfands;. Nature
performing her own work. So the Rain-Bow is formed of a dewy
clouci in the Air* above 5 formM alfo by afperfion ofwater by us below.
Therefore Nature commandeth all, and thefe three are her fubftitute
Adminittrators, The courfe of Nature , the Expatiation of Nature and
Art j or the Cooperation of Man with Nature in particulars. Wherefore
r pi- it is very proportionable, that thefe three be comprized in Natural Hl-
Nat.Hiil. ftory, which C. P//»/*y for moft part performed, who' alone compre-
hended N<«/«rd/H//?<>J7 according to the dignity thereofj but what he
thus comprehended he hath not handled as was meet, nay rather foully
abufed.
in. The firffc of thefe is extant in fome good perfedion ; the two lot"
ter are handledfo weakly andfo uttfrofitably^ that they may be referr'd to
* the liji of Deficients. For you (hall find no fufEcient and competent col-
lediionofthofe works of N4f«re which have a Digrejfion and DeJleSion
from the ordinary courfe ofGenerations, Trodu&ions and Motions ^VihG-
thertheybe the fingularities' of certain Countries and Places, or the
fVrange events of times 5 orthe wit ofchsince, or the effeds of latent
proprieties 5 ox Monodicals of Nature \n their kind. It is true, there
are a number of Books more than enough, full fraught with fabulous
Experiments, forged Secrets, and frivolous Impoftures, forpleafiire
and fkrangenefs 5 but a fubftantial and fevere Colkiiien ofHeteroclites,
aado{the wonders of Nature^ diligently examined and faithfully de-
fcribed, thk^ ifay^Ifindnot^^eCpechWy with due rejeftion, and, as it
were, publick proicription ofuntruths and fables, which have got upinto credit. For as the matter is now carried, if any untruths touch-
ing Nature be once on foot and celebrated (whether it be the Reverence
ofAntiquity, that can thus far countenance them j or that it isatrou>
ble to call them unto a re-examination j or that they are held to be rare
ornaments offpeech, for fimilitudes and comparifons) they are never af-
ter exterminate and called in. The u(e of this work honour'd with apeMirab. pfgfident in Arijiotle^ is nothing lefs than to give contentment to curi-
ous and vain wits, as the manner of Mirabilaries and thefpreaders tfinvented Prodigies is to do 5 but for two reafons ferious and grave ; the
one tocorreftthepartiality ofAxioms, which are commonly grounded
upon common and popular examples 5 the other becaufe frem thewoft'
ders ofNature^ a fair and open paflage is made to the wonders ofArt.
For the bufineft in this matter is no more than by quick fcnt to trace out
the footing» of nature in her wilful wandrings 5 that fo afterward youmay be able at your pleafure, to lead or force her to to the lame place
and poftures again.
§ Neither do I give in precept, that fuperflitious Narrations ofSorce-
ries, Witch-crafts, Inchantments, Dreams, Divinations, and the like,
where there is clear evidence ofthe fad and and deed done, be altoge-
ther excluded from this Hijiory of Marvails. For it is not yet known,in what cafes, and how far, effefts attributed to fuperftition, do partici-
pate of Natural Caufes; and therefore, howfbever the ufe and pradlice
of thefe Arts, in my opinion, is juftly to be condemned ,yet from the
jfpeculatioa
L I B . 1 1. Ofthe Advmicement of Learning, ^3
fpeculation and confidcrationofthem, (ifthey be clofely purfued) wemay attain a profitable dirediion 5 not only for the right difceroin'v ofoffences in this kind of guilt)' perfons 3 but for the farther difcloling ofthcfecrets of Nature. Neither furely ought a man to make fcruple ofentringand penetrating the vaults and recelfesof thefe Arts, that pro»-
pofethtohimfelf only the inquifition o£ Truth, as your :Majefty hath Krama^
confirmed in your own example: For you have with the two clear and *i'5 Demo-
quick- fighted eyes of Reltgion and Natural Philo;}ophy^ fo wifely atjd"'^ ^^^'
throughly enlightened "thele/'^/^tJipj-, that you have proved your lelf
moft like the <$•//« which palieth through poUbted places,, yet is net di-
ftaincd. But this I would adraoni(h,that thefe N4rr;i/r»»j which havemixture with Superjiitio», be (brted by themfelves, and not be mingledwith the Narrations, which are purely and fincerely Naturaf. As for
the Narrations touching the Prodigies ^n^ miracles oi Religions, theyare cither not true, or no way NaturaL and therefore pertain not toNatural Hijinry.
IV. For Hiftory ofNature, wrought and fubdued by the hand, which iwe are wont to call Jllechanical, I find indeed forae colleftions madeof Agriculture, and likewife ofmany Manrtd Arts ^ but commonly(which in this kind ofknowledge is a great detriment) withanegled:and rejeftion o^Experimentsfamiliar and vulgar 3 which yet, to the in-
terpretation of Nature, do as much, ifnot more, conduce, than Expe-riments ofa higher quality. But it is eftecraed a kind ofdiJliooour andafperfion unto Learning.iflearned men (hould, upon occafion perchance,defcend to the Inquiry or Obfervation of Matters Mechanical^ exceptthey be reputed for .S"f<rre// of Art, or Rarities, or Subtilties. Whichhumour ofvain and fupercilious arrogance, Plato juftly derideth, wherehe brings in Hippias a vaunting Sophift, difputiug with Socrates a levere
and (olid inquifitor of Truth; where the fubjedt being ofBeauty, 6"^-
crj/ej- after his wandring and loofe manner of difputing, brought in
firft an example of a fair Virgin, thanof afair Horfe, than of a fair Potwellglaz'dj at this laft inftance H/;>;»mx femewhat mov'd faid, fFere m Hipp.
it not for courtefiefal^, IJfjould difdain to difpufe rvith any that aOedged '^^J^-
fuch bafe andfordid injiances 5 to whom Socrates, Ton have reafon, andit becomesyou well, being a. man fo trim inyour vejlments, andfo neat
in yourfwoes 5 and fo goes on in an Irony. And certainly this may beaverr'd for truth, that they be not the higheft inftances, that give the
beft and fureft information. This is not unaptly expreft in the Tale,
fo common, of the Philofopher, That while he gaz'd upward to thejiars £^'7"'"
fell into the water : for if he had lookt down, he might have feen the **'
ftars in the water •, but looking up to heaven he could not fee the waterin the ftars. In like manner it often comes to pais that fmall and meanthings conduce more to the difcovery ofgreat matters, than great things
to thedilcovery of fniall matters 3 and therefore Arifiotk notes vitW^
that the Nature of every thing is hefl feen in hie fmalleji Portions. For Pol.Ub; iV
that caufe he enquires the Nature of a Common-wealth, firft in a Fa-mily and the finple conjugationsofSociety, Man and Wife; Parentsand Children 5 Mafter and Servant, which are in every cottage. Solikewife the Nature ofthis great City of the v/orld, and the Policythereof, muft be founrht in every firft Concordances and le.ift Portions
bfthings. So we fee that (ccret ofNature (eftecmed one of the great
rriyltefies^f
54 Of the Advancement of Learning, Lie. li.
«r
myfteries ) of the turning of Iron toucht with a Loadftone to-
v/ards the Poles , was found out in needles of Iron , not in bars
of Iron.
§ But ifmy judgement be of any weight, I am wholly of this mjnd,
that the u(e of Mechanical Hijiorj^ to the railing of Natural Philofophy^
is of all other the moft radical and fundamental j fuch Natural Philo-
fbphy, I underftand, as doth not vanilh into the fumes of (ubtile andfublime (peculations, but fuch, as (hall be elTedually operative to the
fupport and a(5(tance of the incommodities of mans life : For it will
not only help for the prefent, by connefting and transferring the ob-
fervations of one Art, into the ufe of others, which rault needs cometo pa(s, when the experiences of divers Arts (hall fall into the confi-
dcration and obfervation of one man --, but farther, it will give a moreclear illumination, than hitherto hath (hined forth, for the (earching
out of the caufes of things, and the deducing of Axioms. For lik^as
you can never well know and prove the di(po(ition of another man, un-
le(s you provoke him ; nor Proteus ever changed (hapes, until he wasftraitned and held fall with cords j Co nature provoked and vexed byArt,doth more clearly Appear,than when (he is left free to her (elf. But
before we difrails this part of Natural Hijlory^ which we call Mechanical
and Experimental, this muft be added ; That the body oCfuch a Hijia-
ry^ mult be built not only of Mechanical Arts themjclves, but the ofs-
rative part of Liberal Sciences, as alio many practices not yet grown upinto Art, that nothing prolitable may be omitted, which avails to the
information of the underftanding. And fo this is the firft Partition ofNatural Hifiory.
Chap. III.
I. The Second Partition^ of Natural HiUory, from the ufe and endthereof into Narrative andlndu&ive. And that the moft noble endof Natural Hifiory »•, that it minifier and conduce to the building up
of Philofophy : which end InduSive Hifiory refpeð. If. The Par-
tition ofthe Hifiory of Generations into the Hifiory of the Heavens :
The Hifiory ofthe Meteors : The Hifiory of the Earth and Sea: The
Hifiory of Majjive Bodies , or of the greater Corporations : Tbt
Hifiory of Kinds^ or of the lejfer Corporations.
I. ^^Mural Hi^ory, as in refpeft of thefnhJe&,itisofthreeforts,as
i \l we obfervcd before 5 (b in refped of the ufe, of two : for it is
applied, eitherfortheknowledgeof things themlelves recorded in Hi-
fiory 5 or as the Primitive matter of Philojophy. 'The former of thefe,
which either for the pleafure of the Narrations is delighful, or for the
praftice ofexperiments is uleful, and for fuch pleafure or profits fake is
purfued, is of far inferiour quality, compared with that which is the
Materials and Provilion of a true and jufl induHion , and gives thefirft fuck to Philofophy, wherefore let us again divide Natural Hifiory,
into Hifiory Narrative, and Indu&ive 5 this latter me report as Deficit
ent. Nor do the great names of Ancient Philofophers, or the mighty
volumes
L I B. II. Ofthe Advancement of Learning.5 ^
volumes of Modern \7riters (b aftonilli my fenfe^ for I know very well
that Natural H'jiorj. is already extant, ample fortheMafs, for variety
delightful, and oP en curious for the diligence; but if you take fromthence Fabks and ArAiquity^ an^ Allegations ofAuthors^ and vain Contra-
verjscsj PLiloJophy and Orjiamcnts^ which are accommodate to Table-talk, or t\\c night-difcourfcs oi Learned men, then will the iequel, for
the Jnji.tiirations of Philofophy, come to no great matter : And to (peaktruth, this is far fhort of the variety which we intend. For firft thole
two pans of Natural Hijiory, whereofwe have fpoken , The Hiftory ofTr<fter-gcnerations^ and ofArts, matters of great conlequence, are there
Deferent : then in that third general Part mentioned before, namely qfCcfuraiioKfy of five parts thereof^ the Natural Htjiory extant gives (sl-
tisfaftionoaly toone. /
II. For the Hijhry of Generations hath Five fubordinate Parts j Thefirft 15 of Cekjiidl Bodies^ which comprehends the Vh<enoMena fincere,
and not dogmatiz'd into any peremptory affertions : The fecond of Me-U. r with the Comets^ and of the Regions, as they call them, ofthe Air^ne'rheris there extant any Hiftory concerning C<7»^ef/, Fiery Meteors^
Wt: A:^Kain^enipefis^-xnA the rcftjOfany value : The third is ofthe Earth
and (fthe IVater (as they are integral parts of the WorldJ of Jlioun-
tai7is, cf Rivers, of Tydes, of Sands, of Woods , as alfo of the Figure
of the continents, as they are ftretcht forth ; in "all thele particulars theInquiries and Obfervations are rather Natural, than Cofmographical .-
Fourthly, touching the general Majjes of Matter, which we ftile theGreater CoUcgiats, commonly called the Elements: Neither are there
found any narrations touching Fire, Air, IVater, and of their Natures,MotionSjWdfkingsJmprefDonSjWhich makeup any complete body;Thefifth and the laft Part is oithe Perfect and exait CoUeBions, which weentitle the leffer CoUegiats, commonly called Kinds or Specijicl(s. Inthis laft part only the induftry of writers hath appeared, yet fo as wasprodigally wafted in fupcrfluous matter, fwelling with the outv/ard de-(criptions of living Creatures, or of Plants and fuch likej than en-
richt with folid and diligent obfervations, which in Natural Hi§}ory
fhould every where be annext and interferted. And to (peak in a word,all the Natural Hiflory we have, as well in regard of the Inqnifition, as
ofthe Colleftion, is no way proportionable in reference, to that endwhereof we fpeak, namely the Raifing and advancing of Philofophy :
Wherefore we pronounce Indu&ive Hijiory Deficient. And thus far ofNatural Hiftory.
..'.•'A-
CHAP/
<6 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lie. If.
Chap. IV.
I. The Partition of Civil Flijiorjr, iKto£ccleJiaJiical and Literary^ and^
which retains the general name, C/w/. II. Literary Deficient. § Pre-
cepts how to compile it.
I. /"'M'bil Hijiory, in our Judgement, is rightly divided into three
V^ kinds j firll into Sacred or Ecclefiaflical j then into that which
retains the general name Civil j laftly, into that oi Learning and Arts,
We will begin with that kind we fet down laft, becaufe the other are
extant, but this I thought good to report as Deficient j it is the HiHory ofLearning. And Purely the Hijiory of the world deftitute of this, maybe thought not unlike the ftatue of Polyphemus, with his eye out, that
part of the Image being wanting, which doth moft (hew the nature
and fpirit ofthe Perfon. And though we fet down this as Deficient,
yet we are not ignorant,that in divers particular Sciences of Juris-con-
fults, Mathematicians, Rhetoricians, PhilofopherSjthere are made forae
flight Memorials and fmall relations ofSefts,Schools,Books,Authors,and
fuch like fucceffions of Sciences. There arelikewifeextant,(bme weakand barren difcourfes touching the Inventors of Arts and Vfages^ but a
Juft and General Hijiory of Learning^we avouch that none hitherto hath
been publifht. Wherefore we will propound the Argument j the wayhow to contrive it, and the ufe thereof.
II. The Argument .is nothing elfe hut a recital from all Times , whaf
Knowledges and Arts, in what Ages and Climates of the woi^d have flou-
rifit. Let there be made a commemoration of their y^«//^«//7e/, rr<?-
grejjions and Peragrations, through divers parts of the World; (for-
Sciences fhift and remove, as people do.) Again, of their Declenjions,
Oblivions^znd Injiaurations. Let there likewife be obfervations taken
through all Arts, of the occafion and original of their Invention 5 of
their Manner of delivery^ and the difcipline of their managings, Courfe
offiudy and exercifes. Let there alfo be added the Se&s^ then on foot 5
and the morefamous controverfies which bulled and exercifed Learned
men ^ the fcandals and reproaches to which they lay open 5 the Lauds
and Honours wherewith they were grac'd. Let there be noted the
Chiefeji Authors, the hcfi Bookj, Schools, Succejftons, Vniverfities, Socie^
ties, CoUedges, Orders , and whatfoever elfe belongs to the State ofLearning. But above all, let this be obfervcd (which is the Grace
znAS^mtoi Civil Hifiory,') that the Caufes and Confultations be Con-nexed with the events: namely, thzt the nature of Countries and Peo-
ple be recorded, the difpojltions apt and able:, or inept and inable for di-
vers difciplines , the Occurrences oftime Adverfe, or Propitious to Learn-
ingj the zeals and mixtures of Religions^ the Difcountenances, and fa-vours of Laws 5 and lajlly, the eminent virtues andfway of Perfons ofnote,
for the promoting of Learning 5 and the hks- But our advice is, that
all thefe points be (b handled , that time be not wafted in praife
and cenfure of particulars , after the manner of Critickj ; but that
things be plainly and hiftorica! !y related, and our own judgements ve-
jylparingly interpofed.
§ At
Lib. II. Of the Advancement ofLecuming. 57
ij As for the m.inncr ofcomphng fuch a Hijiory^ we do efpecially ad-
monitll thus much 5 that the Aiittcr and rrovijion thereof be drarvn^ not
onlyfrom Hijiorki andCritickj'j but alfo that ^through every century ofyears or IcJJer Intervals, by a continued fequence of time, deduced front
the highcji antiquity •-, the bejl Bookj written within thofe diJlinguifiJt
Jpaces of tifne be confultcd with 5 that from a tafte and obfcrvation ofthe argument, ftile and method thereof^ and not a through a perufal,
for that were an infinite worl^, the learnedjpirit of that age, as by a kjnd
of charm, may be awakj and raised npfrom the dead.
§ As touching the ufc of this IVork,, it is defign'd to this end 5 not ^i
that the Honour and State of Learning udierd in by fo many Imagesand Ghofts of the Learned, fliould be celebrated, or that for the carneft
affeftion we bear to Learning, we defire, even to a curiofity, to en-quire and know, and to conferve whatfoever to the ftate of Learningmay any way appertain 5 but chiefly, for a more ferious and gravepurpofe. It is, in few words this, For thatfuch a Narration, as we kavsdefcribed, in our opinion, may much confer to the wifdom and judgement
of Learned men, in the ufe and adminijiration of Learning .• and that
the pa(J]ons and perturbations > the vices and 7jirtues j as well about Intel-
leHual matters, as Civil may be obferved 5 and the bejl Frefidentsfor pra-
Bice may be deduced therefrom. For it is not Saint Aujiins , nor Saint
Ambrofe his works3(as we ruppo(e)that will make fo wife a Bifhop or aETivine , as Ecclejiajiicaljiory throughly read and obferved : whichwithout queftion may befal Learned men from theHiftory of Learning.For whatfover is not munited and fuftained by Example and Records,is expoled to imprudency and ruine. Thus much of the Hijiory ofLearning.
Chap. V.
of the Dignity. § And dificulty of Civil History.
Civil Hijiory properly fo called comes now to be handled j The Dig-
nity and Authority whereof, is very eminent among fecular writings
:
For upon the credit of this Hijiory, the examples of our Anceftors 5:
the viciflitudes of Affairs 5 the grounds of Civil Prudence 5 and the
Name and Fame of men depend.
§ But the Difficulty is as great as the Dignity j for to draw back the
mind in writing, to the contemplation of matters long ago pafTed 5
and thus, as it were, to make it aged 5 to fearch out with diligence 5
and to deliver with fiith and freedom, and with the life and height ofexpreflion i to reprefent unto the eyes, the changes of times 5 thecha-
rafters ofPerfbns •-, the incertainties of Counfels •, the Conveyances ofAftions (as of waters,) the fubtilties of Pretentions, the fectets ofState, is a task of great pains and judgements 5 efpecially feeing An-cient reports, are fubjeci to incertainty ^ Modern liable to danger :
Wherefore the errors are many which attend Civil Hijiory 5 whilft
fome write poor and popular Relations, the very reproach of HiCtory
;
H other?
58 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . 11,
others patch up, in a rafh hafte, and unequal contexture, particular Re-
ports, and brief Memorials, others (lightly run over the heads of a-
dions done ^ others on the contrary purfue every trivial Circumftance,
nothing belonging to the fum and ifTue of things 3 fome out of a too
partial indulgence to their own wit , take confidence to fain many
things 3 but others add and imprint upon affairs the Image, not lb much
of their own wit, as of their affeftions -, mindful rather of their ownparts, than to become Religious deponents for truth, others every
where interlace fuch Politick obfervations 3 as they moft fancy, and
feeking occafion of digreffion for oftentation, too (lightly break ofFthc
contexture of the difcourfe 3 others for want of moderation and judge-
ment over do things, by the prolixity of their fpeeches. Harangues or
other performances, fo as it is fufticiently manifeft, that in the writings
of men, there is not any kind more rare than a juji HJitory, and in *ll
pints complete md perfeSf. But our purpofe at this prefent is, to let
down a partition of knowledge, for the obfervation of farts omitted^
and not a cenfure of parts erroneous. Now We will proceed to the Par-
titions of Civil Hijiory , and thofe of divers forts 3 for the particular
kinds will be lefs intangled, if divers partitions be propounded , than
if one partition by divers members be curioufly drawn out.
C H A P. VL
The firft Partition of Civil Hiftory , into § Memorials. § Aati%
quities. § And FerfeS HiUory.
Civil Hijlory is of three kjndsy not unfitly to be compared to the
three forts of Piftures or Images : for of Pidures and Images wefee, fome are unperfedt and unfinillit ; others perfed 3 and others dc«cayed and defaced with Age. In like manner we will divide Civil Hi-
Jiory- ivhrch is the Image of Actions and Times, into three kinds, agree-
able to thofe of Pictures 3 namely. Memorials 3 FerfeB Hijiory 3 and An-tiquities. Memorials are HiBories nnfiniJlH , or the firft and roughdraughts of Hiftory : Antiquities are Hijiories defaced , or the Re-mains of Hiftory, which have cadially efcaped the (hipwrack ofTime.
§ Memorials or Preparations to Hilary , are of two forts, whereofone may be termed Commentaries 3 the other RegiSiers. Commenta-ries fet down a naked Continuance and Connexion of Adions and E-vcnts , without the Caufes and Pretexts of Bu(inefs 3 the beginnings
and Motives thereof3 alfo the Counfels and Speeches, • and other pre-
parations of Aftions: For this is the true nature of Commentaries ^
though Ctefar in modefly mixt with greatnefs, did for his pleafiire ap-
ply the name of Commentaries, to the beft Hiftory that is extant. ButRegijiers are oftwo forts, for either they comprehend the titles of Mat-ter and Perfbns^in a continuation of Times, fuch as are Calendars andchronologies : or Solcnnities of A^s 3 of which kind are the Edidts ofPrinces 5 the Decrees of Cotincils 3 the Proceedings of Judgements 5
Pub-
Lib. II. Of the Advancement ofLearning. -^o
Publick Orations j Letters of Eftate, and the like 5 without the Con-texture or Continued thred of the N.irration.
^ Antiquities, or the Remains of Hifiorics, are as we faid, tinqitam
Tabula Naitfragii •-, when induftrious and underftanding pcrfons (the
memory of Things being decayed, and almoft overwhelmed with obli-
vion) by a conftant and Icrupulous diligence, out of GenealogieSj
Calendars, Inlcriptions, Monuments, Coyns, Proper Names and Styles
;
Etymologies of words, Proverbs, Traditions,Archives and Inltruments,
as well publick as private , Fragments of ftories, fcattered pallages of
Books that concern not Hiftory^ out ofall thefe, Ifay.or (bmeofthem,
they recover and fave (bmewhat from the Deluge of Time, Certainly
a painful work, but acceptable to all forts of Men, and atttended
with a kind of Reverence, and indeed worthy (all Fabulous Qrigi'
nals of Nations defac'd, and extinguifhtj to be fubltituted in the roompffuch counterfeit ftufF: but yet of the lefs Authority, becaufe what
is proIHtute to thelicenfe of private defigns, lofes the honour of pub-
lick regard. Inthcle kinds of Iwperfe& HiHories , I defign no Defi-
cience, feeing they are tanquam imperfe&e mi^ia, fo as fuch Defefts are
but their nature. As for Epitotncs the corruptions , certainly, and the
Moths of Hijiorics , we would have them banilht Cwherein we con-;
cur with many of moft found judgement) as thofe that have fretted
and corroded the found bodies of many excellent Hiftoriesj and
wrought them into bale and unprofitable dregs.
Chap. VII. •
The Partition of Perfeft Hiftory ^ into chronicles of Times 5 Lives
ofrerfons 5 Relations of Affs. ^ The Explication of the Hijiorji ofLives, § Of Relations.
JVfi or Perfect HiUory is ofthree kinds, according to the nature oftheobjedt which it propounds to rcprefent ; for it either reprefents £f
portion ofTime j or fome memorable Perfon ; or fome Famous Aft : Thefirft we call Chronicles or Annals ; the fecond Lives ; the third Relations,
Of thefe 5 chronicles feem to excel, for Celebrity and Name 5 Lives^
for profit and examples ; Relations, for fincerity and vcxity. For Chro-
nicles, reprefent the magnitude of piil>lict{^ Anions, and the extern faces ofMen, as they regard the public^ and involve in (ilenccfmalkr Vaffages
,
xvhicb pertain cither to Matter or Jllcn. And feeing it is the workman-fhip of God alone, to hang the greatejl weight upon the fr'nUeJi nyers i it
comes many times to pafs, that fuch a Hiftory pur/uing only the greater
occurrences, rather fets forth the Pomp and Solemnity, than the true
reforts, and the intrinfick contextures of bufinefs. And although it
doth add and intermix the Councils therhlelves 5 yet affecting great-»
nefs, it doth befprinkle mens aftions with more folemnnefs and wiPdom, than indeed is in them 5 that a Satyre may be a truer table ofdAlans life, than many fuch Hijlories. Contrariwiie , Lives, if they be
vveli written vvith diligence and judgement (for we do not fpeak of
Elogies, and fuch flight commemorations) although they propovmd un-
H 2 rrj'
6o Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . 11^
to thcmfelves fome particular perfon, in whom Actions, as well com-
mune asfolemn^ fmall as great; private as publick, have a compo«
fition and commixture 5 yet, certainly, they exhibit more lively and
faithful Narrations of Matters 5 and which you may more fafcly and
fuccefsfully transferr into example. But fpecial Relations of Actions^
fuch as are thew^rj of Peloponnefm ; the Expedition of Cyrus s the Con-
fpiracj/ ofCatalitte, and the like, ought to be attired with a more pure
and fincere Candor of Truth than the FerfeU Hifleries of Times 5 be-
caufe in them may be chofen au Argument more particular and com-
prehenfible; andof that quality, as good notice and certitude, and
full information, may be had thereof: whereas, on the contrary, the
JiorjiofTime (fpecially more ancient than the age of the writer) doth
often fail in the memory ofthings, and containeth blank fpaces, which
the wit and conjefture ofthe writer (confidently enough) ufeth to feize
upon and fill up. Yet this which we fay, touching the fincerity ofifr-
lations, muft be underftood with refervation, for indeed it rauft beconfefled (fiince all mortal good laboureth ofimperfeftion, and conve-
niences with difconveniences are ufually connext) that fuch kind of/fe-
lations^ fpecially ifthey be publiQied about the times of things done j
feeing very often they are written with paffion or partiality, ofall other
narrations, are defervedly moft fufpedted. But again, together with
this inconvenience, this remedy groweth up, that thefe fame /fe/^/i^;»/,
being they are not fet out by one fide only, but through faftionand
partiary affeftions are commonly publifhed by fbme or other on both
fides i they do by this means open and'hedge in a middle way betweea
extremes to truth : and after the heat ofpaffions is over, they become,
to a good and wife writer of Hiftory, not the worft matter and feeds
ofa perfeft Hiftory.
§ As touching thofe points which feem deficient inthefe three kinds
ofHiftory, without doubt there are many particular Hiftories (of(uch
I fpeak as may be had) offome dignity or mediocrity, which have been
hitherto paflTed by, to the great detriment of the honour and fame offuch Kingdoms and States, to which they were due, which would betoo tedious here to obferve. But leaving the ftories of forreign Na-tions, tothecareofForreignPerfons, left I ft)ould hQCOvs\Q Cnrioftts in
aliena Repnb. I cannot fail to reprefent unto Your Majefty the in-
dignity and unworthinefs ofthe Hijiory o( England, as it now is, in the
main continuation thereof, as alfo the partiality and obliquity of that
oiScotland, in the lateft and largeft author thereof; fuppofing that
it would be honour to Your Majehy, and a work acceptable with Po-fterity, if thislfland ofGre^/Brz/^»;', as it is now joyned in a: Monar-chy for the Ages to come, fo were joyned in one Hiftory for the times
paft, after the manner of the facred Hiftory, which draweth down the
ftory ofthe Ten Tribes, and ofthe two Tribes as Twins together* Andifit Qiall feem that the weight of the work 5 (which certainly is great
and difficult) may make it lefs exaftly, according to the worthineft
thereof, performed 5 behold an excellent period ofmuch fmallercom-pafs oftime, as to the ftory ofEngland •-, that is to fay, from the uni-
ting of the Rofes to the uniting of the Kingdoms j a (pace oftime,whichinmy judgment contains more variety ofrare events, than in like
number of fucceffions ever was known in an Hereditary Kingdome.For
L I R, II. Ofthe Advaticcmeut of Learning. 6i
For it begins with the mixt Title to a Crown, partly by might partlyby right; An entry by Arms; an eftablifliraent by marriage ^ fb therefollowed times anfwcrable to thefe beginnings 5 like waves after a greattemped, retaining their fwellings and agitations, but without extre-mity offtorm ; but well paft through by the wifdoraof the Pilot, being ^'«-vn,*
one of the mojifu^cknt Kings ofall his Fredccejfors. Then followed aKing whofe Aftions conduced rather by ralbnefs, than counfel, had «««.viri.
much intermixture with the affairs of Europe 5 ballancing and inclining
them according as they fwayed 5 In whole time began that great Altera-
tion in the Ecclefiaji/cal State ; fuch as very fcldom comes upon theStage. Then followed the Reign ofa Minor 5 then an Offer ofan Ufur-pation, though it was very fhort, li^e a Feverfor a day : Then the Reign ^''•^^'
ofa woman matcht with a Forrcigner; Again, ofa woman thatliv'd yi/,r/«
Solitary and unmarried. And the clofe of all was this happy and glo- ^''f"-
rious event; that is, that this Ifland divided from all the world,fhouldbe united in it felf ; by which that ancient Oracle given to Mneat^ virg.^n,
which prefagedreft unto him; Antiqttamcxqnirite Matrem-^ (hould be ^*.
fiilfill'd upon the moft noble Nations of England and Scotland, nowunited in that name of Britannia^ their ancient Mother , as a Pledgeand Token ofthe Period and Conclulion, now found ofall Wandringsand Peregrination. So that as majflve bodies once fhaken, feel certain
Trepidations before they fix and fettle ; (b it leems probable, that bythe Providence ofGod, it hath come to pals. That this Monarchyy be-Ucohu^;
fore it fljotildfettle and be efiablijifd inyour Majefly andyour Royal Progeny^ f*^^''°'
(in which I hope it is firm fixtfor ever) itfiould nndergoefo many ehati' '
'
ges^ andvicijjitiidesj as prelufions offtttHre Stability.
§ As for Livtss, when I think thereon, I do find ftrange that thefe
our Times have Co little known, and acknowledged their own virtues 5
being there isfofeldom any Ademorials or Records of the lives ofthofc n>ho
have been ctftinent our times. For although Kings and fuch as have ab-folute foveraignty, may be kwy and Princes in free Common- wealths(fo many States being colledted into Monarchies,) are not many 5 yethowever, there hath not been wanting excellent men (though living
under Kings,) that have deferv'd better, than an incertain and wandringFame oftheir memories ; or fbme barren and naked Elcgie. For here-
in the invention ofone ofthe late Poets, whereby he hath v/ell enricht
the ancient Fiftion, is not inelegant : Hefains that at the end of the
Thread ofevery mans life^ there was a Medal or Tablet^ whereon the name
cf the Dead wasjiampt j and that time waited upon the (hears of the
fatal Sifter, and as foon as the Thread was cut, caught the Medals,
and carrying them away ; a little after threw them out ofhis Bofom in-
to the River Lethe. And that about the Bank there were many Birds
flying up and down, that would get the Medals 5 and after they hadcarried them in their beaks a little while, foon after, through negli-
gence fuffered them to faJI into the River. Araongfl thefe Birds there
were a kwftpans found, which ifthey got a Medal with a name, they
ufed to carry it to a certain Temple confecrate to Immortality. But fuch
fwansare rare in our Age : And although many men more mortal in
their vigilances and ftudies, than in their bodies, defp'ife the Memory
cftheir Name, as ifit were fume or air, Anim£ nil magna laiidis cgentes : Pifn. iuti^
mm:ely whofe Philofophy and feverity fprsngs from that root, Nonpri- ^g'^.j^^'^*^
m
Of the Advancement of Learning. Lie. If.
0j landes contempfimui quam fanclafida facere defcivimus. Yet that will
Prov.io. not with us, prejudicate Salomons Judgment, The memory of the lujl
is with Benedi&ion h but the name ofthe wicked fijall pntrifie : The one
perpetually flourifties j the other mftantly departs into Oblivion ; or
diliblves into an ill Odour. And therefore in that ftile and form of
fpeaking, which is very well brought in ufe, attributed to the Dead,
of Happji Memory ; of Piom Memory j of Blejfed Memory 5 we feem to
acknowledge that which Cicero alledgeth 3 borrowing it from r>emo'
jihenes, Bonam Famam propriam ejje poffejflonem defun&orum ; which
poffeflion I cannot but note that in our age it lyes much waft and neg-
lefted.-a.., .
§ As concerning Relations it could be in truth, wilh'd, that there
were a greater diligence taken therein ; For there is no Aftion more e-
minent, that hath not fome able Pen to attend it, which may take and
tranfcribe it. And becaufe it is a Quality not common to all men to
write a Terfe& Hijiory to the life and Dignity thereof5 (as may well
appear by the fmall number, even ofmean Writers in that kind) yet if
particular Anions were but by a tolerable Pen reported, as they pa(s,
it might be hoped that in fome after Age, Writers might arife, that
might compile a PerfeEf Hifiory by the help and affiftance offuch Notes .-
For fuch CoUedions might be as a Nurfery Garden^ whereby to Plant a
fair and ftately Garden, when time (hould ferve.
Chap. VIII.
The Partition oUhe Hifiory ofTimes^ into Hifiory Vniverfal j and Par-
ticnlar. The Advantages and Difadvantages of both,
THE Hifiory ef Times is either Vniverfat; or Farticular : This com-
prehends the affairs offome Kingdom 3 or State , or Nation : Thaty
the affairs of the whole world. Neither have there been wanting thofe,
who would feem to have compofed a Hifiory ofthe world^ even from the
Birth thereof^ prelenting a mifcellany of matter and compends of Reports
for Hijiory. Others have been confident that they might comprize, as
in a Perfeft Hifiory^ the Aft» oftheir own times, memorable through-
out the world 3 which was certainly a generous attempt, and of fin-
gular ufe. For the aftions, and negotiations ofmen, are not fo divor-
ced through the divifion ofKingdoms, and Countries 3 but that they
have many coincident Connexions ; wherefore it is of great import to
behold the fates, and affairs deftinate to one age or time drawn, as it
were, and delineate in one Table. For it falls out that many writings not
to be delpifed (fuch as are they whereof we (pake before. Relations^
which perchance otherwile would perifh 3 nor often come to the Prefs 5
or at leaft the chief heads thereofmight be incorporated into the bodyof fuch a General Hijiory^ and by this means be fixed and prelcrved.
Yet notwithftanding ifa man well weigh the matter, he ftiall perceive
that the Laws ofa "jufi Hifiory are fb fevere and ftrift, as they can hard-
ly be obfcrv'd in fuch a vaftnefs of Argument 5 fo that the Majefty of
Hifiory is rather mini(ht, than amplified by the greatnefs of the Bulk^
Fojr
L I B. 11. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 6 ->
For ir comes to pafs that he who every where purfueth fucli variety ofmatter ; the precife ftriclnels of Information by degrees llackned ; andhis own diligence difperlcd in fo many things, weakned in al!, takes
up popular Reports and Rumours 5 and from iJc/.?//^;?/ not fo authen*tick, or fome other fuch like (light ftuff, compiles a Hijiory. Moreoverhe is forced Qtix the work fliould grow too voluminous) purpo(ely topa(s over many occurrences worth the relating^ and many times tofall upon the way of Epitomes and abridgments. T]i«re u yet anotherdanger ofno fmall importance, which fuch a work is liable unto, whichis diredtly oppofed to the profitable u&ofVftiverfjl H/Jhrj j for as Ge-neral Hiftory prefcrves Come Relations, whicb^it may be^otherwife wouldbeloft^ fo contrary wife many times it extioguiflaes other fruitful N.^r-
rMtisns which otherwilc would have lived through Breviaries^ whicharc ever accepted in the world.
Chap. IX.
Another Partition ofthe Hijiory ofTimes into Annals andjournals.
TH E Partition of the Hijiory efTime is likewise well made into An'r.als ; and Journals : Which Divifion^though it derive the names
from the Period ofTimes, yet pertains alfoto the choice ofBufinels. ForTacitus faith well, when falling upon the mention of the magnificenceof certain ftruftures, prefently he adds ; Ex dignitatc PopuliRo. rr/jer-
•*"°^'''3'
turn cjfe^ res iSujires, Annalibus 5 Talia, Uihrnjs »rbis Aiik uiandari :
Applying to Annals^ Matters of State 5 to Diaries^ Ads and Accidentsof a meaner nature. And in my judgment a Difcipline of Heraldrywould be to purpofe in the difpofing ofthe merits ofBooks 5 as of themerits of Perfbns. For as nothing doth more derogate from Civil Af-fairs, than the confufion of Orders and Degrees; fo it doth not a little
embafe the authority ofa grave Hijiory, to intermingle matters of tri-
vial conlequence, with matters of State; fuch as are Triumphs, andCeremonies, Shews, and Pageants, and the like. And fureiy it couldbewiftit chat this diftindion would come into Cuftom. In oiu- TimesJournals are in u(e only in Navigations, and Expeditions of war. A-mongft the Ancients it was a point of Honour to Princes to have theAfts oftheir Court referr'd to Journals. Which we fee was preferv'd Lib. Efth,
in the reign oC Ahafucrus Ring of rerjia, who, when he could not take ^^^^'
reftjcaird for the Chronicles; wherein he reviewed the Treafon oftheEvnuches paft in his own time. But in the Diaries of Alexander the
s'm-^'^i'^Great, fuch fmal 1 Particularities were contained , that ifhe chanc'd but ^
^' ''
to deep at the Table, it was Regiftred. For neither have Amuh on-ly compriz'd grave matters; and ^(j«r«j/j- only light; but all were pro-milcuoudy, and curforilytakenin D/^r/e/j whether ofgreater, or oflefler Importance,
CHA'Po
64 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lie. II.
C H A p. X.
A Second Partition of l{\?iory CviWjnto S\m^\e^and M\xt. § Co(^
mography a mixt Hijiorj/.
THe laft Partition of Civil Hijiory may be this. HiJiorj Simple
,
and Mixt. The Commune Mixtures are two, the one fromCivil Knowledge ; the other fpecially from N^/wr^/: For there
is a kind of writing introduc'd by forae, to fet down their Relations
,
not continued according to the Series of the Hijiory 5 but pickt out,
according to the choice ofthe Author, which he after re-examineSjand
ruminates upon 5 and taking occafion from thofe felefted pieces^ diP-
courfes of Civil Matters. Which kind of Runtinated Hijiory , we doexceeding well allow of 5 fo fuch a Writer do it indeed, and profels
himfelf fo to do. But for a man refolvedly writing a Jufi Hijiory, eve-
ry where to ingeft Politicli inter-lacings j and fo to break off the thread
of the Jiory, is unfeafonable and tedious. For although every wife
Hiftory be full, and as it wereimpregnant with Political Precepts andCounfels 3 yet the Writer himfelf (hould not be his own Mid-wife at
the delivery.
§ Cofmography likewife is a mixt-Hi^ory , for it hath from Natural
Hijiory^ the Regions themfelves, and their fite and commodities ; fromCivil Hijiory, Habitations, Regiments and Manners 5 from the Mathe-
ntatickj. Climates, and the Configurations of the Heavens, under whichthe Coaftsand Quarters of the World do lye. In which kind of H/-
iiory or Knowledge, we have caufe to Congratulate our Times 3 for the
world in this outage, hath through- lights made in it, after a wonder-ful manner. The Ancients certainly had knowledge of the Zones^ and
of xhQ Antipodes':,
Virg. (J^ofyh "^^ Primus Equis Oriens afflavit anhelk,Geor.i. lUicfera Rubens accendit Lmnina vcfpcf)
and rather by Demonftrations than by Travels. But for (brae fmali
keel to emulate Heaven it felf; and to Circle the whole Globe of the
Earth, with a more oblique and winding Courfe, than the Heavens do ^
this is the glory and prerogative of our Ages. So that thefe Timesmay juftly bear in their word, not only Plus ultra, whereas the Anci-
ents ufed non ultra 3 and alio imitabilefulmen, for the Ancients non imi'
tabilefulmen.
Yirg.vfn. Demens qui Nimbos& non imitabile Fulmen.
But likewile that which exceeds all admiration imitabile Ccelum, our
voyages , to whom it hath been often granted to wheel and role a-
bout the whole compafi of the Earth, after the manner of Heavenly
Bodies. And this excellent felicity in Nautical Art, and environing the
Tforld, may plant alfo an expc3ation offarther Proficiencies and Augmen-
» tationt
6.
Lib.il Of the Advancement ofLearning. 65
tatiofis of Sciences ^ (pecially feeing it feeras to be decreed by the Di-
vine Council , that thefe two (hould be Coevals, for fo the Prophet;
D4«/c/ fpeaking of the latter times fore-tells, Plurimi pertranfibunt ^ Cap.iti
angehiturScientia: as if the through Paflage, or Perluftration of the
World, and the various propagation of knowledge were appointed to
be in the fame Ages j as we fee it is already performed in great partj
feeing our tiraesido not much give place for Learning to the former twoPeriods, 01 RetHrns of Learning j the one of the Grecians j the other ofthe Romans j and in fonie kinds far exceed them.
Chap. XL
I. The Partition of Hi:c/e/M^/V<«/ Hijiory, into the General Hijlory ofthe church. II. Mtfiory of Prophefie. III. Hijiory of Providence.
Hijiory Ecckfiajiicd falls under the fame divifion commonly withCivil Hijiory 5 for there are Eccleftajiical Chronicles ; there are
Lives of Fathers 5 there are Relations of Synods , and the like, per-
taining to the Church. In proper expreffion this kind of Hiftory is di-
vided, into the Hijiory of the Church by a general nante^ Hijiory of Pro-
fhefie j and Hijiory of Providence. The firft recordeth the times and dif-
ferent ftate ofthe Church Militant 5 whether fhe flote as the Ark^in th&
Deluge 5 or fojourn as the Ark^ in the IVildernefs ; or be at the reft as
the Ark. in the Temple ; that is, the State of the Church in Perfecution 5
in Ren/ove-, and in Peace. In this Part I find no DeJTcience 5 but rather
more things abound therein, than are wanting 5 only this I could with,
that the virtue and fincerity of the Narrations were anfwerable to thegreatncfs of the Ma(s.
II, The Second Part which is the Hijiory of Prophefte, conflfteth oftwo Relatives ; the Prophefie it felf:^ and the accompUjl)men t thereof.-
wherefore thedefign of this work ought to be, that every Prophefie ofScripture be forted with the truth of the event , and that throughoutall the ages of the world ; both for Confirmation of Faith ; as alfb toplant a Difcipline •, and skill in the Interpretation of Prophefies, which'
are not yet accompli(ht. But in this work^that latitude muft be allow-
ed which is proper, and familiar unto Divine Prophefies i, that their
accompliftiments may be both perpetual and punftual ; For they refem-
ble the nature of their Author, to whom one day is as a thoufandyears, pr j -t
and a thoufand years are but as one day : And though the fulned andheight of their complement be many times affigned to fome certain.age,
or certain point of time, yet they have neverthelefs many ftairs and
fcales of Accomplifliraent throughout divers Ages of the world. Thisi^rk I fet down as Deficient 5 but it is of that nature as muft be *handled with great wifdom, fobriety , and reverence, or not at
all.
III. The third Part which is the KtUory of Providence Hath fallen
indeed upon the Pens of many pious Writers, but not without fiding
i of
66 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b c If
of Partiaries 5 and it is im^lbyed in i%'e oyef'vaifon^of thdi^ ki'vme tor'
refvonderice which often intcrveneth hemeen Gods revealed Wilt,- dndjits
fecret Will. For though the Counfels and Judgements ofGod beib 6l>
I Cor. 2, fcure, that they are injcrutablc to the Natural man ; yea, many times
withdraw themfelves even from their eyes, that took out of the Ta-
bernacle: Yet fometimes by turii^ it pleafeth the Divine wifdomfiir
AdEphef. the Confirmation of fhis-^ arid Confutation ofthofe which are 4/ w/li,-
*. out God in the rvorld-, to purpofe them to be feen Written in fiich Capi-
Habac.2. tal Letters, that, as the Prophet fjSieaketh, Every one that runs by, mayread them 5 that is, that men meerly Senfual and Carnal 3 who make hajie
to poji over thofe divine Judgements j and neverfix their cogitations up-
on them : yet though they are upon thefpeed, and intend nothing left, they
are urg'd fo acknowledge them. Such as are late, and unlocked for
Judgements 5 unhoped for Deliverances fuddenly fliining forth 5 the
divine Counfels, paffing through fuch Serpentine windings, and won-derful maizes of things 5 at length manifeftly difintangling and clearing
themfelves. . Which lerve not only for the Confolation of the minds of
the Faithful 3 but for the Aftonifhraent and Conviction of the Confci-
ences of the Wicked.
Ch A Pi XII.;:^03-iil-i:lt?r'T .'/> '- • '
The Appendices of Hi^cry Converfant about the words of Udeh, ds hUJiory itfelf about the Deeds : The Partition thereof into, dtationti
§ Letters. § And Apophthegms.
B'lit not the Deeds only, hut the Words alfo ofMen, JI)ouldbe retained
in Memory. It is true that (bmetimes Words are inferted into the
Hiftory it felf, fo far as they conduce to a more perfpicuous, and fo-
Icmn Delivery of Deeds. But the fayings and words of men^ are pre^
lerved properly in Books of Orations ; Epijiles ; and Apophthegms. Andcertainly the Orations, of wife men made touching bufinels, and mat-
ters ofgrave and deep importance, much conduce, both to the know-ledge of things themfelves ; and to Elocution.
§ But yet greater Inftrudions for Civil Prudence, are from the Let'
ters of great Perfonages , touching the Affairs of State. And ofthewords ofmen, there is nothing more found and excellent, than are Let"
ters 5 for they are more natural than Orations 5 more advifed tha/tfud-
dain Conferences, The fame Letters, when they are continued accord-
ing to the fequel of times (as is obferved in thofe fent by Embafladors,
Governours of Provinces, and other Miniflers ofEftate) are without
Queftion of all other the mofi precious provifionfor Hijiory,
§ Neither are Apophthegms only for delight , and ornament 5 but". '^'c- E- for real BufinelTes , and Civil lllages, for they are, as he (aid, ' Secured
L. ix. ^"^ mncroncs verbortim, which by their fharp edge cut and penetrate
the knots of Matters and Bufinefs : And Occafions run round in a Ring 5
and what was once profitable, may again be praftis'd 5 and again beeffectual , whether a man fpeak them as ancient j or make them his
ownd
L I B. II. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 6J
own. Neither can it be doubted but that is ufeful in Civil negotiati- aEtiam&:
ons, which » C£fdr himfelf hath honour'd by his own example 5 it is h/jos'^'^
pity his book is lofl: , feeing what we have in this kind, feems to be col-
Icdied with little choice. Thus much ofHiJiory, namely of that part ofLearning, which anfwereth to one of the Cells, or Domicils of the un*
derftanding, which is, Memory.
Chap. XIII.
The Second Vrincipdl Part of Humane Lear»ingVot^\c-J
l. The Par^tition of PoeCie into Narrative. II. Dramatical. III. And Pd^rabolical. § Three Examples of Parabolical Poefie propounded^
IV. Natural. V. Political. VI. Moral.
NOvv let us proceed to Poefie. Poefie is a kjnd of Learning in wordfrejirajned •, in matter loofe and licens'd j Co that it is referred , a3
we (aid at firft^to the Imagination , which ufeth to devile, and contrive,
unequal and unlawful Matches and Divorces of things. And Poefie ,
as hath been noted, is taken in a double fence 3 as it refpcQs Words j or
<tf it refpeSs Jllutter. In thefirfifence^ it is a kind ofChara(3:er of Ipeedi 3
for Ter/e, is a kind ofStile and Form of Elocution, and pertains not toAlatter , for a true Narration may be corapofed in Verfe , and a Feigned^
in Prof: In the latterfence , we have determined it, a Principal metn-ber of Learnings and have placed it next unto Hijiory 5 feeing it is no-thing elle than Imitation of Hijiory at pleafure. Wherefore learching
and purfuing in our Partition the true veins of Learnings and in manypoints, not giving place to cuftom, and the received Divifions , we havddifinilTed .yafj-r/, and Elegies^ and Epigramms, and O^e/.and the like, andreferred them to rhilofophy and Arts of Speech. Under the name ofPoefscy we treat only oCHiftory Feigned at Pleafure.
I. The ttaeik Partition of Poefie, and moft appropriate, befides thofe
Divifions common to it with Hiftory (for there are feign'd Chronicles,
feign d Lives, indfeign'd Relations') is this, that it is either Narrative jor Reprefcntative, or /ll/u(ive; Narrative k a meer imitation of Hijiory,
that in a manner deceives us, but that often it extols matters abovebelief. Dramatical or Reprefentative , is as it were a vifihle Hijiory 5
for it fets out the Image of things, as if they were Prefent ^ and Histo-
ry, as ifthey were Pa(t. Parabolical or Allufive is Hijiory with the Type^
which brings down the Images of the underjhnding to the Obje&s ofSenfe.
§ hs Cox Narrative Poefie, or if you pleafe Her(?/c<//, (fa you under-
ftand it of the Matter, not of the Verfe) it feems to be raifed altoge-
ther from a noble foundation ; which makes much for the Dignity ofmans Nature. For feeing this fenfible world, is in dignity inferiour to
<he foul of Man^ Poefie feems to endow Humane Nature with that
which H/f/^rj denies 5 and to give (atisfadion to the Mind, with, at
leaft, the thadow of things, where the fubftance cannot be had. Forif the matter be throughly confide'-ed 3 a ftrong Argument may be
drawn from Poejie, that a more ftately greatnefs of things 3 a more per-
68 Of the Advancement of Learning, . Lib. II
fed Orders and a more beautiful variety delights the (bul ofMan, than
any way can be found in Nature,fince the Fall. Wherefore feeing tht
Ads and Events, which are the fubjeft of true Hijiory, are not of that
amplitude, as to content the mind ofMan ^ P^e^e is ready at hand to
feign Aiif more HeroicaU Becaufe /r«e H/Jierj/ reports the fuccefles of
bufinefs , not proportionable to the merit of Virtues and Vices j Poejie
correfts it, and prefents Events and Fortunes according to defert, andaccording to the Law of Providence : becaufe true tiijiorji , through
the frequent fatiety and fimilitude of Things , works a diftaft and mi-
Iprifion in the mind of Man , PoeJie cheereth and refrelhes the Ibul
;
chanting things rare, and Various, and full of viciffitudes. So as Poefie
(erveth and conferreth to Deleftation, Magnanimity and Morality 5 and
therefore it may feem delervedly to have fome Participation ofDivine-
nels-J
becaufe it doth raife the mind , and exalt the fpirit with high
raptures, by proportioning the Ihews of things tothe defiresof the
mind 3 and not fubmitting the mind to things, as Reafon and Hiifory
do. And by thefe allurements, and congruities, whereby it cherilheth
the foul of man j joyned alfo with conlbrt of Mufick, whereby it maymore fweetly infinuate it felf,it hath won fuch accefs, that it hath been
in eftimation even in rude times , and Barbarous Nations, wheri other
Learning flood excluded.
IL Dramatical^ or Reprefentatrve Poejie , vehich bringj the World up'
CM thejiage, is of excellent ufe, if it were not abufed. For the Inflru-
^tions, and Corruptions of the Stage, may be great 3 but the corrupti-
ons in this kind abound j the Difcipline is altogether neglefted in our
times. For although in Modern Common-wealths , Stage-playes bebut efteemed a fport or paflime, unlefs it draw from the Satyr, and bemordent 3 yet the care of the Ancients was, that it Ihould inftruft the
minds of men unto virtue. Nay, wife men and great Philofbphers
have accounted it, as the Archet, or mufical Bow of the Mind. Andcertainly it is moft true , and as it were, a fecret of nature , that the
minds of men are more patent to affeClions p and itfiprejjions^ Congregate^
thanfolitary.
III. But Poefic AUtifive, or Parabolical, excels the rejl^ and feemeth to be
a facred and venerable thing 3 efpecially feeing Religion it felf hath al'
lowed it in a work^ of that nature, and by it, trafickj divine commodities
Tpith men. But even this alfb hath been contaminate by the levity andindulgence of mens wits'aboutvfZi'egtfr/e/. And it is of ambiguous ufe,
and applied to contrary ends. For it ferves for Ohfcuration 3 and it
ferveth alfo for lUuJiration : in this it feems, there was fought a way-
how to teach 3 in that an Art how to conceal. And this way ofteach-
ing, which conduceth to lHuJiration, was much in ufe in the Ancient
times : for when the inventions and conclufions of humane reafon,
(which are now common and vulgar) were in thofe ages ftrange andunufual 3 the underltandingsof menwere not fb capable of that fub-
tilty, unlefs fuch difcourfes , by refemblances and examples , werebrought down to fenfe. Wherefore in thofe firfl ages all were full ofFables, and o{Parables, and oi jEnig}ftaes,znd o^ Similitudes of all fort;.
Hence the Symboles of Pythagoras 5 the JEnigmaes of Sphynx 3 and the
tivHiftPables of y£fop j and the like. So the Apophthegmes of the Ancient
il.k.2. * fages, were likewife exprefjed by ftntilitudes. So Menenius Agrippa
,
amongft
L r E. II. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 69
amongft the Romans, a Nation in that Age not learned, reprefled a fe-
dirion by a Fable. And as Hierfiglyphickj were before letters 3 fo Para-
blet were before Arguments. So even at this day, and ever, there is
and hath been much life, and vigour in Parables 5 becaufe Argumentscannot be (bfenfible, nor examples fo fit. There if another «fe of Para-
bolical PoeJ}, oppefite to theformer, which tetidethto thefolding up ofthofe
things ; the dignit) whereof deferves to be retired, and diflingH/jJit, of
tpith ii drawn Curtain : That is, when thefecrets and ntyjicr/es of Religion^
Policy, and Philofophy are veiled, and inveUed with Fables, and Para-
hies. But whether there be any miftical fence couched under the anci-
ent Fables ofthe Toets^ may admit Ibme doubt ; and indeed for our part
Vve incline to this opinion, as to think, that there was an infufed my»ftery in many ofthe ancient Fables of the Poets. Neither doth it moveus that thefe matters are left commonly to School-boys, and Gramma-rians, andfoareembafed, that we fhould therefore make a flight judge-
ment upon them : but contrarywife becaufe it is clear, that the writings
which recite thofe Fables, ofall the Writings ofmen, next tofacred writ,
are the moft aijent 3 and that the Fables themfelves, are far more an-
cient than thej^beihg they are alledged by thofe writers, not as exco-
gitated by them, but as credited and recepted before) they (eem to belike a thin fine rarified Air, which from the traditions ofmore AncientNations, fell into the Flutes ofthe Grecians. And becaufe that what-fbever hath hitherto been undertaken for interpretation of thefe Para-
bles, namely by unskilful men, not learned beyond common places,gives
us no fatisfaftion at all ; we thought good to refer Philofopy according *to ancient Parables, \ti the nnmhtt c^ Deficients.
'
§ And we will annex an example or two of this work : not that thematter perhaps is offuch moment ; but to maintain the purpofe ofourdefign. That is this 5 that ifany portion of thefe works, which we re-
port as Deficient, chance^ to be more obfcurethaa ordinary 5 that wealways propofe, either Precepts, or Examples, for the perfedling ofthat work , lefl perchance fome fhould imagine , that our conceit
hath only comprehended fbme light notions of them 5 and that we like
Augures, only meafure Countries in our mind, but know not how to(et one foot forward thither. As for any other part defeftive in Poefy^
we find none 5 nay rather, P^^e/y being a plant coming, as it were, fromthcluftofa rankfoil, without any certain feed, it hath fprung up, andfpread abroad above all other kind of Learning, But now we will
propound examples, innumber only three, one from things Natnral^
one from Politicals and one from Moral.
• The firfl example of Philofophy, according to Ancient Parables in
things Natural. Of the Univerfe, according to
the Fable (?/Pan.
tV. The Original of r-iw, the Ancients leave doubtful 5 forforae fay
that he was the Son of Mercury, others attribute unto him a far different 3°*'g^.
beginning : For they affirm that all Penelopes fuitors had to do with her, rod.Euf»
and from this promifcuous Aft Pan defcended, a Common offfpringto
them all. There is a third conceit of his birth, not to be pifled over
:
for fbme report that he was the Ton oiJupiter and Hybiis; which (ignifi^a
€0/J--^
yo Of the Advancement of Learning. L i e. I[*
conturaelie. But however begotten, theParc£, they fay, were his fi-
'
fters who dweh in a cave under ground , but Pun remained in the open
Air. The figure and form. Antiquity reprefented him by, was this.
He had on his head a pair ofHorns, rifing in a fharp, acuminate to hea-
ven ; his body (bagged, and hairy ^ his beard very long j his fhape hi-
formed; above like a man, below like a beaft; finifht with thefeetof
a Goat. Hebarethefeenfigns ofjurifdidion, iti his left hand a pipe
of feven Reeds ; in his right a (heep hook or a ftafF. at the upper end
crooked or inflexed : he was clad with a Mantle made of a Leopards
skin, r/je ^7^»/77C/ and offices attributed unto him were thefe^ that
he was the God of Hunters; of Shepherds ; and of all Rural Inhabi-
tants: Lo. Prefident Mountains 5 and next to Jlfercuiy, the Embafla-
dour of the Gods. Moreover he was accounted the Leader, and Com-mander ofthe Nymphs , which were always wont to dance the Rounds,
and frisk about him ; his train were the Satyrs, and the old sile»i: Hehad power alfo to ftrike men with terrors, and thofe efpecially vain,
and fuperftitious, which are termed rat7ick fears. His a3s recordedCjc Fp'fl.
are not many •> the chiefeft was, that he challenged Cn^ at wreftling,*in which conflift he had the foil ; caught Typhon in a n" and held him
Claud, de faft^ Moreover when Ceres being (ad arid vext for the Rape of Proferpi'R.Profer.
^^^ ^^^ j^j^ ^^^ j-^l£-^ ^^^ ^f^^j ^H the Gods took pains.by difperfingthem-
fclves feveral ways, to find her out ; it was only Pans good fortune, as
he was hunting, to lite on her, andtogivethefirft intelligence where
(he was. He p-efumed alfo to put it to the trial,who was the better mu-
Q„;j fician he or Apollo^ and by the judgment ofi^/i^s/^ was preferred ; for
Met.^r. which judgment, Midas had a pair of AfTesears fecretly imped to his
head. Ofthe Love-tricks ofP^iw, there is nothing reported, oratleafi:
not much ; a thing to be wofldred at, efpecially being among a TroopofGods fo profufely amorous. This alfo is (aid of him, That he loved
the Nymph Ecr^tf,whom he took to wife ; and one pretty wench morecalled Sjirinx, towards whom Cupid (in an ^gry revengeful humourbecaufe (b audacioudy he had challenged him at wreftling) inflamed his
defire. <S*^ he is reported once to have (bllicited the Moon apart into
the high Woods. Moreover he had no i(rue (which is a marvel al(b,
feeing the Gods,rpeciaIly thole ofthe male-kind,were very Generative)
only he was the reputed Father of a little Girl called lambe, that with
many pretty tales was wont to make ftrangers merry ; and fbme thought
that (he was begotten of his wife Eccho. The Parabfe feemeth to be
this.
§ Pi7« as the very name imports reprefents, or layeth open the world,
or the world of things. Concerning his Original there are only two o-
pinions that go for Currant ; For either he came ofMerrnrj, that is the
IVordofGod^ which the holy Scriptures, without all Controver(ie,af^
firm ; and the Philofophers, fuch as were the more Divine,faw; or el(e
from the confufed feeds of things. For (bme of the Philo(bphers
Laert.in held, that the Seeds and Principles of Nature, were even in the fub-Anaxsg. ftance infinite, hence the opinion, o{ Similary Parts primordial, was
brought in; which >4/;^xd'^(7r(«s' either invented, or celebrated. Somemore acutely and foberly, think it fufficient to (alve the variety ofNa-
t-aert in ture , if feeds, the (ame in fubftance, be only diverfified in form andfitisto- figure; certain and definite; and placed the reft in the inclofure, and
bofbra
L I B. II. Of the Advancement of Learning. j i
bolbm of the feeds. From this fpring, the opinion of Atonies is deri-
ved, which Dcmocrttns raaititain'd ; ami Lticrfpnr found out. But o- ^i'^'t-'o
therSj though they afEfm only one Principle ofNature (TA-t/w watery^""*
Anaxiruencs Air j HcracUtus Fire) ytt they haVe defined that Principle,
which is one in Ad, to" be various and difp'enfable in power 5' as that'
wherein the feeds of all natural elTences lie hidden. They who haveintroduced the fiift Matter every way dilarayed, and unformed, and /« limta
indifferent to any form (as Vlatd and Arijiotlc did ) came to» a far nea- V^^^-'^'
rer, and natural relembiance ofthe Fi^nre ofthe Parable. For they con-
ceiv'd the Vlatter as a common Courtezan ; and tTie Forms as Suitors,
So as all the Opinions.touching the beginnings ofthings come to this
point, and maybe reduc'd to this diftribution j that the world tookbeginning. either iiom AfercHry •, orfrqm r<r>?e/^ey and all her fuitors.
i^he third Conceit of Tans Original is fiich, as it (eems th'af the Grecians
either by intercourfe with the iEgyprians; or One way or other, hadneard fbmething ofthe Hebrew myfteries. Fot it points to the ftatc
ofthe World not confidered in the ab(t)lute produftion ; but as it ftood
after the fall ofAdam, expos'd and made fubjeft to Death aud Corrup-
tion: For in that ftate it was,, and remains to this day 5 theoff-fpring
ofGod 5 and of Sin, ot Contumely .• "For the like fin ofAdam was a kind Gsn.s;
of Contumely5whence xr^w/^/'c//4« Cod. Andthereforeallthefe three
Narrations concerning the manner ofVans Birth, may feem true ; if they
be rightly diltinguitht according to things and times. For this Pan^
is we now behold and comprehend It, took beginning from the wordofGod, by the means of confufed matter, which yet was the work ofGod, and the entrance of Prevarication, and through it ofcorrupti-
on.
^ The Dcjiinies may well be thought the fifters of Pan^ or Nature .•
for the beginnings, and continuances, and diffolutions; the Deprefii-
onsaKb, and eminencies, and labours, and felicities of things 5 andwhatfoever conditions ofa particular Nature, ire called Fates or Dcjii"
niet : which yet, unlefs it be in (brae noble individuate (ijbjed, as a
Man, a City, or a Nation, commonly are not acknowledged. ButPa», that is, the Nature of things, is the caufe of thele feveral dates,
and qualities in every particular 5 fb as in refpefl: ofIndividuals, the
cA<zi« ofnature, and the thread of the D^/«/V/, is the (ame. More-over the Ancients feigned, that r<z« ever lived in the open Air 3 butthe Parc£, or Dejiinies, in a mighty fubrerraneous Cave; from whencewith an infinite fwiftnefs they flew to men ; becaufe the nature and com-inonface ofthcVniverfe is apert, and vifible j but the individual Fatej^
of Particulars are fecret, fwift, and fuddain. Bnt if F<z/e be taken in
a more general acception, as to fignifie the more notable only, and notevery common event ^ yet in that (enfe alfo, the Ggnification is corre-
(pondent to the univerfal flate ofthings^ feeing from the order of^7^=.
iure, there is nothing fofmall which comes to pa(s without a Caule;and nothing (b abfolutely great, as to be independent ; fo that the ve-ry Fabrick ofNature comprehendcth in the lap and bo/bra thereof, eve*ry event, fmall or great 5 and by a conftant ruledifclofeth them in duefealbn. Wherefore no marvel if the Parc£ be brought in,as the legiti-
mate Sifters of r^^ .- For Fortune is the daughter ofthe foolifh vulgar^"
and found favour only with the more uiiifound Phifofbphefs, Certain
72 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. II.
ly the words of Epicurus (avour left of Dotage than of prophanenefsSenec.ia yy^ere he faith , Pr^Jlare, credere fabulam Deoruf», quam Fatum ajjere-^' '
rc^ As ifany thing in the frame ofnature could be like an Ifiand, which
is feparate from the coaneftion ofthe continent. But Epicuruf (as it is
evident from his own words) accommodating, and fubjedling his Na-
tural Philofophy to his Moral ^ would hear of no opinion which might
preft and fting the confcience , or any way difcalm, and trouble that
EHthymia^ or Tranquillity of mindi which he had receiv'd from Demo-critus. Wherefore being more indulgent to the delufions of his ownfancyes, than patient of truth , he hath fairly caft off the yoak, andabandon'd as well the Necejjity o?Fate^ as the Fear of the Gods. Andthus much concerning the Fraternity oi'Pan with the Dejlwies.
(j Horns are attributed unto the World, broad at the root, (harp at
the top ; the nature ofall things being like a Pyramis leffening upwards.
For Individuals in which the Bafe of nature is fpread out; being infi-
nite, are coUedted into Species , which are many alfo 5 Species agaid
rife up into Generals j and thefe afcending are contrafted into more U-niverfal Generalities ; fo that at length, nature may feem to clofe in a
unity s which is fignified by the Pyramidal Figure otPans Horns, Nei-ther is it to be wondr'd at, that Pan toucheth heaven with his horns $
leeing the tranfcendentals of Nature, or Vniverfal ideas, do in (bmefort reach things Divine. Wherefore Homtrsfamons Chain of Natural
lliad.ix. caufes, tyed to the foot of lupiters Chair, was celebrated. And it is
plain, thatnotmnconverCantinMetaphyficl^^j and thofe things whichin Nature are Eternal, and immoveable 5 and that hath never fo little
withdrawn his mind from the fluid ruin offublunary things, which dothnot at the fame inftant fall upon Natural Theology : Co diredt and com-pendious a paflage it is , from the top of the Pyramis j to matters Di-vine.
§ The body o£ Nature is elegantly 4q)& and lively drawn Hairy, re-
prefenting the beams of things, for beams are, as it were, the hairs or
bridles ofnature , and every Creature is more or lels Beamy, whichis moft apparent in the faculty of feeing , and no lefs in every magne-
tick virtue, and operation upon diftance j for whatfoever worketh up-
on any thing upon Diftance, that may rightly be (aid to dart forth rays.
Moreover Pans beard is faid to be exceeding long, becaufe the beams or
influences ofthe Heavens 5 and fpecially of the Sun, do operate, andpierce fartheft ofall 3 fo that not only the furfacc, but the inward bow-els ofthe earth have been turn d ; (ubduc'd, and impregnate, with the
mafculine Spirit ofthe heavenly influence. And the form ofr^»/ ^e<ir(i
is the more elegant j becaule the 5'«»,when his higher part, is (hadow-
cd with a Cloud, his beams break out in the lower 5 and fo appears to
the eye as ifhe were bearded.
§ Nature is alfo moft exprefiively (et forth with a bi-formed Body 5
in reference to the Differences between (uperiour and inferiour bodies.
For the one part, by reafon oftheir beauty , and equability 5 and con-
ftancy ofmotion 3 and dominion over the earth ; and earthly things 5
is aptly fet out by the (hape ofman : And the other part in refpeft oftheir perturbations , and irregular motions 5 and thai they are formo(t
part commanded by the Celeftial , may be well (itted v/ith the figure
of a bruit beaji. Again this fame bi-formed defcription of his body, per-
tains
Lib. II. Of the Advancement ofLearning. ji
tains to the participation of the fpeciesor kind j for no fpecies of Na-ture, feems to be fimple j but, as it were participating aud conipoundedof two, EfTential Ingredients. For Man hath fomething of a Bcaft ; aBeaftfomethingofa Plant : a Plant fomething of an inanimate Body:and all natural things are indeed bi-formed j and compounded of a fuo
periour and inferiour kind.
i) it is a witty Allegory that fame, of the/cf/ of the Ooat j by rea-
{bn of the upward tending motions ofTcrreftrial bodies towards the re-
gions of the air j and of the heaven ; where al(b they become pcnfile 5
and from thence are rather forc'd down, than fall down. For the Goatis a mounting Animal, that loves to be hanging upon rocks, and preci-
pices, and fteep hills : And this is done alfo in a wonderful manner,even by thofe things which are deftinated to this inferiour Globe 5 as
may manifeftly appear, in Clouds and Meteors, And it was not withoutthe grounds ofreafon, that Gilbert, who hath written a painful and an oe MagnJexperimental work, touching a LoadJIone, cafl: in this, doubt, IVhether
»r no ponderoHi bodies, after a great diflancc, and long difcontinuance
from the earth, may not put off their motion towards the inferiour Globe,}
§ The two enfigns which Pan bears in his hands, do point, the oneat Harmony, the other at Empiry: for the Pipe offeven Reeds, doth e-
vidently demonftrate the confent and Harmony ; or dilcordant concordof Nature, which is caufed by the motion ofthe feven wandring ftars;
for there are no other Errors, or manifeft Expatiations in heaven, favethole ofthe feven Planets 5 which being intermingled, and moderatedwith the equality ofthe fixed ftarrs 5 and their perpetual and invaria-
ble diftance one from the other, may maintain and excite both the con-ftancy in fpecifical i and the fluency ofIndividual Natures. If there beany leflet Planets which are not confpicuous ; or any greater Mutati-'
on in heaven (as in many fuperlunary Comets) they feem but like Pipes,
cither altogether mute, or only ftreperous for a time, becaufe their in-
fluencc either doth not ftrcam downfo low as to us , or doth not longinterrupt the Harmony of xht feven Pipes of Pan. And that StaffofEmpiry, may be excellently applied to the order of Nature , which is
partly right, partly crooked. And this ftafFor rod is efpecially crook-ed at the upper end j becaufe all the works of Divine Providence are
commonly fetcht about by circuits , and windings j Co that one thing
may feem to be done, and yet indeed a clean contrary brought to pals 5
ds thefelling of Jofeph into Egypt , and the like. Befides in all wife hu-^*"'''^'
mane Government, they that (it at the helm , do more happily bringtheir purpofes about, and infinuate more eafily things fit for the people,
by pretexts, and oblique courfes j than by dawn-right dealing. Nay,(which perchance may feem very ftrange) in things meerly natural, youmay fooner deceive nature, than force her j fo improper, and felf-im-
peaching are open direft proceedings j whereas on the other fide, anoblique and an infinuating way, gently glides along, and corapafTeth theintended effed.
§ Pans Cloal^or Mantle, is ingenioufly feigned to be the Skjn of 4Leopard, becaufe it is full of fpots : fo the Heavens are fpotted withSt^rs 5 the Sea with Iflands 5 the Land with Flowers -, and every par-»
ticularcfeaturealfo, is for moft part garnilhed with divers colours a >»
bout the fuperficies , which is, as it were, a Mantle unto it.
K § The
74 ^/ ^^^ Advancement of Learning, L i b . II.
§ the office of Pan could be by nothing fo conceived 5 and expreft
to the life^as by feigning him to be the God ofHunters'^ox every natural
Aftion, andfo by confequence, motion and progreffion, is nothing elfe
but a Hnnting. Arts 'and Sciences have their works, and humane
-Councils their ends, which they they earneftly hunt after. All natu-
ral things have either their food, as aprej 5 or their pleafure, as a re-
creation 5 which they feek for , and that in a quick- difcurfive, and di(^
terning way,
Yirg.B.i. Tortjo. leana Lupu/ft fequitur. Lupus ipfe Capel/afff^
Florentem Cythifhrn fequitur lafciva Capella,
§ Pan isalfofaid to be the God of the Country Swains^ beCaufe
men of this condition lead lives more agreeable unto Nature, thanthofe
that live in the Cities and Courts of Princes 5 where Nature by too
much Art is corrupted : fo as the faying of the Poet (though in th«
fence oflove) may be here verified :
liiixt,ta, ^-'Vars minima, ejl ipfapueUafui,
h Tan was held to be Lord Freftdent of the Mountains , becaufc in
high Mountains and Hills l<!ature lays her felf moft open, and is moft
difplayed to the view and contemplation of men.
§ Whereas Pan is faid to be ( next unto Mercury") the Mejfenger of
the Gods , there is in that a Divine Myftery contained , becaufe, next
unto the word ofGod, the Image of the world proclaims the Divine
power and wifdom j as records the (acred Poet,The Heavens proclaim thtPfaLip. Qlofy of God^and the vafi Expanfion reports the workj ofhis hands.
§ Tht Nymphs^ that is the Souls of living thingSj give great delight
to Pan : for the fouls of the living are the Minions ofthe World. TheConduit of thcfe Nymphs is with great reafon attributed to Pan^ be-
caufe thefe Nymphs^or Souls of theliving,do follow their natural difpo-
fition, as their guides; and with infinite variety everyone of them af^
ter the faOiion of his Country, doth leap and dance with unccffant mo"
pj Jtron about her. Wherefore one of the Modern very ingenioufly hath
reduced all the power of the Soul into Motion j noting the mifprifion,
and precipitancy of fome of the ancients; who fixing their eyes andthoughts with unadvifed hafte,upon Memory ; Imagination and Reafon
h2ive ^^^ovtx the Cogitative faculty wntoxxcht'-y which hath a chiefpart
in the order of conception. For he that calleth a thing into his mind,
whether by impreffion or recordation, cogitateth and confidereth ; andhe that imployeth the faculty of hisphanfie, alio cogitateth j and he
that reafoneth doth in like manner cogitate oradvife : and to be brief^
the Soul of man, whether adraonifhtby fenfe, or left to her own liber-
ty ; whether in funftions of the Intelled, or of the aflfeftions and ofthe
will, dances to the mufical Airs of the cogitations , which is that tripu-
diation of the Nymphs.
§ TheSatyres^ and Sileni , are perpetual followers of Pan, that is'
old age and youth : for of all natural things,there is a lively,;oa]nd,and
(as I may fay) a dancing age ; and a dull , flegmatick age ; the car-
riages and difpofitions of both which ages, may peradventure feem to a
man
i
Lib. II. Of the Advancement ofLeaniiug. y^
man which ferioully obfeives them^ as ridiculous and deformed, as thofe
of the SatjrSyOV of the Silent.
§ ToucW'ingtheTcrrorsir.hk/jPanJsfiidtol'etheAuthfr of, theremaybe made a wife inftrudiion ; namely, that Nature hath implantedin every living things a kjtjd of care andfear, tending to the pnjervatioft
Qf its own life, and being •, and to the repelling andjl)unning of al/ hurtful
encotintcrf. And yet Nature knows not how to keep a mcaUj but al-
ways intcrmixeth vain and empty fears, with fuch as are difcreet
and profitable ^ fo that all things (if their infides might be fcen) wouldappear full of r^tw/c^/'''^^-'^-^ 5 but fpecially Men 5 and above all othermen, the people which are wonderfully travailed and tolled with fu-
perftition^ fpecially in hard, and formidable, and adverfe times 5
which indeed is nothing elfe but a Fanick^ terror. Nor doth this fu-
perftition reign only in the vulgar 5 but from popular opinons, breaksout fome times upon wife men i as Divinely Epicurus (if the reft ofhis dilcourfes touching the Gods, had been conformable to this rulej
Uon Decs vulgi negare prophanum ^ fed vulgi opiniones diis applicare pro- Laert. ia
phanum. Epicur,
§ Concerning the audacity of Pan ; and his comhate upon challenge
with Cupid i the meaning of it is, that matter wants not inclination
and defire, to the relapjing and diffolution of the World into the old Chaos 5
ifher malice and violence were not rcjirained and kept in order, by the pre-
potent concord ofthings :, fgnijied by Cupid, or the God of Love, Andtherefore it fell out well for man, by the fatal contexture of the world 5
or rather the great goodnefs of the Divine Providence, that ran wasfound too weak, and overcome. To the lame efFedl may be interpret»
ed, his catching of Typhon in a net : for howfoever there may fome-times happen vaft, and unwonted tumors ( as the name of Typhon im.ports) either in the Sea, or in the Air, or in the Earth j yet naturedoth intangle in an intricate toil, and curb, and reftrain, as it were witha chain of Adamant, the excefl'es and inlblencies of thele kind ofBodies.
§ As touching the finding out of Ceres, attributed to this God, andthat as he was hunting and thought little of it, which none of the otherGods could do, though they did nothing elfc but feek her, and that
with diligence j it gives us this true and grave admonition •, that is,
^bat men do not expe^ the invention of things neccffaryfor life and man-ners,from abjiraci Philofophies,asfrom the greater Codsjthough theyfjould
apply themfelves to no otherfkudy ••, but onlyfrom Pan, that is,from difcreet
experience, andfrom the univerfal obfervation of the things of the IForldj
where oftentimes by chance (and as it were going a hunting) fuch in-
ventions are lited upon. For the moft profitable inventions, are theoff-fpring of experience j andjas it were^certain Donatit^es diftributed
to men by chance.
^ His coateftation with ApoUoahoni Muftck^^ and the event thereof^ Addasac
contains a wholefome inftruftion , which may ferve to reftrain mens slndior'reafons, and judgements, with the reins offobriety, from boafting and coirment.
and glorying in their gifts. For there feems to be a two fold Harmony ^et^*^*,or Mufleli-) the one of Divine Wifdom j the other of Humane R«a-(bn, for, to humane judgement, and as it were, the car ofmorralsjtheadrainiftrationof the world j and of Creatures therein j and the
K 2 more
-76 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. 11.
more fecret judgements of God, Ibund fomevvhat hard and harfh
:
Which rude ignorancCj albeit it be well proclaim'd by Affes ears 5 yet
notwithftanding thefe ears are fecret , and do not openly ap-
pear, neither is it perceived, or noted as a Deformity by the
Vulgar.
§ Laftly, it is not to be wondered at, that there is nothing attri-
buted unto Pan concerning Loves , but only of the marriage with
Eccho 5 for the world doth injoy it felf, and in it felf all things elfe.
Now he that loves would enjoy fomething : but where there is enough^
there is no place left to defire. Wherefore there can be no wanton love
in Faff, or the Worlds, nor delire to obtain any thing, (feeing it is con-
tented With it felf) but only Speeches ; which (ifplain) are pronounced
by the Nymph Eccho^ a thing notfubftantial, but only vocal 5 if moreaccurate by Sjritiga 5 that is, when vDords and voices are regulated bycertain numbers 5 Poetical, or Oratorical, asbymufical meafures. It
is an excellent invention, that amongfty/»eefAe/ and voices^ only Eccha
fhould be taken in marriage by the IVorldj for that alone is true Phih-
fophy^ which dothfaithfully render the very words of the world 5 and which
is written^ no otherwife, than the world doth di3ate j and is nothing elfe
than the image and reflexion thereofj and addeth nothing of its own,but only iterates, and refbunds.
§ And whereas Pan is reported to have called the Moon ajide into a.
high-padowed woodj feems to appertain to the convention between
fence and heavenly, or divine things; For the ca(e oi Endymion^ andPan are different ^ the Moon of her own accord came down to Endymi-
on^ as he was afleep : For that Divine illuminations oftentimes gently fide
into the underjianding^ caji ajleep^ and retiredfrom thefenfes ; but ifthey
be called, and fent for by Senfe, as by Pan 3 then they prefent no other
light than that,
^ale fub incertam hnamfub luce maligna.
Eji iter in Jylvis.
It belongs alfo to the fufficiency^ and perfe&ion of the world, that it begets
no iffue : For the world doth generate in refped: ofits parts 5 but in re-
fpeft of the whole, how can it generate, feeing there is no body be-
yond the bounds ofthe Univerfe ? As for that Girl lambe, fathered Up-
on Pan, certainly it is a wife adjediion to the fable 5 for by her are re-
prefented thofe vain and idle Paradoxes concerning the nature of things^
which have been frequent in all ages , and have filled the worldwith novelties , for the matter, fruitlefs 5 fpurious for the Race 5 bytheir garrulity , fometimes pleafant ; fometiraes tedious and un-
feafonable.
An other example of Philofbphy according to Ancient Parables
in Politicks f)/^r^r3 according to the
Fable of Perfeus.
Hered. V. Perfeus a Prince of the Eafi is reported to have bee» imployed by
ouid"^'Pallas/(7r tbe dejiroying of Medufa, who was very infeftious to the We-
Mcr.4. ftern parts of the World , about the utmoll: Coafls of Hiberia. AMonjier
L I B. 11. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, nj
//(?»/?t'r huge and fierce, ofan afpeft (bdire and horrid, that with her P"'''
very looks (he turn'd men into (tones . Of all the Gorgons.\.\i\s Mednja^^^^^'
aloue was mortal, the reft not (ubjeft to death ; Perjciis therefore pre-
paring himfelf for this noble enterprile, had Arms and gifts beftovved
on him by three of the Gods: Mra/ry gave him wings fitted for his
feet not his arms •-, Pluto a helmet^ P^//.»/ a ftiield, and a Looking-gla(s.
UotTpithJiending although he was thus well furniflit, he went not di-
reftly to Meduja, but turned into the Grc£^ which by the Mothersfide were fifters to the Gorgons. Thefe Gre<e from their birth werehoary-hcaded, refembling old women. They had but one only e/e,
and one tooth among them all 5 both which as they had occafion to goabroad, they were wont in courfe to take with them, and at their re-
turn to lay them down again. This cyt and tooth they lent to Vcrfcus 5
fo finding himfelfcompletely appointed for the Aftion dcfigned, withwinged fpeed he marches towards Medusa. Her he found fleeping ,
yet durft not venture himfelf a front to her a(ped, if fhe fhould chanceto awake 5 but turning his head afide, beholding her by reflexion in
VAUai her Mirror^ and fodirefting his blow^cut off her head ^ from whofebloud guQiing out , inftantly there emerged Tegaftu the flying Horfe.
Her head thus fmitten off, Toyc;//'transfers and inlerts into VaU
Us her (hield 5 which yet retained this virtue, that whoibever looktupon it, as one blafted or Plannet-ftruck, he (hould fuddenly becomefenfelefs. ""
'
ij "this Fable feerasto be devifed "for direction to the preparation , Sandys
and order that is to be oblerved in making of war. And firft the un- ^''™-
dertaking of any war ought to be as a eommiffion from Pal/as^ cer- oviJ*'"tainly not from Fenns, (as the Trojan war was) or fome fuch flight Met.4.
motive 3 becaufe the Defigns of War, ought to be grounded upon fo- R-enovard,
lid counfels. Then for the choice of War, for the nature and quality
thereof 5 the Fable propounds three grave and wholfome Precepts. The
Jtrji zs,thata Prificedo not much trouble himfelfabout theconqucji ofneigh-
hour Nations : nor is the way of enlarging a Patrimony^ and an Evtpiry^the
fame ^ for in the augmentation ofprivate poffcjjions^ the vicinity of Terri'
tories is to be confidered j but in the amplification of ptiblick^ Dominions^
the occajion andfacility of makingrcar^ and thefruit to be cxpe&ed, ought
to be injiead of propinquity. Therefore Perfeus^ though an Eaftcrn
Prince, makes the expedition of his War a far off, even in the remoteft
parts of the Weftern World. There is a notable prefident of this Cafe,pj^,f
-
in the different manner of warring, pra(jtifed by two Kings, the Father Aiex.id,
and the Son, Philip and Alextnder. Fox Philip v/atred upon Borderers l^i^""'
only, and added to the Empire fome few Cities, and that not withoutgreat contention and danger j who many times , but efpecially in aThcban war, w'as brought into extreme hazard : But Alexander carried
the Anions of his War a far off 5 and with a profperous boJdncfs un-dertook an expedition againft the rer/i<?« ; conquered infinite Nati-
ons; tired, rather with travel than war. This point is farther cleared
in the propagation of the Roman Empire^ what time their conquelts to-
wards the IVeft fcarce reacht beyond Liguria, did yet in the Eaji, bring
9II the Provinces, as far as the mountain Taurus, within the corapafs oftheir Arras and command. So Charles the Eightb,King of France, find- ni/f.Ft iti.
ing the War of Britain (which afterward was compounded by marrige) Seir«if j-
Qoe
yS Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. If,
Cic.i.de
Off.
Bacon dejure Belli
conr.
Hifp.
Ovid.Met. IX.Sandifii.
Cpm-ment.
facit.
Herodian&c.
Fra.Ba-
cotiut fu-
pra.
fiot fo feafible, purfued his enterprire upon Naples^ which he accomplifht
with wonderful facility and felicity. Certainly wars made upon Nati-
ons far off', have this advantage, that they are to fight with thofe whoare not praftifed in the difcipline and Arras of the Aggreflbr : but in a
war made upon Borderers, the ca(e is otherwife. Befides the preparati-
on for fuch an expedition is commonly better appointed j and the ter-
ror to the enemy from fuch a bold and confident enterprize , the grea-
ter. Neither can there ufually be made, by the enemy to whom the
war is brought fb far off', any retaliation or reciprocal invafion j whichin a war upon borderers often falls out. But the chief point is, «that in
fubduing a neighbour ftate, the eledion of advantages is brought to a
ftreight j but in a foreign expedition,a man may turn the race ofthe warat pleafure, thither, where military difcipline is moft weakned 5 or
the ftrcngth ofthe Nation much wafted and worn ; or Civil difcords are
feafbnably on foot 5 or fuch like opportunities prefent themlelves.
§ Thefecond precept k, that the motives ofivar bejuji ; and Religious 3
and Honourable--i
andPlaufihle : for- t;hat begets alacrity, as well in the
Souldiers that fight, as in the people that afford pay : it draws on andprocureth aids 5 and hath many other advantages befides. Amongftthe juft grounds of war, that is moft favourable^ which is undertaken
for the extirpation of Tyrants , under whom the people loole their
courage, and are caft down without heart and vigour, as in thejightof
Mednfa: which kind of heroick Adts, procured Hercules a divinity a-
mongft the Gods. Certainly it was a point of Religion amongft the
Romans, with valour and fpeed, to aid and fuccour their confederates
and allies, that were any way diftrefled. So juft vindiftive wars have,
for moft part been profperous , fo the war againft Brutus and Cafjius^
for the revenge of C<?/^«*j deaths q£ Severus for the death ofPertinax^
, ofJunius Brutus for the revenge ofthe death ofLncretia : and in a word,whofoever relieve and reyeijge the calamities and injuries ofmen, bear
arms under rej^us. w-.-y-v y^.^,,'
§ The third precept is^ that inthe itndertakjngofany voar^ atrueejii-*
mate of the forces betaken 5 and that it be rightly weighed whether the
enterprife may be compaft and accompliftit; left vaft and endlefsde-
figns be purfued. For amongji the Corgons, by which war is rcprefen-'
ted, r^r/caif wifely undertook her only, that was mortal 5 and did not
{et his mind upon impoflibilities. Thus far the fable inftrudlrs touching
thofe things that fall in deliberation, about the undertaking ofa vvar^
the reft pertain to the war it felf. •
§ In war thofe three gifts of the Gods do mojl avail, fo as commonlythey govern, and lead fortune after them : for Terfeus receivedfpeed,
fronz Mercury ; concealing ofhk Counfels, from Orcns 5 and Providence
from Pallas. Neither is it without an Allegory, and that mdft prudent,
that thofe wings offpeed in difpatch ofaffairs (for quickneis in war is offpecial importance) were faftened unto his heels, and not unto hisArm-holes '-, to his feet, and not to his (houlders 5 becaufe celerity is required,
not fo much in thefirrt aggreffionsand preparations^ as inthepurfuit;
and the fuccours that fecond the firftaflaults : for there is no errors inf
war more frequent, thin that profecution, andfubfidiary forces, fail tS
anfrvcr the alacrity of thefirji ot/fets. Novo the Helmet of Flutfi, whichhath power to make men invifible, is plain in the Moral ; fos .thefecret-^
L I B. II. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. jq
ting of Centifcts next to Celerity^ is of great moment in War 5 whereofCelerity it felf is a great pan j for fpeect, prevents the difcloftre ofCounfclsi. It pertains toPlUto's HelMct, that there be one General ofthe Army in War, invefted <Vith abfolute authority 3 for confultations
coramiinicated with raariyjpiartakemorcofthe Plumes of Mars, than ofthe HclrMct oX'rIntd. To th^ farfic purpofe afe various pretenfions, anddoubtful dcfi^fyitix)ns, ahd emilTary reports , which either ca(t a cloudover jmens^'es^ or turn fpern another way, and place the true aims ofCouniels injpe dark .* for diligent and diffident cautions touching Let-ters, ArtibauadorSj Rebdls, and marty fiich like Provilbeifj adorn andbegirt the HeltMet of rluto. But it itnporteth no lefs, td difcover theCoun^Is ofthe enemy, than to conceal their own : wherefore to theHelmet oirluto, we muft ;oyn the Lookjng-glafs of Pdl/as, whereby theftrength, the weaknefsj the fccret abettdrs, the divifionsandfaftions,
the proceedings and couniels of the enemy may be difct^rned and di(^
clofed. AndbecaufethecafHaltiesofroararefuchi as we muft not puttoo much confidence, either in the concealing our owndefigns, or thediffecreting the defigns of the enemy, or in celerity it (elf ^ we muft e-
fpecially take the shield of Pal/as, that is ofProvidence 5 that fo, aslit-
tlejas may be, be left to Fortune. Hitherto belong the fending out ofEfpials, the fortification of Camps, (which in the Military Difcipline
of this latter age , is almoft grown out of ufe : for the Camps of theRomans were ftrengthened as if it had been a City, againftalladverle
events of War) a fetled and well ordered Army,not trufting too muchto the light Bands, or to the Troops of Horlcmen, and whatfoever ap-pertains to a fubftantial and advifed defenfive War ": feeing in Wars theshield of PaUas prevails more than thefripord of Mafrs,
§ But Perfeus albeit he was fufficiently furnilht with forces and cou-
rage, yet was he to do one thing of fpecial importance, before he en-
terprized the Aftion j and that was, to have (ome intelligence rvitb the
Cre£. Thefe Cre£ are treafons^ which' may be termed the ftiiers ofIVar-.^ not defcended of the fame ftock, but far unlike in nobility ofBirth ; fo IP'ars are Generous and Heroicalj but Treafons bafe and ignoble.
Their defcription is elegant, for they are laid to be gray-headed, andlike old women from their birth ; by reafbn that Traitors are continu-
ally vexc with cares and trepidations. But all their ftrength, before
they break out into open Rebellions, confifts either in an eve, or in a
toothy for every fadlion alienated from any ftate, hzthzn evil eye^ andbites. Befides, this eye and tooth is,a3 it werCjCommon , for whatfoever
they can learn or know , runs from hand to hand amongft them. Andas concerning the /<7(?//j, they do all bite alike, and caftthe famefoan-
dals 5 fo that hear one, and you hear all. Perfeus therefore was to deal
with thefe Grf^,and to engage their affiftance for the loan of their £>«
and Tooth : their Eye for Difcoveriesj their Tooth for the forsing and
ffreading of Rumors 5 and the ftirring up of envy 3 and the troubling
of the minds of men. After all things are rvell, and preparedly difpofed
for war j that is firft of all to be taken into confideration, which Perfeus
did, that Medula may be found afleep : for a wile Captain ever aflaults
the enemy unprepared -j and when he is moft fecure. LaJHy, in the ve-
ry adion and heat of war^ the looking into PaUas her Glafs, is to be put
in praftice : for moft men,beforcit Come to the ptilb^can with diligence
and
8o Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. IL
and circumfpeftion dive into, and difcern the ftate and defigns of the
enemies ^ but in the very point ofdanger, either are amazed with fear ;
or in a ra(h mood fronting dangers too dircftly, precipitate themfelves
into-them 5 mindful of viftory 5 but forgetful of evafion, and retreat.
Yet neither of thefe (hpuld be praftifed, but they (hould look with a
reverfed countenance into FiUas Mirror 5 that fo the (Iroak may berightly direfted, without either terror or fury,
§ After the war was finiflit, and the viftory won, there followed
two Effefts j The procreation and raiding oJTegajtu 5 which evidently de-
notes Fame, that flying through the world proclaims viftory 5 andmakes the remains ofthat war eafy and feafible* The fecond is the bear--
ring efMedufAs head in hisjhield 5 becaufe there is no kind of defence
for excellency comparable tothis : For one famous and memorable Aft
profperoufly enterpriz'd andatchieved , ftrikes the Spirit ofinfurrefti-
on in an enemy, into an amazing terror 3 and blafts envy her felf into
an aftoniftiraent and wonder.
The third Example of Philofophy according 'to Ancient Parables
in Morality. Of Tajjion according to the Fable '
oj DionyfiHS.
Orph.in VI They (ay that Scmele jupiters Minion, having bound her Para-
ol^Met.;, mour, by an inviolable oath, to grant her one requeft which (he wouldEiirip.iA
'
ask, defir'd that he would accompany her in the fame form, wherein
Non' ^^ '^^^^ '" ^° J""^ •" ^° ^^ periQit with lightning. Bnt the Infant
Dion"^"
which fhe bare in her Womb, Jupiter the Father took out, and fbwed
it in his thigh till the months were accompliftit, that it fliould be born.
This burden made Jupiter fbraewhat to limp 5 wherefore the child, be-
caufe it vext and pinched Jupiter, while it was in his flank, was called
Dionyfius. Being born he was committed to Proferpina for feme years to'
be nurft , and being grown up, he had (uch a maiden face, as that a
man could hardly judge whether it were a boy, or a girl. He vpas dead
alfo, and buried for a time, but afterwards revived. Being bnt ayouth
he invented the planting and dreiling of vines 3 the making and u(e ofwine 3 for which becoming famous and renowned, he fubjugated the
world even to the utmoft bounds o^India. He rode in a Chariot drawn
with Tygers. There danced about him certain deformed Hobgoblint
c7\\tACobali-^ y^cr^/w/ and others 3 yea, even the il/wye/alfo were (bmeofhis followers. He took.to wife Ariadne, forfaken andleft hy ThefeHs.
The treefacred unto him tpos the Ivy. He was held the Inventor and /«-
. fiitutor o{facrifices and Ceremonies, but fuch as were frantick and full
Bffior. ' ofcorruptions and cruelties. He had Ukexpife power to jfirike men withEurip.in madne^ : For it is reported that at the Celebration of his Orgyes, two^^*^'
famous Worthies, Penthcus znd Orpheus, were torn in pieces by certain
mad-enraged women 3 the one becaufe he got upon a tree, out ofa cu-
rioficy to behold their Ceremonies in thele Sacrifices, the other becaufe
he played fweetly and cunningly upon the harp. Andfor the Cefls ofV.Cora- this God, they are ina manner the fame yNxthlupiters,
tnent.in ^ there isfuch excellent Morality couchtin thisfable, as Moral Philo-
3! G. Sai*/- fophy affords not better. For under the Perfon of Batchus is defcribed
aiis.R.e. fl}g fjnture ofPaJfion 3 or ofAfe^ions and Perturbations ofthe mind. Firji
Lib. II. Of the Advancement ofLeamiug. 8
1
therefore toiuhing the birth and pareiKace of Pjjjioft ^ the beginning ofall Paflion, though never Co hurtful, is nothing elfe than good App^>-ct7t :
For as the Mother of virtue is good Exijient 5 fo the Mother of Pafliofi
is gpodApp.irettt. The one of thefe (under which Perft)!!, the foul ofraanisreprefpnted) isyw/i/Ze/jJavvfulwife j the other his Concubine;which yet affecteth the honour ofjiino^ as Semclc did. r.;jjhn is con-
ceiv'd in an unlawful delire, ralhly granted, before rightly underltood,
and judged : And afti^r when it begins to grow fervent, the nioiber ofit, whicli is the Nature and Species of Good^ by too much inflammation
is deftroyed and pcrillieth. The proceeding of r<j(/?(;« from the firlt
conception thereof is afcer this manner; It is nounllit atld concealed
by the mind of man, fwhich is the Parent oi^ Paj/ion,) fpecially in the
inferiour part of the mind, as in the thigh ^ and Co vexeth, and pullein,
and deprefleth the mind j as thofe good determinations and aftions,
are much hindrcd and lamed thereby : but when it comes to be con-
firmed by confcnt and habit f and breaks out into Aft, that it hatli
now, as it vvere,fiilhird the months^and is brought forth and born 5 firft,
for a while it is brought up by Proferpina ; that is, it feeks corners andfecret places, and lurk.'^, as it were,under ground j until the reigns of(hame and fear laid afidc, and boldnefs coming on > it either afTumes the
pretext of fome virtue, or becomes altogether impudent and fharne-
le(s. And it is kioU true that every vehement Pajjion is ofa doubtfulfex 5
being mafculme in the firft motion 5 but feminine in profecution, Uis an excellent fclioti, that of dead Bacchus, reviving ; for Palfions ddrbmetiraes leem to be in a dead, fleep, and extind^ but we muft not
trufl: them;,no though they were buried ; For let there be but matter andopportunity offer'd, they ri(e again.
§ The invention of the Vine it a wife Parable 5 for every afFeftion is
very quick and witty in finding out that which nouriQieth and cherifh-
eth it 5 and of all things known to men, xpitie is moji powerful and efftca-
cious to excite and inflame p.ijfions ') of ivbat kjnd foever '-y as being, ifi a
Ibrt^a commc-n incentive to.them all.
fj Again, affe&io» or pajfion is elegantlyfet down to he a fulduer ofNd'tions, and an undertaker of infinite expedition : For de(ire never refts
content with what it pofleffeth s but with an infinite and unfa-
tiable appetite ftiil covets more 3 and barkens after a new pur-
chafe.
ij So Tigers Stable by affe&ions ', and draw their Chariot : For fince
the time that Affeciion began to ride in a Coach j and to go no morea foot 3 and to captivate Reafon •, and to lead her away in triumph 3 it
grows cruel •-, unmanageable and fierce, againfl: vvhatfoever- withrtands
or oppofeth it.
§ And it is a pretty device, that thofe ridicnloHs Demons , are brought
in dancing about Bacchus his Chariot: For every vehement afFedion dothcaufe in the eyes, face, and gefture,undecent and fubleeming, api'fh,and
deformed motions 3 fo that they who in any kind of Paffion, (as inan-
ger, arrogance, or love,) fcem glorious and brave in their own eyes 5 doappear to others miihapen and ridiculous.
^ The Mufes arefeen in the company ofpajjion : and there is almoft noaffection fo depraved and vile, which is not foothed by fome kind ofLearning : And herein the indulgence and arrogancy of Wits doth ex-
L ceedingjy
82 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . II.
ceedingly derogate from the IV^ajefty of the Mufes 5 that whereas they
fhould be the Leaders and Anctent-bearers oflife ; they are become the
foot-pages, and bnfFoons to lufts and vanity.
& Again^ where Bacchus is[aid to have engaged his affeUions on her that
was abandoned and rejeUed by another : it is an Allegory of fpecial re-
gard ; for it is moft certain, that pajjion ever feeks and Cues for that
which experience hath relinquiftit j and they all know, who have paid
dear for ferving and obeying their /«f/j ; that whether it be honour, or
riches, or delight, or glory, or knowledge.or any thing elfe, which they
feek after ; they purfue things caft off, and by divers men in all ages, af-
ter experience hadjUtterly rejedled and repudiate.
^ Neither is it without a My^ery , that the Ivy was facred to Bacchus 5
the application holds two ways: Fz>/?, in that the Ivy remains green in
Winterj Secondly^m that it creeps alongjimbraceth^and advanceth it felf
over fo many divers bodies, as trees, walls, and edifices. Touching the
jTrlt, evetypajjion doth through renitence and prohibition, and as it
were, by an /intiperijiafls, (like the Ivy through the cold of Winter)
grow fre(h and lively. Secondly^ every predominant affeftion in mans
foul, like the Ivy ^ doth compafs and confine all Humane Aftions
and Counfels 5 neither can you find any thing fo immaculate andinconcern'd, which affeftions have not tainted and clinched, as it were,
with their tendrels.
§ Neither is it a wonder, that fuperjiitious ceremonies were attributed
«»f<? Bacchus, feeing every giddy-headed humour keeps, in a manner.
Revel-rout in falfe Religions 5 fo that the poJlutions and diftempers ofHereticks, exceed the Bacchanals of the Heathens 5 and whole fuper-
ftitions have been no left barbarous, than vile and Joathfbme. Nor it
it a wonder^ that madnefs is thought to be fent by Bacchus, feeing every
affeftion in the Excels thereof, is a kind ofport fury -, and if it growvehement and become habitual ; it commonly concludes in Madnefs,
§ Concerning the rending and difmetnbring of Pentheus and Orpheus,
in the celebration of the Orgies «^/Bacchus ; the Parable is plain. For evc-
xy prevalent affeBion is outragious againfttwo things , whereof the one is
curious enqttiry into it j the other free and wholfome admonition. Norwill it avail, though that inquiry was only to contemplate end to be-
hold, as it were going up into a tree, without any malignity of mind j
nor again, though thzt admonition was given with much art and fweet-
nefs 5 but howloever, the Orgies of Bacchus cannot endure either Pen-
theus or Orpheus.
§ Lajily, that confujion of the perfons of Jupiter and Bacchus, may be
well transferred to a Parable , leeing noble and famous Afts , and re-
markable and glorious merits, do Ibmetimes proceed from virtue andwell ordered reafon, and magnanimity ; and fometimes from a fccret
affcftion, and a hidden paffion ; howfoever both the one and the other,
fo affeft the renown ofFame and Glory 5 that a man can hardly diftln-
gui(h between the A6ts of Bacchus , and the Gefts ofJupiter.But weftay too long in the Theatre j let us now pals on tothe Palace
of the Mind 5 the entrance whereof we are to approach with more ve-
neration and attention.
THE
8?
THE
Third BookO F
FRANCIS L. V E RV L A MVicoLiNtS^- ALB AN,
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
LE ARklNG.To the KING.
Chap. L
I. The Fartitioit of Sciences^ into Theology and Pbilofophy. II. Par-
tition of Philofbphy into three Knowledges. OfGod ; ofNature 5
of Man. III. The ConJiitHtion of 9\{\\o(o^h\^'?i\m2L^ orSummar^Philofophy , at the Commune Parent of all»
fLL Hijlory fExcellent King) treads upon the Earth, and per-
forms the office of a Guide, rather than of a light, and
Poefte is , as it were, the dream of Knowledge^ a fvveet
pleafing thing, full of variations 5 and would be thought to
be fomewhat infpired with Divine Rapture j which Dreams
likevvife pretend : but now it is time for me to awake, and to raife
my felf from the Earth , cutting the liquid Air of Philofophy and
Sciences.• 1. KnartIedge is like7»*ters--i fonie waters dejcend from the Heavens ^
pmefaringfrom the Earth , fo the Primary Partition of Sciences, is to be
ticrived from their fountains j fome are feated above 3 fome are here
beneath. For all knoNvledge proceeds from a twofold informations
eitherfrom divine infpiration^ orfrom external Senfe j As for that know-
ledge which infufed by inftruftion 3 that is Cumulative, not Original
,
as it is in waters, which befides the Head-fprings, are encreafed by the
L 3 receptiojj
84 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. IIL
reception of other Rivers that fall into them. Wherefore rve rviUdivide
Sciences, into Theology > andrhilojophj/ j by T/je^%;' we underftand 2«-
fprcd or Sacred Divinity ) not Natural, ofwhich we are to fpeak anon.
But this Infpired Theology, we reierve for the laft place, that we mayclofe up this v/ork with it 3 feeing it- is the Port and Sabbath of all Hu-mane Contemplations.
II. The OhjeB of rhilofophy ii of threeforts 'fGod j Nature^ Mm ^ Co
likewife there is a Triple Seam of things; for Nature darts upon the un-
derjianding with a direB Beam j God hecattfe ofthe inequality of the «re-
diut», -which is the Creature, with a refrain Beam i and man reprefented
and exhibited to himfelf, with a beam reflext. Wherefore Philofbphy
may fitly be divided into three knowledges 5 the knowledge of Codythe kfioxpkdge of Nature j and the knoveledge ofMan.
III. And becaufe the Partition of Sciences are not like leveral lines
that meet in one angle , . but father like branches of trees that meet ia
one ftemm, which rterrtm for Ibme dimenfion arid fpace is entire andcontinued, before it break, and part it (elf into arras and boughs, 5
therefore the nature of the fubjedl requires, before we purfue the parts
ofthe former diftribution, to ereft and conftitute one univerfal Science^
which maybe the mother ofth6feft; and that in the progreft of Sci-
ences, a Portion, as it were, of the common high-way may bekept,
before we come where the ways part and divide themfelves. This Sci-
ence vpejiilc Primitive Philofophy or Sapience, which by the Ancients wasdefin'd to be. The Science of things divine and himane. To xKls Science
none ofthe reft isoppofed, being it is differenced from other Know-ledges, rather in the limits oflatitude 5 than in the things and fubjeft 3
that is, handling only the tops ofthings. Whether I fhould report this
as Deficient.^ I ftand doubtful, yet I think I very well may. For I find
a certain kind ofRhapfody, and confuted mafle of knowledge, namelyo^ Natural Theology j oi Logick^: of particular p^usofNatural Philofophy
(asof the Principles of Nature, and of the foul) compofited and com-piled : arid by the height ofterms, from men who love to admire them»felves advanced, and exalted, as it were, to the vertical point of Sci*
ences. But we, without any fuch ftafely loft-inels, would only have thus
much. That there might be dejign'd a certain Science^ thatfloould he the re-
ceptacle ofaUJuch Axioms, asfall not within the eompaf^ ofanyjpecialpart
of Philofophy i) 'but are more common'toAhem aO-, or moji of them.
I That there ate many of thiskihd,rieeds not to be doubted. Fo^
Euclid. example, ^i in<equalibus xqualia addut , omnia erunt imequali'a 5 is a rulfe
Ei.iib.x. in the Mathematicks : and the fame holds in the Ethicks concerningAttributive ^ujiice-j for in Jtjjiice Expletive,th.'e reafon ofequity requires^
iclid. El. That equal Portion be given to unequal Perfons^ but.ht Attributive, unle^Anil. unequal be diftributcd ktito unequal, it is a gr^'eat injujiice. ^uis ineo»
dem tertio conveniunt, d> inter fe conueniunt y is likewife a rule takenArift.de from the Mathematicks , but fo potent in Logic^ alCo, as all Syllogifins
jye buflt upon it. Naturafe potijfi'mumprodit in minimis, is a rule ia
Natural -philofophy fo prevalent, that it hath produced Democritus his
Atomesjyethath ^r//?<?//emade'g6od ufeofit in bis Politicks, where heraifl'th his contemplations of a City or State, from the Principles of aFamily. Omnia mutantur nil ititcrit'--, is al(b a maxime in Natural Phi-
lofophy thus exprcfTedj that the '^ahtum of Nature is neither dimi-
nifht
Parr. Aniintl.i
ali-
L I B . I ! 1. Ofthe Advancement of Lear^img, 8 5• "
I
nifht nor augmented : The fame is applied to Natural Theology thusvaried 5 That they arc the n>orkj ofthejamc O»i»ipotcnce, tj muke nothingfomcivhat 5 atid to make fcmervhat nothing •-, which the Scriptures Jike-
wile teftifie ; jf hjivc found by experience that aU the veorhj of God dopeyfevere for ever : nothing can be ptit unto them, nor any thing tal{en front ^^'^''^^i'
them, hilcritui ret jrcetur per redu&ionem ejus ad Principia^ \s a rule in
Natural Philolbphy ^ the fame holds alio in the Politicks (as Machiavd ^''^^•'"''-
hath wifely obferved) becaufe the means which muft fpecially preferve c" di''
States from ruinC; are commonly nothing elie than reformation, and a ''".i'b.3.,
redu(!lion ofthem to their Ancient cuftomes. Tutredo ferpens magis con- H^ppo"'*
tagigfa c(l quummatjtraj is aground in Natural Philofophy^ the Jame ^''^d»
i$ an excellent.Maxime in Moral Philofophy •-> becaufe profeliedly wick-ed, and defperately impious perfons^ do not corrupt publick mannersfb much, as they do, whofeemto have (bme (bundnefs and goodneftin them 5 and are difeafed but in part, ^od confervativum ejiformu; Arm.htdjoris, idaUi-vitdtepotentiusj is a ground in natural Philolbphy : for ^"^*-
it makes fjr the confervation of the fabrick of the univerfe 5 that thechain and contexture ofnature, be not cut afunder or broken ; and thatthere be not vacuum, as they call it, or empty difcontinuity in the world
,
and that heavy bodies (hould be congregate and aifembled to the maflypile oftheiearth, makes for the <:x)nlervation of the Region ofgrols andcompared natures : wherefore the firft and univerfal motion commands,and fubducs, the latter and more particular. Thejamc rule holds in thefolitici^y for thofe things which conduce to the confervation of thewhole Body Volitickxn its entire nature andablence, are more potent,
fhan thofe things afe, which make only for the well-fare and exiftence
ofparticular members, in a State or Civil Government. So thefametule takes place in Thedlogy 5 for amongffc Theological virtues, Chari-
^^ a. virtue moft communicative excells all the reft. Augetur vis agen- Arift. Me=
tit per anti'p'erijiafia cdMtrarii : is a tule in Natural Philofophy; the '^°m'*fame worjks wonders Iq Civil ftates,' for all faftion is vehemently moved, /^ ,
^™'
and incetjled at the riting ofa contrary faftion. Tonus difcors itf con-
cdrdem a&itlum defnenx., concentum commendat : To faUfuddenly from v. Boct.de
^ Difcor^d upon a. Concord commends the Air : it isa rule in Mufick; the ^''''"*
Jikeeffe^'it. worketh in Morality, and the AiJeftions. Th&t Trope ofAdufick^ to fall orflidelbfrly, from the clofe or cadence (as they call it)
whenitfeemed even to touch it, is common with the Trope of Ilheto-
nck, of deceiving expe^ation. TheQuavering upon a ftop in Mufick,gives the (arae deliglit to the ear ; that the playing of light uponthe wa-ter, ot'tliefparkling of a Diamond gives to the eye.
.137il.Splendet trer/tuloful» lumine Pontits.
' / .Virgin
;
Organa [exifuum cum Organis refle&ionum conveniunt : This hath place in2\ha
PerJ^£chve Art j for the eye is like to a Glafs, or to waters : andin A- Opt.4.'vi-.
couJiicJ^.^rt 3 for the Inflrument of hearing is like to the ftraits and wind- |j^"''- P^f-
tog wkhiD a Cave. Thefe few inftances may fuffice for examples. And"^'
iadeed theiPerlian Magick, Co much celebrated, conlifts chiefly in this;
to obfcrve the refpondency in the Architectures^ and Fabrickj of things Na-
tural j and ofthings Civil. Neither are all thefe whereofwe have fpo-
Jcen, and others of like nature ffteer Similitudes only, as men ofnarrow
obfef=
; -^if— : — __— ——i 86 Of the ^ Advancement of Learning. Lib. III.
observation perchance may conceivcjbut one & the very fame footfteps,
and feals ofNature, printed upon fcveral fubjeds or matters. This kjnd
of Science, hath not been hitherto fcrioufly handled: You may perad-
venture find in the Writings coming from the pens of the profounder
forts of wits. Axioms of this kind, thinly and fparfedly inferted, for
the ufe and explication of the Argument which they have in hand j but
a complete body offuch Maximes, which have a Primitive and Summa-ry force and efficacy in all Sciences , none yet have eompofedj being not-
withftandingamatter of fuch confequence, as doth notably conduce
to the unity of Nature , which we conceive to be the office and ufe of
Vhilofophid Prima.
ij There is alfo an other part of tljis, rr7«///7t/eP^/7<?/fl/jA/, which, if
if you refpeft terms, is Ancient , butj if the matter which we defign, is
new, and of an other kind; and it is an Inquiry concerning the Ac-
cejfory Condition of Entities^ which we may call Tranfcendenisj as MhI-
titudc. Paucity ; Similitude 5 Diverfity ; Pojjlble^ and ImpoJpUe ; Entity 5
Non-entity ; and the like. For being Tranjcendents do not properly fall
within the compafi ofNatural Philofaphy , and that Dialectical diflerta-
tion about them is rather accommodated to the Forms of Argumenta-
tion, than the Nature of things ; itjs very convenient that this Coh-tcrnplation , wherein there is fomuch dignity and and profit, (hould
not be altogether dcferted ; but find af lealt fome room in the Partiti-
ons of Sciences : but this we underftand to be perfbrm'd far after an
other manner, than ufually it hath been handled. For example, no ma'iS
who hath treated of Pau'cityov A^alptude, hath endeavour'd to give i
realbn, ffhy fome things in Nature are a?id may befo numerous and large i
others fo few and little. For certainly it cannot be, that there (hould
be in nature as greatftoreof Gold,asof Iron jas great plenty ofRofeS^
as of Graft; as great variety of determin'd and fpecifick Natures, as
of imperfects, and non-fpecificates. So none in handling Similitude
and Diverfity, hath fufficiently difcovered the Caule, why betwixt di-
vers fpecies there fliould,as it were perpetually, be interpoled, Partici-^
pies of Nature , which arc of a doubtful kind and reference ; as Moftbetwixt Putrefaction and a Plant : EiflKs which adhere and move not,
betwixt a Plant and a living Creature : Rats and Mice, and other vei^r
mine between living Creatures generated ofPutrefaction, add offeed:
Bats or Flitter- mile between Birds a~nd Beafts ; flying Eifhes, now com-monly known, between Fowls and Fifh : Sea-calfs between Filhes andfour-footed Beafts ; and the like. Neither hath any made diligent in-
quiry of the Reafon how it Qiould come to pals, being like delights to
unite to like, that Iron draws not Iron , as the Loadftone doth , nor
Gold allures and attracts unto it Gold, as it doth Quickfilver. Con-cerning thefeandthe like adjunCts of things, there is, in the commonDifceptation about Tranfcendents a deep filence : For men havepurjued
Niceties of Terms, and not fubtilties of things. Wherefore we wouldhave this Primitive Philofophy to contain a fubftantial and (olid inquiry
of thefe Tranfcendents, or Adventitious Conditions of Entities,'aif^cordm^
to the Laws of N<f/«re, and not according to the Laws of Words. So
much touching Primitive Philofophy, or Sapience, which vve'have juftly
ifeferr'd to the Catalogue of Deficients,
CHAP.
'-JiJ* .iii:.-
L I B. III. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 87
Chap. II.
I. Of N.tiuralTheoIogte. § OfthcKfiovplcdgeofAtigeh, and of Spi'rits 5 wbich arc an Appendix thereof.
THe Commune Parent of Sciences being fir(t placed in its pro-per Throne like unto Berecjnthia, which had fb much hea-
venly Iflue.
Omnes Ccelicolte^ omnes fupcra alta. tenentes. T.rg.Uir^
<*•«'
We may return to the former Divifion ofthe three Philofopies, Divine^Natural and Hiunuve.
I. For Natur.it Theology, is truly caUed Divine rhilofophy. And this
is defined to be a Knowledge, or rather a fpark and rudiment of thatKnowledge concerning God^fuch as may be had by the light ofNature5and the Contemplation of the Creature: which Knowledge may betruly termed Divine in refpcQ: of the Objeft j and Natural in retpedl: ofthe Light. The Bounds ofthis Knowledge are truly (et forth;,that theymay extend to the Confutation and Conviftion of Athcifin 3 the Infor-mation of the Law of Nature •, but may not be drawn out to the Con-firmation of Religion. Therefore there was never Miracle wrought by
God to convert an Athei/i, becaufethe light ofNature might have led him to
confefs a God s but Miracles are defigned to convert idolaters, and the Stt-
perjiitious, who have acknowledged a Deity , but erred in his Adoration 5
becaufe no light of Nature extends to declare the Will and true Worfjip ofGod. For as works do (hew forth the power and skill of the work-man, but not his Image: So the works of God, do (hew the Omnipo-tency and Wifdom of the Maker j but nowayexprefs his Image. Andin this the Heathen opinion differs from the facred Truth 5 For theydefined the World to be the Image of God •-, Man the Image of theWorld j but Sacred Scriptures never vouchljfed the World that ho-nour, as any where to be ftiled the Image ofGod, but only, the workj
ofhk hands: but they fubftituteman,/Ae immedate Image of C?^^. Where- ^^l\'fore, that there is a God 5 that he reigns and rules the World 5 that heis mod potent, wife, and provident : that he is a Rewarder, a Reven-ger 5 that he is to be adored ; may be deraonftrated and evinced evenfrom his works^ and many v/onderful fecrets touching his Atributes,
and much more touching his Regiment and di(pen(ation over theworld, may likewife with fobriety be extraded, and manifefced outofthe fame works; and is an Argument hath been profitaj^iy handledby divers. But out cf the contemplation of Nature, and out of thePrinciples of Humane R.eafon, to difcourfe, or earneftly to urge a point
touching the Myfteries of Faith •-, and again, to be curioufly fpeculative
into thofe fecrets, to ventilate them '-, and to be inqiiifitive into the
nianner of the Myftery, is , in my judgement not fate : Da Fidei (ju<e
Fidei funt. For the Heathens themfelves Conclude as much, in that'
excellent and divine Fable of the golden Chain^T.^.?/ M'« ^//.'/Gc?^/
88 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i e. II[,
Homer jY>ere not able to drarv Jupiter cloto» to the Earth -, hut contrarireife Jupi-^ '^'^^*
ter rvas able to drarv them up to Hfaz;e».Wherefore he laboureth in vain,
who fhall attempt to draw down heavenly Myfteries to our rea(bn ; it
rather becomes us to raife and advance our reafon to the adored
Throne of Divine Truth. And in this part of Natural Theologie, I amCo far from noting any deficience, as I rather find an excefs 5 which to
* ob(erve I have fomewhat digreiled , becaufe of the extreme prejudice,
which both Religion and Philofophy have received thercl:|^ as that
which will fa(hion and forge a heretical Religions and an im^mary and
fabulous Philofophy,
§ But as concerning the ndture of Angels and Spirits^ the matter is
otherwi(e to be conceived ^ which neither is infcrutable, nor interdift-
ed 5 to which knowledge, from the affinity it hath with mans fouljthere
Coloff.2. is a pafl'age opened. The Scripture indeed commands, let no man di*
ceiveyou vpithfublime difeourfe touching the roorjlnp of Angels^ preffing ift"
to that he knows not •-, yet notwithftanding ifyouoblerve well that pre-
cept, you (hall find there only two things forbidden 5 namely Adora-
tion ofAngels, fuch as is due to God , and Phantajiical Opinions ofthefft^
either by extolling them above the degree of a creature 5 or to extol
a mans knowledge of, them farther than he hath warrantable ground.
But the fober enquiry touching them, which by the gradations ofthings
corporal, may aicend to the nature of them 5 or whicK may be feen ia
the Soul of Man, as in a Looking-glafs, is in no wife reftrained. Thefante
may be concluded of impure and revolted fpirits , the converfing with
them, and the imployment of them, is prohibited ; much more any
veneration towards them , but the Contemplation or Science of their'
Nature; their«Power, their Illufions , not only from places of (acred
Scripture, but from reafon or experience ; is a principal part ofSpiri-2C01.2. tual Wifdom. For fo the Apoftle faith, rve are not ignorant ofhisjira-
tagems. And it is no inore unlawful to enquire, in natural Theology,
the nature o£ evil Spirits ; than to enquire the nature of Poyfons in
Phyfick, or of vices in theEthicks. But this part of Science touching
Angels and degenerate fpirits, I cannot note as Deficient j for many have
imployed their pens in it : Rather moft of the Writers in this
kind may be argued either ofvanity, or fuperftition, or of unprofitable
fubtilty.
Chap. III.
Thii Partition of Natural Philofophy into Speculative, and Opera-tive, (j And that thefe two^ both in the intention ofthe xvriter ; andin the body of the, Treatife^Jhonld befeperated.
Eaving therefore N<?/ffr<«/ Thologie (to which we have attributed theenquiry of Spirits^ as an Appendix) we may proceed to the (e-
cond Part, namely that of Nature, or Natural rhilofophy. Democritusi-aerr.Se- iaith excellently. That the knowledge concerning Nature^ lies hid in cer-
tain deep Mines and Caves, And itis/bmewhat to the purpoft , that
the
I
B. III. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 8o
the Alohimiftsdo fo much inculcate. That Vulcan // a fccond Nature, Patacel.
and perJeSs that comptndioujly which Nature vfcth to effeB by ambages '^* ^'!''o^
and length oftime : why then may we not divide Philofophy into two^''^^^'*
parts 5 the/W/w^, and the Fornace -^ and make two profellions, or oc-cupations of Natural rhihfophers 5 Pyoaers or workers in the Mine ; andSmiths^ or Refiners ? Certainly however we may feem to be conceited,
and to fpeak in jeft 5 yet wc do beft allow of a divifion in that kind, if
it be propofed in more familiar and Scholaftical terras 5 namely, that
the kpowUdge of Nature^ be divided into the Inqnifition of Caufes 5 andthe- ProdkSion of Effl'^/ ; Speculative, and Operative 5 the one fearch-
eth the bowels of Nature 3 the other faftiions Nature, as it were, uponthe Anvile.
& Now although I know very well with what k ftrift band, caufes
and effeds are united 3 fo as the explication of them, rauft in a fort becoupled and conjoyned: yet becaufcallfolid and fruitful Natural know-ledge hath a double, and that diftinft, fcale or ladder i Afcendent andDefcendint j From Experiments to Axioms^ and from Axioms to the nexo
Experiments. I judge it raoft requifite, that thefe two parts. Speculative
And Operative, befeparate, both in the intention of the Writer, and the
Body of the Trcatife.
C H A P. IV.
I. The Partition of the Speculative knowledge of Nature i»to Phy-fick fpecial, and Metaphyfick : Whereof Phyfick enquires the Efi'
cient Caufe, and the Matter : Metaphyfick the final Caufe and the
Form. II. The Partition of Phyfick, into the knowledges of the
Principles ofThingsj of the Fabrick of Things, or ofthe World:And of the variety ofthings. III. The Partition of PhyRck^^touch'
ing the variety of things, into the Doftrine of Concretes , and in-
to the Doftrine ofAbftradts. The Partition of the knowledg° ofConcretes, is referred over to thefame Partition vfhich Natural Hi*
Jlory Comprehends. IV. The Partition of the knowledge of Ab-ftrafts, into the knowledge of the Schemes of Matter j and into
the knowledge of Motions. V. Two Appendices of Speculative
Phyfick i Natural Problems : And the Placits ofAncient Philofb-
phers. VI. The Partition of Metaphyfick , into the Doftitne ofForms 3 And into the Doftrinc ofthe Final Caules.
I. ^Tp*Hat part o^ Natural Philofophy which is Speculative andTheoti-
X_ cal, wet'tnk convenient to divide into Phyfick, fpecial^ andMetaphyfick,. And in this Partition I defire it may be conceiv'd, that weufe the Uletaphyfukjva a different (ence from that, that is received. Andhere it feems to fall out not unfitly, to advertife in general ofour pur-
pole and meaning touching the ufe of words, and terms of Art. Andit is this, that as well in this word Metapkyfiek_now delivered, as in o-
ther terms of Art, wherefoever our conceptions and notions are new,and differ from the received ; yet with much reverenccj we retain the'
M Aficifftf
^o Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b : III.
.15 «I!,1!. ! Anciem terms : For being we hope^th'at the method it felfj Itid a per-
iHS-.s fpicuous explication of the Matter, which we labour to ann&x,' mayre-' deem us from an incongruo^is conee'ption of the words we ufe, we are
other wife zealous (foftr aswcdan^' without prejudice of Truth and
Sciences) to depart as little as nlay be^ from the opinions and expref-
fions of Atatiquity. And herein I" cannot but marvail at the confidence
of jirijiotle'ywho pofltft with a fpirit ofcontradiction , and denjoancing
war againft all Antiquary, not only ufurpt a licenfe to coyn new terras
of Arts at pleafure 5 bpt hath endeavoured to deface and extinguifli
all ancient wifdom. Info rhuch as he never narnes any ancient Authors 5
or makes.any mentiottcff their opmidns ,' but to reprehend their Pcr-
fons ) or to redargue ftheir Placits , and Opinions. Certainly if he
affeded' glory,' and drawing difciples after hitn, he took the right
courfe ; For tire fame- comes to»i)afs in the afferting and receiving a
Philofophical Truthjth'at doth in a Divine Truths -veui in nomint Pa-
tris^necrecipitJs me^i.^cfuis vettcritiH nomine fno euni recipietis. But
loan.?, from thisdivine Aphorifm, if we confider whom fpccially it hath de-
figded Cnamely Ant'ichrift the greateft Impoftor of all timesjwe maycolleft, that the. coming in a. mani ervn'name^ withciuc any regard ofy4«-
tiquitj/, or (if I may fo fpeak) of Paternity, is no good Augury of
Truth, however it be joyned with the fortune and fuccefs of an eunt
recipiet-if: - -Butfor AifiPtoi\€,- certainly an excellent man, and ofan admi-'
rable profound n>it, Ifiould eajily be induced to believe--i
that he learned
this ambition of his Scholar^ whom perhafs he did emulate : that if one
conquered all Nations j the otbei" woiild corfquer all Opinions, and raife ta
himfelfa kind of Monarchy, in contemplations. Although it may fo fall
out, that he may at fotne mens hands^that are ofa bitter difpofition,aad
biting language, get 9 like.titjcj as. bis Scholar did..,V., ..
'. - \\ ji'Xi ...J-.i -
Lucan. !.
10.
-.JF.dhx terr^rum TiVedoyHon lifik MundoEditus exempl^n^.-r-r—r, i .li, ^o. <. _
Fcelix DociriK£ Prkdo; &c.' Biit td'^us on the other fide that do de-
fire, fo much as lies intHe power of our pen, to contradt a league andcommi*rce between Ancient and Modern knowledge 5 our judgement(tands fiirnijV^J ks^p rva) vDi'th Antiquity^ufq'-i ad Aras , and to retain the An*cient terms,though fbmetimes we alter their SencCjand Definitions: ac-
cording to the iijoderrt and approved manner of Innovation, in Civil
GovdVnriierit 5 where the ftate of things being changed , yet the £0^
Annnl.i. lemnity of words and'ftilesis obftrved VihAdi Tacitus notes; EademMagiflratHum vocabnla.
k To. return therefore to the acceptibn of the word Adetaphyfick^^ idour fence^. It appears^ by that which hath been already faid, that we6\{^'\n^\^'PrimitiverP}^ylofophy, from Metaphyficl{_, which heretoforehath been confounded and taken for the fame thing. The one we havelet dovvn^as a commune Parent of all Sciences 3 the other, as a portion ofNatural pJ.ilofophy. We have affign'd Conjmon and PromifcuousAxioms oC Sciences ,. to Primitive Phtlofophy. , Likewife dll Relative
and Adventive Conditions and CharaUers of Fffences , which wehave packed Tranfctiadents 3 as Alultitude^ TaHcity^ Identity^ Diverftty^
Lie. III. Of the Advancement ofLearning. qi
Fojfihle, ImpojfibL\ and fuch like , we have attributed to the fame, on-ly with this ProvifOj that they be handled as they have efficacy in na-ture 5 and not Logically. But we have referred the inquiry concerningCodj Viiity, Bonity, Angels, Spiritt, to Natural Theology. Where-fore now it may rightly be demanded, what after all this is remainingto Metaphyfick^! certainly beyond nature, nothings but of nature it
felf the mofl: excellent part. And indeed without prejudice to Truth,we may thus far concurr with the opinion and conceit of Antiquity ythat rhyficl{_ only handleth that which is inherent in matter, andis moveable 5 Metaphyfick_ things more abftradied and fixt. Again that
rA//;f;^ fuppofeth exiftence only and Motion 3 and natural Neceffity ;
but A/ctaphyfic^ the Mind alfo , the Idea or platform. For to this point;
perchance the matter comes, whereofwe (hall dilcourfe. But we will
propound this difference, (leaving afide the fublimity of fpeech) per-fpicuoutly and familiarly. We have divided Natural rhilofophy into the,
Inquifition ofcaufes ; and the produftion of efFefts. The inquiry ofcaufes we have referred to the Theorical part of Philofophy j which wehave divided into Vhvfick_and MetaphyfiL\j wherefore by neceflary con-fequence the true difference of thefe two Theories, muft be takenfrom the nature of the Caufes which they enquire 3 fb without all ob-fcurity or circuit, Fhyfick. is that which enquires of the evident caufe 5
and ofthe Matter 3 Metaphyftck^^ that which enquires of the Form andend.
II P^ji/c^ therefore comprehends Caufes variable and incertain, andaccording to the nature of the fubje(S moveable and changing, and at-
tains not a fixt conftancy ofCaufes.
Limtts Ht hie durefcit, C^ hac ut C£ra liquefcit
Vno eodemque igni Vitg, S-a",
8.
Fire is caufe ofinduration, but refpeftive to clay 3 Fire is caufe ofcol-liquation, but refpeftive to wax. We will divide Fhyfick^ into threeKnowledges: For Nature is either united and collefted into one 3 ordiffufed and diftributed : Nature is collefted into one either in ref])e(5t
ofthe common Seeds and Principles of all things ; or in reipedt of the en-
tire, total Fabrick^ ofthe univerfe. This union of Nature hath broughtforth two Parts ofrhyjicl^^ one ofthe Principles ofThings 5 the other ofthe Fabriek^of the Vniverfe, or of the World 3 which we ufe to call theDoftrines ofSumms or Totals. The Third Knorvledge which handles Na-ture diffufed, orfcattered, exhibits all the variety of things, and the lef^
fer Summs or Totals. Wherefore from thefe contemplations it is plain-
ly manifeft, that there are three Knowledges touching Natural Philofo-
phy^ of the Principles of things •) oftkervorldj or of the Fabrick^of things
OfN^mxe multiplicious or fparfedj which laft Part, (as we have faid)
contains all the variety ofthings 3 and is, as it were , the firfl Glofs, orParaphrafe touching the Interpretation of Nature, Of thefe three Parts,
none is wholly Deficient j but in what truth and Perfeftion they arehandled, I make not now ray judgraei^.
III. But we will again divide Phyfickjliflin&ivelyforted, ox of the va*-
rietyofthings, into two Parts 3 into Phyjicli of cericretes j and into Phyfick^
of Abjiracis : or into Phyjicl^ oj Creatures^ and into Phyfick of Na^^^M 2 tfires.
Q2 Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. III.
tures. The one (to ufe the terms of Logick) inquires oisubjimces with
all the variety of their Adjunfts; xh^oth^x of Accidents^ orAdjunOrs
through all the variety of fubftances. For example, if the inquiry be
of a Liofty or ofan Oak, thefe are fupported by many and divers Acci-
dents : Contrarywife ifthe enquiry be made ofHeat, or Heavitief, thefe
are in many diftinft fubftances. And feeing all rhyfick^ or Natural Phih-
Jophy is fituate in a middle terra, between Natural Hijiory and Afetaphjr-
fick^ 5 the firft part (ifyou obferve it well) comes nearer to Natural Hijio-
ry h the latter part nearer to Metaphyfick, j Concrete Phy^ck^hath the fame
diviHon which Natural Hijiory hath J Co that it is a knowledge either
concerning the Heavens ; or concerning Meteors 3 or concerning the
Globe of the earth and Sea 5 or concerning thegreater CoUegiates,^ which
they call the Elements 5 or concerning the leffer CoUegiates, or natures
fpecifi'ck^'-i fo likewife concerning Pretergenerations 5 and concerning Me^
chanickj. For in all thele. Natural Hrjiory inquires and reports the fad
it felf i but Phyfick, the Caufes likewise j but you muft conceive this of
fluid, not fixt Caufes, that is, ofmatter and of the efficient.
§ Amongftthefe Portions of P^yj^f^s that part is altogether maitfted
and jniperfeU which enquires of Ccelejiial bodies-, which notwithftandingj
for the excellency of theSubjeft, ought to be taken into (pecial confi-
deration. For Jjironomy^it is indeed not withouffbme probability andufe grounded upon the Phxnotnena, but it is vulgar 5 bafe, and no wayfolid : But Ajlrology in many Circumftances hath no ground at all. In
truth Ajironomy prefents fuch a facrifice to Mans underftanding, as once
Prometheus did, when he went about to couzen Jupiter ; for inftead of
a true, fubftantial Ox, he prefented the hide ofa great and fairOx ftufr^
and fetout with ftraw, leaves, and Ofier twigs, fb in like manner -4-
^r^«tf»5y exhibiteth the extrinfick Parts of Celeftial Bodies, (namelythe Number, Scituation, Motion, and Periods ofthe ftars) as the H/V/e
of Heaven '-ifair and artificially contrived into Syftems, and Schemes:
but the Entrals are wanting, that is, Pbyjicall reafons, out of which(adjoyning Aftronomicall Hypothefes) the Theory ihould be extrafted,
not fuch grounds and fuppolltions as fhould only fave the Ph£nomen'a.
(of which kind a number may be wittily deviled ) but fuch as propoundthe fubftance, motion and influx of the Heavens, as they truly are iir
nature. For thofe Dogmaes and Parodoxes are almoft vanilht, and Jongjtflfjw I. agQg exploded, namely, the Rapture of the Firji Mover : and the Soli"
liditasieii. ^^^y cf Heaven (Jiars being therefixt as nails in the Arched Roofof a Pat»Motusre- lour). And other opinions, not much better, as, that there are di-
"peii'l'dur-'^^*'-*" ^^^^^ ofthe Zodtack^^ and of the roorld:, that there is afecond move-
ji.Epitfcli. able of Renitency, contrary to the rapture of thefirft moveable ; that all
^f"'"V t^^tsof the firmament are turned about by pcrfeCt circles^ that there are
fit diurn : Eccentricks and Epicycles, tofave t%e conjiancy of Amotion by ferfeS cir-
^c. cles^ that the Moon hath no force or influence upon a body fuperior to it^
^wa!i'£ ^^'^ ^^^ ^'k^' ^^^ the abfurdity of thefe fuppofitions, hath caft menjU. upon that opinion, of the Diurnal Amotion ofthe Earth 5 an opinion which
'""uff''^^^^" demonflrate to be mojifal^e. But fcarce any man can be found,
who hath made enquiry ofthe^atural Caufes ofthe fubfiance of the hea-
vens^ as well Stellare, aslnter-jiellare--, Co o{ theJwrftnefi andfiowncfiofheavenly bodies, referr'd one to another j a\(o of the various incitation ofAiotionin the fame Planet 5 likewife of the perpetuated courfe of Aloti^n
from
Lib. III. Ofthe Advancement of Learnmg. 05
from Eajl to [Veil, and the contrary : Laftly ofProgrcjJions^Jiatiojis andRetrogradjtiotis^ of the Elevation and Declination ofMotions^ by the ApO'gee, or middle point ; and Perigee or lorvcji point oj heaven 5 ib ofthe ob-lique windings of Motions, either byflexuoHs Spires, weaving and fwipea-
ving themfclves, ai they make their approach or receffrot^ the Tropickj5
or byferpcntine finiiations, which they call Dragons, fo ofthefixt Poles ofRotations or wheeling motions, why thcyJJjould be placed in fnch a point ofthe heavens, rather than in any other 3 fo of the alligation offame Planets
at a certain dijiancefrom the Sun: I fay an inquiry of this kind, hathfcarce been attempted, ^jlvq that fome labour hath been taken therein,
only in Mathematical obfervations and Dcmonftrations. But thefeob-(ervations only (hew how wittily all thefe motions may be contrived,
and cleared from oppofition ; not how they may truly fubhft in Nature 5and rcprefent only feeming MotionSj and their fiftitious Fa brick, andframed at pleafure, not their caufes, and the real truth of Thiu£^s.
Wherefore Ajironomy, fuch as now it is made, may well be counted in
the number oiMathematical Arts, not without great diminution oftheDignity thereof, feeing it ought rather (if it would maintain its ownright) be conftitute a branch, and that moft principal ofNatural Philolb-
phy. For whoever fhall rejeft the feigned Divorces of fuperlunary andfublunary bodies'-, and JI}aU intentively obferve the appetencies of Matter,
andthe moB univerfal PaJJions, (which in either Globe are exceeding Po-tent, and transverberate the univerfal nature of things) he fliall receive
clear information concerningcelejlial mattersfrom the thingsfeen here withvs : and contrarywifefrom thofe motions which are pra&ifed in heaven $
hefljall learn many obfervations which now are latent, touching the motions
cf bodies here below : not onlyfofar as thefe inferiour motions are modera-
ledbyfnperiour, but in regard they have a mutual intercourfe by pafJioNS
common to them both. Wherefore this part oi Ajironomy which is natu-
ral we fet down as Deficient. And this we will call Living Ajironomy,
to diftingui(h it from Prometheus Ox ftuft with ftraw,which was an Ox *
in outward fhape only.
§ But Ajirology is corrupted with much fuperftition, fo as there is
hardly to be found any found part therein. Yet in our judgment it
fliould rather be purged5than clean caft away. But if any contendjthat
this fcience is not grounded upon realbn, and Phyfical contemplations 5
but in blind experience, andtheobfervationofmanyAges; and there-
fore rejedi a trial by natural Arguments (which the Chaldee Aftrolo-
gers boaftcd) he may by the lame realbn revoke Auguries, Divination,
and Prediftions from beads entrals, and fwallow down all kind ot Fa-
bles 5 for all thefe fuperftitious vanities were avoucht, as the Dilatesoflong experience, and of Difcipline delivered over by tradition. Butwe do both accept Ajirology, as a Portion of Natural Philofophy , andyet attribute unto it no more credit, than reafon and the evidence ofParticulars do evince 5 fettingafide fuperftitious and fiftions. And that
we may a little more ferioufly confider the matter.
^ Firji what a vain fancy is this, that every Planetjljould reignfor cer^
tain hours by turn, fo as in thefpace of twenty four hours, they (Iwuld re-
fume their Dominions thrice over, three fupernumerary hours referved^
Yet this conceit brought forth unto us the Divifion cf the week, a
computation very ancient, and generally received, as from the inter-
changeable
94 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. Ilf,
changeable courfe of days moft manifeftly it appears ; when in the be-
ginning of the day immediately fucceeding, the fourth Planet from the
Planet of the firft day, enters upon his Government , by reafon of the
three fupernumerary hours, whereof we have (poken.
§ Again we are confident to reject, as an idle ficiion^ the do&rjne ofGenethliacal Pofitures of the heavens, to precife points of time'j with the
Dijiribution ofthe Hoiifes 3 thofe farae darlings in Aftrology, which have
made fuch mad work in the Heavens , nor can I fufBciently wonder that
many excellent men,and for Aftrology ofPrincipal note, (hould groundthemfelves upon fo flight reafons, to avouch fuch opinions. For they
(ay, feeing that experience it felf difcovers as much, that soljlices, JS-
quinoStials^ new Moons, full Moons, and the \\]^Ggreater revolutions of
ftars, do manifeftly and notably work upon natural Bodies 3 it muft
needs be, that the more exaft, and fubtile afpedi and pofture of the
ftars, lliould produce efFefts more exquifite and occult. But they ftiould
firft except the Suns operations by manifeft heat ; and likewife, the
raagnetick influence of the Moon, upon the increaje of Tides every half
Moon ("for the daily Flux and Reflux of the Sea is another thing :) Butthefe fet afidej the other power of the Planets upon natural bodies
(fo far as they are confirmed by experience) is flender and weak 5 and,
which they rfiall find, latent in the greater Revolutions. Wherefore they
(hould rather argue the other way, namely, that feeing thofe greater
Revolutions, hayeCoCmzW influence, thofe exaH and minute differences
ofPofitures have no force at all.
§' Thirdly, Thofe Fatalities, that the hour ofNativity or conceptiongo-^
"verns the Birth , The hour of inception, the fortune of the thing begun 5
the hour of ^ejiion, the fortune of the thing enquired-, and, inaword^thefcience of Nativities, EleBions, ^efiions, andfuch li^e levities j tit
ourjudgment, have no certainty or jolidity in them 5 and may by natural
reafons be plainly redargued and evinced. The point to be fpoken ofra-ther, is, what that is which we retain and allow of in Aftrology 3 andin that which we do allow, what is deficient ? for, for this end, that is,
for the obfervation of Deficients, we undertook this work 3 not intend-
ing (as we have often faid) matter of cenfure. And indeed amongft
the receiv'd parts of ^i?rtf/(3^^, theDoftrines of i?cz/o/«/7>»/ we judge
to have more foundnefs in them, than the reft. But it may be to goodpurpofcjto fet down and prefcribe certain Rules, by the (bale and fquare
whereof, Afirological Obfervations may be examined 5 that what is
fruitful may be retain'd 5 what is frivolous rejefted.
§ Thefirfi Precept may be that whereof we have admoniflit already 5
let thegreater Revolutions be retained j the lejfer Horofcopes and Houjes ca-
fijiered. ThofCjlike Great Ordnance may difcharge their influences, at
a fpacious remotenefs 3 thefe like fmall Bows, are for a fhort diftance,
and carry not their forces far. Thefecond rule is ; That the operation ofthe Heavens workss not on all bodies but only upon the more tender andpenetrable 3 fuch as are Humours,Air, Spirits : but here we except the
OpersLtwns of the heat of the Sun, and of the Heavens, which without
cjueftion pierce even to Mettals, and many fubterraneous Bodies. The
third rule is, that the Operation ofthe Heavens extends rather to the MajS'
pf things and Nature ingrofij than unto individual effences, and parti'
cHlaritiesj yet obliquely it reacheth to many Individuals, namely^
thofe
L I B . 1 1 1. Of the Advancement of Learning. ^ <
thole Individuates which of the lame fpecies are rnoft Pajfihle^ and are
like (oft wax: even as when a Peftilential air feizeth on bodies moreopen and lefsrefillent^ and pafleth by Bodies more comparand (trong.
T/je fotiYtl) rule is, fomewhat like the precedent ^ That the Operation ofthe. H^abhts hath its influx and dominion n-ot in. points and narrovp mi-
nutp.t vf tihfes •, but in greater fpaces. Therefore- Prog»oJiications of tlie
temperatures ofthe year may be true; but upon particular days, are
Worthily Accounted vain and idle. The lajirule, (which by the moreHvife Aft^bFogers hath been ever embraced) is, That -there is nofatal ne-
'^cijfity in tf}ejiars^ but that they do incline rather^ than enforce. We add^his moreover (wherein we plainly take part vyith Ajlrology, if it wereTbftified) and which we know to be moft certain : That Celejlial bodies
have other influences befidcs heat and light : which influences are of force
Sccdrding to the Rules we have prefcribed, and no otherwife .• Butthe(e lie hid in the profound Parts of Natural Philoibphy, and require
a larger diflertation. Wherefore we think good (that which we havefaid being rightly conceived) to fet down, Jflrology agreeable to our
Principles, amongft Deficients, and as we have earned Ajlronomy groun-
ded upon natural reafous, Living Afironomy, fo we think fit to call A-
jirohgy afcertain'd upon the fame reafons, Sound Ajlrology. As for the
right way how to frame and make this Art, although what we havefaid, doth not a little conduce thereto, yet according to our manner,we will add a few more obfervations which (hall clearly propound, outof what materials it (hould be collefted, and tovvhat end it (hould be
referred.
§ Firji, let the knowledge touching the Commixtures of Beams he re-
ceiv d intofound Aftrology, that is of Conjunctions, and of Oppofitions,
and the reft oftheconftellations, or Afpefts of Planets, one on ano-
ther. Alfo vee ajjign to this part concerning the Commixtures ofBeams,the paffing of the Planets through the figns of the Zodiack, and Pofi-
tion under the fame figns : For the location ofa Planet under any fign,
is a kind of Conjunftion ofthe fame Planet with the Stars of the figns
;
"Moreover as Conjunctions, folikewife Oppofitions and other Conftel-
lations ofPIanets towards the Stars ofthe ligns, are to be noted, whichhitherto hath not perfectly been accomplilbt. But the interchangeable
Commixtures o? theK^'^s of thefixtftars, are indeed profitable, to the
Contemplation of the Fabrick of the world 5 and of the Nature of the
Regions lying under them j but not unto TrediUiqns, becaufe thefe A(^
pefts are ever the fame. .\c»flir ' lf»^r.^.^
'
. § Secondly^ let there be ta\en into Afirology the Acceffions of every par-
Jicular Vianet nearer to the rerpendicular^and Reccjjionsfrom it, accor-
ding to the Climates of Regions. For all the Planets as well as the Sun,
have their Summers,their Winters^ wherein they dart down more forci-
l4e,or more feeble raySjaccording to their Poltare in refpecfc ofthe Per»
pendicitlar. For without queltioh, the Moon in Leo works more for-
cibly upon natural bodies here belo .v, than when (he is in Pifces /Notbecaule the y^foc» placed in Leo,hath reference to the Heartjand unde^
Tifces refpefts the Feet, (as the vulgar Fable goes) •-, {of theit Elevati-
On towards the Perpendicular and Approximation towards the greater
Stars, juft after the fame manner as the -S"//».' ;.
§ Thirdly.^ let the Apogea, andVerig^aofthe Planets be received roith
due
96 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. III.
due ivqHiry^ to rvhat the vigor of a Planet appertains in rejpeB of hifn/elf^
and to rvhat in his vicinity to us. For a Planet in his Apog£a^ or exalta-
tion is more chearful and aftive 5 h\it'\x\\i\sPerig<ea ordeclenfion morecommunicative. ''^ So the Sun in his Elevation, when he enters the
Interpret, cc Tropick of Cancer^ is in heat more recollefted and vigorous , butadditam. ^^ ^j^^^ j^^ ^j^jjg ^^ ^^^^ [jjg Meridian, as in Capricorn^ he is more famt,
" yet more difperfed in his influence. For in his AfcenfioOjhe is not only
«nearer to the fixed Stars 5 but his beams then falling at more equal« and right angles , become more united , and by a direct refultance
"from the earth intermix, and fo reduplicate their force ; whereas ia«'= his declenfion, they are oblique, and therefore feeble and errant ia
" reflexion. Wherefore with the Inhabitants under the Equator, the« heat is more intenfe ; than it is with Northern Confiners , where the" Sun daily keeps his circuit near about the Horizon ; But yet in this
" Perigean motion, the Suns beams are more communicative, though«« lefs adlive^ becauie departing from the point oftheir incidence in the" rebound , their refleftion is oblique and difperfed. This enquiry
"touchiHgtheprojedlionof beams in a right or obhque line, would« be made with diligence, for it concerns all the influences of the hea-" vens upon terrene bodies j the general conftitution of the year 5 the« divers temperatures of the air in the five Zones, the complexion of« different Climates and the like.
§ Fourthly, to be brief, let there be taken in all the remaining Acci-
dents of the motion of Vianets 5 as what are the Accelerations^ Retarda-'
tions, Progrejfes, Stations, Retrogradations , of every one of them ia
their courfe, what their diftancc from the ^»», their Combuflions, En-
creafe, and Diminutions of Light, Eclipfes, and whatfoever el/e of this
nature. For all thefe caufe, that the Beams of the Planets do workmore ftrongly, or more weakly, and after divers ways and diftind
virtues ; And thefe four obfervations , belong to the Radiations of
Star.
^ Fifthly, let there be received in, whatfoever may any way, openand difclofe the natures of Stars Errant or Fixt, in their proper eC-
(ence and aftivity j as what is their Magnitude , of what calour and ^fpe& ^ what Scintill4tion and Vibration of lights what Situation to-
wards the Poles oi jSqnino&iali, what Ajierifms 5 which are more mingled
with other Stars 3 which are morefolitary j whicli avefuperionr, which
inferiour •-, which of the fixt Stars are within the line and courfc oftheSun and Planets (namely within the Zodiack) which without 3 which
of the Planets is mere jrvift , which more fotp 5 which may move in
theEcl/ptrc^line ^ which miy expatiate in latitude from it 5 what Pla-
net may be retrograde, which not •, what Planet may beat any diftance
from the Sun, which is tyed to attend the Sun 3 which moves fwifteria
Apogeo, which in rer7^^'<? 5 to conclude the Irregularities of /(/«r/ 5 the
expatiations q(Venus, the wonderful Labours or Paffions, which are
often found in the Sun, and in Venus, and the like ?
§ Laft of all, let there be taken into Alirologie , even from traditi-
on the particufer Natures, and Inclination of Planets, as alio offixt
Stars 5 which (eeing they are delivered over with (uch an univerfal con-
fent, they are not lightly to be rejefted 5 but where they croft the
grounds and reafons of natural Principles. And of fuch obfervations
Lib. III. OftheAdva?icemcntofLeitrnmgi ^7
as t\it^Q^found AHrologie is compiled jand according to thefe onlyjfhould
Schemes and configurations of Heaven, be compofed and interprered,
Sound Ajlrologie is likcvvile applied and referred with more confidence
to PrediHiotts 3 to EkCiions, with more Caution, within due limits to»
both. Predi&iotts may be made of future Comets, which as we con-
je<3:ure may be foretold ^ and of all forts of Meteors 5 of Deluges j
Droughts, Heats, Conglaciations, Earth-quakes, overflowing of Wa-ters 5 breaking out of Fires, Winds, great Rains, divers Tempefts, andftrange (eafons of the Year j Peftilences, Epidemical dileafes j Plenty
and dearth ofGrain ^ Wars, Seditions, Sedts, Plantations of new Colo*
nies; laftly, ofall Commotions and greater Innovations, either in N^-
/«re, or in State-Government: (6 thefe predidions may be drawn dowti
^though not with like certainty) to more fpccial oecurrencer, and per-
chance to j?'/^«/</r/>/>/ 5 if the general inclinations of fuch times andfeafons, being firftdilcovered and found out, thefe bjs applied by a
(harp piercing judgement Philolbphical or Political, to (pecial or moreparticular events, which may b;: moftfubjeft to fuch Accidents. A3for example, a man lliiU find out from a fore-fight of the (eafons oftheyear, fuch temperatures ofWeather, as are propitious orpernitious ra-
ther to Olives, than to Vines 5 rather to Phthifickj, and ulcerations ofLungs, than to Hfp4//f4/ and obftruftions of the Liver; more to the
inhabitantsof high and mountainous, than low and champain Coun'tries •-, more to Monks than Courtiers, by reafon of their different kindof diet: Or ifone from the knowledge he hath of the influence, the
Heavens have over the fpirits of men, fhould find out a man to be offuch a complexion and difpofition 5 to affeft or diftaft rather the peo-
ple than Princes ; rather learned and curious, than couragious andwarlike difoofitions 5 rather (enfual and voluptuous, than aftivc and po-
litick natures. Such inftances as thele are infinite , but fas we have(aid) they require not only that general knowledge, taken from the
Stars, which are adive 5 but alfo a particular knowledge of Subjei^s
which are Paflive. Nor are Ele&ions altogether to be rejefted,but morefparingly to be credited, than Predi&iont. For we fee in Planting, andin Sowing, and in Grafting, that the obfervation of the age of the
Moon is a matter, not altogether vain and frivolous. But thefe Ele^i-
ons, are by our rules more reltrained than Predictions: and this muftever be obferved, that EleUions are of force, in luch cafes alone, whereboth the Irtjinx of the Heavens is fuch, as doth not fuddenly pafs over ;
and likewife the A^ion of infertour Bodies fuch, as is not prefently per-
fefted : for neither the Encreafes of the Moon, nor of the Planets arc
accompUllit in an inftant ; but pHnctuality of time, is by all means to
bcreje<Sed. There are found many of the like precife obfervations
(which a man would hardly believe) in EleSions 2iho\xi Civil affairs.
But ifany man in this cafe fiiall except againft us, faying, that we havaindeed made fome remonfl:rance out of what this reformed Ajlrologie
(hould be deduced ; and likewife to what it may with profit be referred ;
but the manner how it is to be deduced, we have given no precept at
all 3 he fliould not deal equally with us , to cxadl at our hands the
Art it (k\i, which we never promifed, or purpofed to handle. Yet not-
withftanding touching fuch a point of Demand, thus much we will ad-
monifhj that there are only four means, which may orepare thewayN
'
to
98 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. IIL
to this knowledge, firji^ by Experiments future^ then by Experiments
paji : A^zin, by 'I'radition j laftofall, by natural Reafons. Novpforfn'
ture Experiments^ to what end ftiould wefpeak much ofthem ? feeing
to make up a competent number of Inftances, (b many ages are requifite
,
as it were, but loft labour, to think to comprehend it ? As for Experi-
Kientspafi^ they indeed are within the corapals and reach of men, al-
though it is a matter will require much labour, and much leifure to ac-
compliih. For Ajirelogians (if they be not wanting to their Profeffi-
onj may make a collection from the faithful reports of Hiftory, of all
greater contigences , as Inundations^ Pejiilences, IVarsy Seditions^ and(ifthe ftate fo require) the deaths of Kings : and may contemplate the
Jituation ofthe Heavens^ not according to the (libtilty of F/gwrw 5 but ac-
cording to thofe general rules which we have already fet down, to
know in what poftures the Heavens were, at thofe times, when luch ef-
fefts came to pals ; that fo where there is a clear, and evident content,
and concurrence of events 5 there a probable rule oi Predi&ion maybe inferred. As for Traditions , they ought to be fo examined andfiftedjthat fuch as manifeftly oppugn rhy^cal Reafons, (hould bedifcard-
cd; but fuch as well confent, fhould be valid even of their own au-
thority. Lajily, asfor Phyfical or Natural reafons , they are the apteft
for this inquiry 5 which make inquiry of the Catholick, and more uni-
verfal inclinations and Paffions of Matter, and of the fimple and ge-
nuine motions of Bodies 5 for by thefe wings we fafely foar and mountup to thofe celeftial materiare fubftances. Thus much concerning A"jirologia fana.
§ There is another Portion of Alirological Frenzie ("befides thofe fig-
ments which we have noted at the beginning) which is wont to befe-
perate from Ajirologie, and to be transferred into CekHial Magickji aS
they call it. This hath purchafed a ftrange Glofs, from the working
c:. Agrip. fancie of mans wit 5 namely , That a benevolent fituation or afpe^ ofds Occult, stars ^ may be fallen in feals and ffgnet-rings (be it of Metals, or of any
Gentm, capable of fuch impreffion) rohich may arrefi the felicity of that
hour, rvhich otherwife wouldjrpiftly pafs away , and as it r»ere,fix it, hei»^
volatilous. As the Poet paffionately complains of this fo aoble Artj
among the Ancients, now long ago buried in oblivion.J - i -
Annulus infnfo non vivzi mirvs Olympo,
jsj £ hlon magis ingentes humilifub lumine Phtebos
Pert Gemma, aut Celfo dtvulfus cardine lunas.
Indeed the Church of Rome hath imbraced the Reliques of SaintSyand their virtues, (for in Divine and immateriate things, the flux oftime hath no power to abate the force and efficacy) but that the Reliquet
of Heaven Ihould be fo lodged, as that the hour which is paft, and, as it
were, dead, (hould revive and be continued 3 is a meer fuperftition,and
irapodure. Wherefore let us let go thefe idle fancies, unlefs the Mufesbe grown doting old Wives.
IV. Abjira& Phyfic^ in ourjudgement, may very rvell be divided into
two Parts, into the DoBrine of the Schemes of Matter 5 and into the da-
&rine of Appetites or Amotions. We will run them both over briefly,
from whence the delineations of the true Phyfick of Abftrafts may be
drawa
L I B. III. Of the Advancement ofLearning, ^^
drawn. The Schemes ofJl/.tttcrare ^ De/tfe, Rare -^ Grave, Light , HoP,
Cold--i
TangibleJ
rncumutick^--^ Volatile, Fixt'-, Determnatc, Fluid j Htf
t>tid,Drjij Fat^Crude'-i Hard, Softj Fragile , Tenfile j Porous, V»itedj
Spirituous, Languid -, Simple, Compofite •, Abfolute, imperfe&ly Alixt j Fi-
brous and full of veins, of afimple Pofiturc or equal j Similar, Dijfimilar 3
Specificate, Non-fpccJjicatc j Organical, Inorganicalj Animate^Inanimatc.
Neither do we extend the figurations of Matter any farther, for Scu-
mble and Lnfenfibk ; Rational and Irrational, we refer to the knowledgeof Man.
§ Appetites and Motions, are of two (brts ; either motions (imple
,
which contain in them the Roots of all natural Actions ^ but yet ac-
cording to the Schemes and habitudes oflilatter: or Motions compofited
andproduiledj from which laft, the received Philofophy of the Times(which comprehends little of the Body of Nature) takes its beginning.
Butfuch Compound Motions {^AS Generation Corruption , aud the reftj
ftiould betaken for the /«////w/ and /)r^^«^j- of fimple Motions 5 rather
than for rnmitive Motions, Motions fimple , are Motions of /^«///>/)/e ,
commonly called Motion oppofing Penetration of Dimenfions 5 Motion
of Connexion, or Continuity, which they call. Motion to avoid vacuity 5
Motion of Liberty , left there Qiould be any compreffion or extenli-
on preternatural 5 Motion into a. new fphere, or to Rarefaftion and Con-denfation j Motion of a fccond connexion,ox a motion left there ftiould
be a folution of continuity •-, Motion of greater Congregation , or to
the Mafsof their connaturals, which is commonly called Natural Moti-
on v •^^'^'^'''^ ^/ ^^^" ^^^^''^<?'^^^^*> ufiially ftiled. Motion of Sympathyand of Antipathy j Motion Difponent, or that parts may be rightly
placed in the whole •-, Motion of Ajfimilation, or of Multiplication of its
Nature upon another 3 Motion of Excitation , where the more noble
and vigorous agent awaketh, and ftirs up Motion latent and dormant
in another 5 Motion of the Seal or oflmprejjzon, that is. Operation with-
out Communication of Subftance 5 Motion Regal, or a Cohibition ofother Motions from a Motion Predominant; Motion veithoiit Termina'
//(7»5 or Spontaneous Rotation 5 Motion of Trepidation, or of Contra-
ftionand Dilatation of Bodies placed betwixt things good for them,
and obnoxious to them; lifily:, Motion of Reji or abhorrency of Motion,
which is the Caufe of many things. Of this kind are fimple Motions
which truly iflue forth out of the inward bowels of Nature; whichcomplicate,continuate;interchang'd reprefsM^repeated, and many waysaggregated, do conftitute thofe Compofite Motions or Sitmms of Moti-
ons, which arereceivd, and fuch other of the fame kind. The Summsof Motions are thofe Celebrated Motions, Generation, Corruption, Aug-
mentation, Diminution, Alteration and Lation,fo Mixtion^ Separation^
Version.
\j There remains only as Appendices of Phyficl^, the Meafures ofAfotions 5
of what efficacy the ^antity, or Dofe of Nature is > What diftance can
do, which is called, not unproperly, the orb of Virtue or Activity >
what incitation, or Tardity, can effeft ? IVhat a long orfljort delay > Whatthe force or rebatement of a thing ? What the injiigation of Perijiafie or
circumambient inclofure ? And thefe are the natural and genuine
Parts of true natural Philofophy, touching AbfiraSs. For in thefigu-^
rations, or Schemes of Alatter j in Amotionsfimple ; Infumms or Aggre-*
N 2 gationt
loo Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . IIL
gatJOfis of Motions i, and in Meaftircs of Motiom, theVhyfick^of Abjira&s
is accomphpt. As for voluntary Motion in Animals j Motion in the
Aftionsof Senfes; Motion of the Imagination:, of the Appetite, and of
the mil':) Motion of the mind j of the difcerning faculty , or Praftick
Judgement^and of the Tntel/e&tials^we refer over to their proper Know-ledges, ret thus much again we advertife, that all thefe Particulars wehave delivered, are no farther to be handled in Thyfick,^ than the en-
quiry of their yi//i«er and Efficient--i
for according to their Forms and
Ends they are revifed and re-examined in Metaphyficl{.
V. IFe will here annex two notable Appendices, which have reference
not fo much to the Matter , as to the Manner of Inquiry 5 Natural
Troblems ; and Placits of Ancient Vhilofophers. The lirft is the Appen-
dix cf multiplied or fparfed Nature 5 the ftcond of Nature united or of
fumms. Both thefe belong td a grave and circumfpeft moving ofdoubts^
which is no mean part of Knowledge; For Problems comprehend par»
ticular Dubitations 5 Placits ,general j about Principles and the Fa-
brick. 0/ rroWt'w/f^ere is an excellent example in the writing ofAri"
Probi?' J^^^'-'5 which kind of work certainly deferv'd not only to have been
celebrated by Pofterity 5 but by their labours to have been continued 5
feeing new doubts arife daily. But in this point Caution is to be taken,
and that of great Importance. The' recording and propofing of Doubt/
hath in it a two-fold ufe : One, that it munites and fortifies Philofophy
againft errors ^ when that which is not altogether fo clear and evident
is not defin'd and avouched, (left error (hould beget error)but a judge-
ment upon it is fufpended, and is not definitive. The other, that the
entry.of D^/zi/jjand recording of them^are fo many Sponges which con-
tinually fuck and draw in unto them an increafe and improvement ofKnowledge 5 whereby it comes to pais that thofe things, which with-
out the fuggeftion of Doubts had been (lightly, and without obser-
vation pafled overjare by occafion offuch Dubitations,moxe ferioufly andattentively confidered. But thefe two utilities fcarce recompence onedifcommodity, which unlefs it be carefully lookt unto, infinuatethit
felfi namely, That a doubt once acknowledged asjtijily made, and become^
as it were, authentickj^ prefentlyjlirs up defendants both ways j who in Ul{e
manner commend over thefame liberty ofdoubting to Poflerity jfo that men.
bend and apply tl>eir wits, rather to keep a doubt fli11 on foot, than to de-
termine andfolve it. Inftances of this cafe we have every where, both
in Jurifconfiilts^ and in Students in thellniverfities 5 who ifthey haveoncecntertain'd a Doubt, it goes ever after authoriz'd for a Doubt, aAfuming unto themfelvesa priviledge, as well of Dubitation, as of Ajjer-
ti'on : whereas the right ufe of Reafonis, to make things doubtful certain 5
and not to call things certain, into doubt : Wherefore I report as Deficient
a Calendar of Dubitations, ox Problems in Nature, and approve the un-
dertaking of fuch a work, as a profitable pains 5 fo care be had, that as
knowledge daily grows up, ("which certainly will come to pafs, ifmenhearken unto us) iiich Doubts as be clearly difcuft, aud brought to fe-
folution, be rafed out of the Catalogue of Problems. To this Calendar, I
would have another annext no lefsufeful ; Forfeeing that in all inqui-
ries, there be found thefe three forts of things ^ things manifeilly true ^^
Doubtful '-y mavifcjlly falfe: It woiild be a very profitable courfe to ad-
joyn to the Calendar of Doubts, and Ncn'liquets ; a Calender ofFalJlioods,
and
L I c. III. Ofthe Ad'Viincement of Learning. loi
and ofpopular Errors^ now paffing unargued in Natural Hiftory, andin Opinions 5 that Sciences be no longer diftemper'd and embafed bythem.
§ AsfortherlacitsofAncJentrhilofophert, zswexethoftoiPytbago-raiy rhiloLiuf, Xcnopho»^ Anaxagoras^ rarntcnides, Leucippusy Dcmo-critiiSj and others, (which men ufe difdainfully to run overj it will not
be amifs to caft our eyes with more reverence upon them. For al-
though Arijlotic,after the manner ofthe race of the Ottomans, thought he Ari/lof
could not ftfcly reign , unlcfhe MJide away all his Brethren 5 yet to thofe
who ferioully propound to themfelves the inquifition and illuftration
ofTruth^ and not Dominion or Mugifiraliiy, it cannot but feem a mat-
ter ofgreat profit, to fee at once before them, thefeveral opinions of(everal Authors touching the Natures of things. Neither is this for a-
ny great hope conceiv'djthat a more exaft truth can any way be expe<3:-
ed from thefeor from the like Theories.For as the fame Ph£nomen.r-,the
feme Calciilatiotjs are Satisfied upon the Agronomical Principles both ofPtabfnf and Copernicus : So the popular experience we embrace -i andthe ordinary viewand face of things, may apply it felf to many feve-
ral Theories 5 whereas a right inveftigation of truth requires another
manner of (everity and (peculation. For as AriHotle faith elegantly.
That children at fi-ii indeed call all men Fathers, and rvomen Mothers^ ^"''
but afterwards they difiingnij}) them both : So certainly experience in
Childhood, will call every Fhilofophy, Mother •-, but when it comes to
ripenels, it will difcern the true Mother. In the mean time it is goodto read over divers Thilofophics, as divers GlofTes upon Nature 5 where-of, it may bcjOne in one place; another in another, is more correft-
ed. Therefore I could wifti a collecl:ion made, but with diligence and ^* ^^*':
judgment, De Antiquis rhilofophiis, out of the lives of Ancient Philo- lofophiisj'
Ibphers j out of the Parcels ofPlutarch oftheir Placits ; out of the Ci-
tations of Plato •, out of the Confutations ofArijiotle , out of a fparfed
mention found in other Books as vvellof Chriftians, as of Heathens, (as
out of Laciantiiis, Philo, Philofiratus, and the reft) : For 1 do not yet
fee extant a vpork^of this Nature. But here I muft give warning,that this
bedone diftin(3;ly, fo as the Philofophies, everyone feverdly, be com-posed and continued,and not colleded by titles and handfuls, as hath
been done by Plutarch. For every Philofophy ivhile it is entire in the
v^hole picce^ jupports it jclf-j and the opinions maintained therein give
light, firength, and credence mutually one to the other 5 whereas if tUykefimpk and broken, it vpillfound moreflrange and diffonant. In truth
when I read in Tacitus the Actions of Kero^ or of Claudius inverted'^^'^'^"
with Circumftances ofTimes, Perfons, and inducements : I find themnot fo ftrange, but they may be true: but when I read the fame Aiii-
ons \n Suetonius Tranquillus, reprefentcd by titles and common places,
and not in order ofTime, they (eera monftrous and altogether incre- s-.icton
dible : So is Philofophy when it ispropounded entire j and vehen it isfli-
ced and articled into fragments. Neither do I exclude out of this Ca-
lendar of the Placits, or SeQs of Philofophy, the Theories and opinions
of later times, as that ofTheophraJlus Paracelfus eloquently reduced in-
to a body and Harmony of Philofophy by Severinus the Drinc, or cfTelefms of Cofenzc, who reviving the Philofophy of r4r«?e»?r/f/ hath
turn'd the weapons of the Peripateticks lipors tbemfelves, or of Patri-
eiut
1 02 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i e. III.
ciHs the Venetiafi j who hath fublimated the fumes ofthe rlatonijls 5 or
of G;//»cr/ our Countryman, who hath reftored to light the opinions
ofP/jilolaus ; or of any other whatfoever, if he be of merit. And be-
caufe the volumes ofthefe Authors are wholly extant, there may be a-
bridgeraents made only ofthem, andfoannext, by way of reference
to the reft. And thus much of Natural rhilofophji, and the Appendices
thereof.
VI, As for Metaphyfick,^ ive have ajjigmd unto it^,
the inquiry of Yor-mal and Final caufes ^ which application^ as to Forms, may jeem to be
* nugatory and void. For an opinion hath prevailed; and is grown in-
Tsrmx.Kt' veterate, thzt xh^ effential Forms zn6. true Differences oil)\\x\gs, can byrum. no diligence of Man be found out. Which opinion in the mean, gives
and grants us thus much j that the Invention of Forms, is of all other
parts of knowledge the worthieft to be fought 5 if it be poffible they
may be found. And as for Poffibility ofInventionjthere are (bme faint-
hearted difcoverers; who when they fee nothing but Air and Water,
think there is no farther Land. But it is manifeft that Plato, a man ofIn Timeo ^^ elevated wit, and who beheld all things as from a high cliff, in his*^'^'*
doftrine of Ideas, did defcry, thatforms roere the true objeH of know-
ledge, however he blithe realfruit of this moB true opinion, by contet»'
plating and apprehending Forms, as abfolutely abjlractfrom matters ; and
not confined and determined by matter : whereupon it came to pafs that
he turned himfelfto TheologicalJpeculations, which infe&edand dijiainid
all his Natural Fhilofophy. But if we keep a watchful, and a fevere eye
upon Aftion and life, it will not be difficult, to trace and find out what
are the Forms-, the difclofure whereof would wonderfully enrich and
make happy the eftateof man. For the Forms offubjiances, (man on-
Gen. 2. ly except, ofwhom it is (aid, Formavit hominem de limo terne, dffpira-
Gcn. I. vit mjacicm ejus/piraculum vita j not as of all other kinds, Producat a^
qua, producat terra') I fay the fpecies of creatures, as they are nowmultiplied by compounding and tranfplantingj are (b perplext and com-
plicate, as it is either altogether loft labour to make enquiry of them,
or the inquifition thereof, fuch as as may be had, Ihould be fulpended
for a time, and when the Forms of nature, in her more fimple exiftence
are rightly Ibught and found out, then to be determin'd and fet down.
For, as it were not a thing eafie, nor any way ufeful, tofeek^ the Form
of that found, which makes a word'-, being that words through compo-
(ition, and tranfpofition ofletters are infinite ; but to enquire the Forn»
ofjound, which expreffethfome fimple letter (namely with what collifion,
with what application of the inftruments of voice it is made) is a thing
comprehenfible and eafie 5 whichform <f letters once k."own, prefcntly
leads us to the form of words. In the fame manner to enquire the form
ofa Lyon, of an Oak, of Gold, nay of Water, of Air,is avainpur-
fuit; but to enquire the Fortns o( Denfe, Rare--, Hot, Coldj Heavy,
Light -, Tangible, Pncumatick 5 Volatile, Fixt i and the like, both of
Figurations and of Motions j whereof the moft of them we have enu-
merated when we handled Phyfick,, and are wont to call them, Forms
ofthefirB rank,or order , and which (as the letters ofthe Alphabet) are
not fo many in number, and yet build up and fupport the Effences and
Forms of all fubftances. And this is that very point,which we aim at,
and endeavour to compaG 5 and which conftitutes and defines that part
of
L I B. III. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, i o:?
o^niutj^hyfck^, whereof we now enquire. Nor doth this fb preju-
dicate or hinder, but that rhyfick may confider the lame Natures alio
(as hath been (aid) bnt only according to the fluid and mutable caufes.
For cx\i///plc, ifthecaule odrhitcncf^jn Snorv or in Froth be enquired,it is well rendred, th.it it is the fiibiilc intermixture of Air jtith rvater.
But this is far from being the Form of ivhitenej^j being that Air inter-
mixt with the duft, or powder of Clafi, or Chryftal, doth likewife
produce tr/j/7f«r/}, as well as if it were mingled with watery but this
is the efficient caule only, which is no other than vehiculnm Form£. Butif the enquiry be made in MetAphyfick^^ you (hall find fome fuch rule as
this, "Fhat two diaphanous bodies being intermixt^ their optick^Portions in
a (impic ord':r^ or cqiiaUy placed, do determine and conjiitute whitencjT.
This part oiAlt'taphyftck^Ifind deficient : and no marvail, becaufe by the
courlc of enquiring, which hitherto hath been praftifed, the Forms ofthings will never appear, while the world endures. The root ofthiserror^ as of all other, is this^ that men in their contemplations of nature
are accttUomed to make too timely a departure, and too remote a recefsfrom
experience andparticulars , and haveyielded and refigned themfelvcs whol-ly over to thefumes of their oven fancies, and popular Argumentations,
But the ufe ofthis part of Jllntaphyfick^ which I report as deficient^ is
ofthe reft the moft excellent in two refpefts.
(j Firfi, becaufe it is the duty and peculiar virtue of all Sciences, toabridge (as much as the conception of truth will permit^ the ambagesand long circuits of Experience, and fbto apply a remedy to the anci-
ent complaint ofvita brcvis, ars longa. And this is excellently perfor- Hfpp,
med, by coUcSing and uniting the Axioms ofSciences, into more general Apho?,'
heads and conceptions ; which may be agreeable to all Individuals. ForSciences, are the Pyramids fupportedby Hijioryj and Experience as their
only and true Bafis 5 andfo the Eafis of Natural Philojophy is Natural Hi-
fiory J thejiage next the Bafis is Phifick^'^ thejiage next the verticalpoint
it Metaphyficl^: as for t\\eConc znd verticalpoint it k\f(opus qftod opc-.^^^^^^^
raturDensaprincipioufqueadfinem--) thefummary larv ofNatureJ we do ''
""
juftly doubt, whether mans enquiry can attain unto it. But thefe three
be the txnefiages of Sciences ^ and are, to men fwelled up with their
own knowledge, and a daring infolence, to invade Heaven, like the
three hills ofthe Giants.
TerfuntConati imponere PelionOjfte, Geor.i'
Scilicet atque oja frondojum involvere Olympuni.
But to thofethat difablingthemlelves, and dilcharging their pride, re-
fer all to the glory of God, they are the three acclamations, San($e,
Sande, SanSe : for Cod is holy in the multitude of his vporkj. Holy in the Apoc.4.
order ofthem. Holy in the union. And therefore the fpeculation was "" **""'
excellent in Parmenides and Plato 5 although but a fpeculation in
them. That all things byfcales did afcend to unity. So then, thatfcience
is the worthieftj which leaft chargeth mans underftaiiding with multi-
plicity 5 and it is evident, thztthztxs Meta^hyfick, asthat which prin-
cipally fpeculates thofe fimpie Forms of things'-, (which we have ftiled
Forms of thefirfi degree or orderj which though they be few in number,yet in their Commenfurations and Co-ordinations, they mAe all kinds
of variety. § Ths
104 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. III_
^ rhe Second refpeft which enobles this part oi Metaphyfick_ touching
Forms^ is, that of all other fciences, it doth moft enfranchife, and let
at liberty the Power ofMan 5 and brings it forth into a moft ample and
open field to exercife in. P^or Phjjick,6\xeQ:s mans labour and diligence
through narrow and reftrained ways, imitating the flexious courfes ofPlat, in ordinary Nature 5 But Ut£ undique fdpientibus vi£^ tofapience (which
de^pfn^i!^ was anciently defined to be, Remm divincirum & humjiKarumfcientia)
Tafc.4. ' there is ever copy and variety of means. For Phyficall caufes give light
and occafion to new inventions mjimili materia j but whofbever knowsany Forrft^ knows alfo the ntmoji pojjibiljty offuperindncwg that nature up-
on any variety of matter j and fo is lels reftrained and tied in operation,
either to the Bafis of the ;/^4»er, or to the condition of the Efficient j
which kind ofknowledge, though in a more divine fence, Solomon e-
Prov. IV. legantly defcribes, Non ar&ahuntur grejjks tui, et Current non hahebis
ofendiculum--) his meaning is, that the ways ofyip/e»^^, are not liable
to ftreights, nor perplexities.
§ Thefecondpart ofMetaphyfick^ is the enquiry ofFinal Caufes ; which
we note not as omitted, but as mifplaced ; for the enquiry of them u«
fually is made amongft the rhyjick/, and not in the Metaphyfickj. Andyet if this were a fault in order only, I (hould not much ftand upon it 5
fox order isa matter of Illuftration, and pertains not to the fubftanceof
Sciences : but this inverfion oforder ^ hath caufed a notable deficience^
and brought a great decay upon Philofophy. For the handling offz-
nal Caufes in the rhyfickj^ hath intercepted, and banifht the enquiry of
rhyfical Caufes 5 and hath given men occafion to reft (atisfied in (uch fpe«
cious, and umbratilous Caufes 5 and not thorowly to urge and prefs
the enquiry of real and truly rhyjical Caufes. For this I find done not on-
Arifl it, ly by Plato, who ever Ancreth upon that Shore 5 but alio by Arijiotle^
I roM. Galen^ and others, who ufually likewife fall upon thefe Flats. For to
fay, That the eye-lids furnipt with hairs are for a quicl{-Jet andfence to
fortifiethe thefight : or that thefrmne^offl^ins, and hides oflivingCrea-
tures, is to repel the extremities ofheat and cold : or that Bones are ordai-
ned by Nature for Columns and Beams ivhereupon theframe ofthe Body is to
be built : or that Treesfwotforth leaves tofjadow andproteU thefruitfron»
the Sun and the wind: or that the Clouds are ingendred above, to water
the earth helow : or that the Earth is clofe^compaCi and folid, that it may
be a Station and Mansion for living Creatures 5 is properly enquired in
Metaphyfickj-^ but in P^^/Fc/^they are impertinent. Nay, (topurfuethis
^omt")fuch difcourfing Caufes as thefe, like the Remoraes (as thefidiongoes')
adhering toflips, fiay and fug the fayling, and the Progrefs of Sciences^
that they could not hold on their Courfe, and advanceforward tofurther Dif»
coveries : And now long ago it isfo brought topafsjhat thefearch ofPhyfcal
Caufes, thus negle&ed, are decayed andpajfed over infllence. And there-
fore the Natural PbiUfophy ofDemocritus, and (bme others, who remo-
ved God and a Mind from the frame ofthings j and attributed the ftru-
clure of the world to infinite Preludiums, and Effays (which by one
name they terra'd Fate ox Fortune j^nd have affigned the Caufes ofPar-ticulars to the neceflity of Matter,without intermixture of Final Caufes)
leeraeth to us (fo far as we can conjefturefrom the Fragments and Re-mains oftheir PbilofophyJ in refpeft of Phyfical Caufes, to have been
far morefofcdj and to have penetrated more profoundly into Natnrej^ ihaa
Lib. III. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 105
than that of Arijiatlc and Plato for this reafon ahtie^ that tkofe Ancient
rhilofophe'rs never tfajied time in final Caiifes 5 but thefe perpetually prcft
and inculcate them. And in this point Anjiotlc is more to blame than
Plato, feeing he hath omitted the fountain of all final Cjulcs, Cod-,
and in the place of God fubftituted Nature 5 and hath imbraced/wj/
eaufes rather as a lover of L(7(j/V4- than an adorer of Divinity. Nor dowe therefore fpeak thus much , becaufe thofe final Caufes are not true,
and very worthy the enquiry in Metaphyfick^SpecuUtiom 5 but becaufe,
while they fally out,and break in upon the Poffeffions o^Phj/ficalCaufcs,
they do unhappily depopulate and vvafte that Province: For otherwife,
ifthey keep themfelves within their precinfts and borders, they are ex-
tremely deceiv'd5who ever think that there is an enmity or repugnancy
between them and Phyfical Caufes. For the caufc render'd,rZi4^ the hairs
about the cye-lidt are for thefafe-gard of the fight, doth not indeed im-
pugn that other Caufe j That pilofitie is incident to Orifices ofJlloijiure, ^_
Alufcofi Pontes, Sec^'^S^uc.
Nor the Caufe render*d,/^<i/ tkefirmnefs ofHides is in Beajls for armor a-
gainjith^ injuries of extreme weather,doth impugn that other CaufejT/jti^
that firmnefs is caufed by the contra3ion of pores in the outward parts ofthe body through cold, and depredation of Air j and fo of the reft : bothcaufes excellently confpiring, fave that, the one declares an intention,
the other a confequence only ; Neither doth this call in queftion, or de-
rogate from divine Providence 5 but rather wonderfully confirms andexalts it. For as in Civil Adions, that Politick wifdom will be moredeep, and admired, if a man can u(e thefervice of other men to his
own ends and defires j and yet never acquaint them with his purpofe
(fo as they (hall do what he would they (houlddo, and yet not under-
ftand what they do) ••, then if he (hould impart his counfels to thofe heiraploys ; So the wifdom of God (hines more wonderfully, when Na-ture intends one thing, and Providence draws forth another 3 then if
the Charadters oiDivine Providence were impreft upon every particular
habitude and motion of Nature. Surely Arijiotle, after he fwelled upNature with Final Caufes •, Naturam nihilfrufira facere 5 fuique votifem- ^e CoeIo,
fer ejfe compotem (ft impedimenta abefient) j and had fet down manyj'jb.'de'
fuch tending to that pmpoCe j had nofarther need ofGod: But Democri- part. a.
tus and Epicurus, when they publilht and celebrated their Atoms 3 were "'™^*
thus far by the more fubtile wits liftned unto with Patience : but whenthey would avouch, that the Fabrick and Contexture of all things in
Nature, knit and Qnited it felfwithout a Mind, from a fortuitous Con-courfe ofthofe Atoms, they were entertain'd with laughter by all. Sothat physical Caufes are fo far from withdrawing mens minds from Godand Providence j as rather contrarivvife thofe Philofbphers which weremoft exercifed in contriving thofe Atoms , found no end and ifiuc oftheir travail, unfll they had refolved all at la(t into God and Providence,
'X\i\x%m\ic\iQ^ Metaphyfick^, a part whereoftouching Fz«a/ Cj/zf:.; I de-
ny not to have been handled both in the Phyficks and MetaphyHcks 5
in thefe truly, in thofe improperly ^ for the inconvenience hath eniued
thereupon.
O CHAP.
Io
6
Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. III.
Chap. V.
I. The Partition of the Operative Knowledge of Nature into Me*chatiick^ and Magick^ : Refpondent to the parts of Speculative
Knowledge 5 Mechanick^to rhyftck^-^ Mugick^to Metaphy^ck^. § Apurging of the word A/4gi4. II. Two Appendices to Operative
Knowledge, An Ittventary of the Eftate of ma». A Catalogue ofPolychrejis^ or things of multifarioHs nfe,
I. '"I
"*H£ Operative kaowledge of Natttre, we will likewile divide intof
X two Parts 5 and that from a kind of Neceffity. For this Di-
vifton is fubordinate to the former Divifion of Speculative Knotpledge 5
for PlyJ^ck^ and the Enquiry of Efficient and Material Caufes, produces
Mechanick^ : but Metaphyjlcli, and the enquiry of Forms produces Magic^:
Asfor Final Caufes^ the enquiry is barren , and as a Virgin confecrate to
God brings forth nothing. Nor are we ignorant that there is a Mecha-
nical Knorvledge, which is meerly emperical, and operary, not depend-
ing on Phyftckj) but this We have referr'd to Natural Hijiory, and fepa-
rateitfrom Natural rhilofophy : Speaking here only of that Mechanical
Knowledge which is connext with Caufes Vbyftcal. But yet there fells
out a certain Mechanical^ or experimental Knowledge which neither is
altogether Operative^, nor yet properly teacnes fo high as fpeculative
Thilofophy : For all the Inventions of Operations which have come tq
mens Knowledge , either have fallen out bjr cafual incidence 5 and af-
terwards deliver'd from hand to hand, or were fought by a purpoled
experiment. Tho(e which have been found out by intentional ex-
periment, they have been dilclofed either by the light of C4»/e/, andAxioms --^ or found out by extending, or transferring, or compoundingformer inventions •, which is a matter more iagacious and witty, than
Philofophical. And this part whicTi by no means we defpife, we Ihall
briefly toUch hereafter, when we fhall treat of Literate experience z-
mongrt the parts o{ Logick^. As for the Merhamcl{_ now in hand. Art-
jiotle hath handled it promifcuoufly 5 Hero in fpiritalibus 5 as likewife
Georgius Agricola a modern Writer,very diligently in his Minerals 5 andmany •others in particular Treatifes on that fibjed , fo as I have nothing
to fay of Deficients in this kind , but that the promifcuous Mechanicals
<?/ Ariftotle, ought toliave been with moie diligence continued, by the
pens of recent Writers ^ efpecially with choice offuch experimentals,
of which either the Caufes aremore obfcure, or the Effedts more no-
ble. But they who infift upon thcfe, do, as itwere, only coaft along
the (lioar, Vremendo littus iniqnuvi._ For in my judgement there can
hardly beany radical alteration, or novation in Naturo; either by anyfortuitous adventures 5 or by effiys of Experiments ; or from the light
of Phyfical Caufes 5 but only through the invention o{ Forms. There-
fore ifwe have fet down that part of Mctaphyfici^ as Deficient^ which en-
treattth of Forms •-, it follows that Natural Mtgic^ alfo, which is a Re-lative unto it, is likewifc Def\^ive.
§ But
LiB. III. Of the Advancement ofLedrmng. toy
fj But it feeras rcquifite in this place that the word AfjgU , ac-
cepted for a long in the worfe part , be reftored to the ancient
and honourable fence. AJjgia ametrgjl the Ferfians , was taken for afapience , and a Science of the harmony and contents of univer-
fals in Nature ^ fo thofe three Eajlern Kings which carae to adoreChrjji , are ftiled by the name of Magi : and we underftand it in
that lence , as to be , 4 Science vphich deduccth the knorvkdge ofhidden forms to Jiratige and wonderful effcSs and operations 5 and as
it is commonly faid , by joyning AQives veith Pajjives , which difclo^
feth the great wonders of Nature. As for the Natural Magick^^ (whichflies abroad in many mens books) containing certain credulous andfuperftitious traditions . and obfervations of Sympathies , and Anti-
pathies^ and of hidde^ and fpecifick proprieties, with (bme experiments
commonly frivilous ^ ftrange, rather for the art of conveyance and dif^
guiferaent, than the thing it felf ^ furely he fhail not much err, whdIhall lay, that this kind of Magick, is as far differing in truth of Na-ture, from fuch a knowledge as we require 3 as the Books of the Gefts
oi Arthur of Britain^ or oCHugh oiBurdeaux, differs from Cafars Cara-mentaries in truth of ftory. For it is manifeft, that C-ejar did greater
things de vero^ than they durft feign of their Heroes , but he did theni
not in that fabulous manner. Of this kjnd ofLearning, the Fable ofIx\on
tpas afigure \ who projcfting with hirafelf to enjoy jF««tf the GoddefsofPower, had copulation with a c7^K^, of which he hcgot Centaurs zndChimeraes. So whoever are carried away with a frantick and impotentpaffion, and vaporous conceit to thofe things, which only, through the
fames and clouds of Imagination, they fancy to themfelves to fee, in
ftead of fubftantial operations 5 they are delivered of nothing but airy
hopes, and certain deformed and monftrous apparitions. The ope-
ration and effeO: of thisfuperficiary,and degenerous Natural Magick^nf-on Men , is like fome foporifcrous drugs, which procure deep ; andwithal exhale into the fancy, merry and pleafant dreams infleep. F/V/?,
it carts mans underftanding into a fleep, (till chanting and fuggefting
fpecifick proprieties, andfecret virtues 3 andfet down, as it were, fromheaven, to be delivered, and to be learned only by auricular traditi-
ons j whence it comes to pa(s, that men are no rpore ftirred up and a-
waked to fearch with diligence, and to force out the true caufes 3 but
fit down fatisfied with thefe frivolous and credulous opinions : and theri
inftills an infinite number of pleafing fidions, in the manner of dreams,
and fuch as one would moft wi(h to be true. And it is worth the pain^
to note, that in thefe Sciences,vvhich hold fomuch of imagination (as
are that adulterate Magic^, whereofwe now (peak, Alchymie , Aliro^
nomy^ and the like) the means and Theory are ever more monftrous,
than the end and pretences. The turning of Silver ox ^ick^ftliier, ot
any other metal into Gold, as a hard thing to believe : yet it is a thing "^
far more probable, to a man well skilled, and experimented in thena-turesof weight, yellow, colour, malleable and extenlibk^ as alfofixt
and volatile : and likewile to one who hath exaftly fearcht into the'
firft (eeds and menftruous Purgings of Minerals 5 that Gold by an in-
duftrious and curious wit, may, at laft, be produced j than that a few'
grains of Elixir, or of the power of Produftion, fhould be of force/
Ox m
108 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. III.
in a few Minutes, to turn Metals into Gold, by the aftivity of the fame
Elixir ••} which is able to perfeft Nature, and to deliver it from all im-
pediments. So the retarding of Age, or the reftoring of (brae degree of
youth , doth not eafily purchafe a belief ; yet it is far more like-
ly to a man that knows perfeftly the nature of ArefaSiott^ and
the depredations of the fprrits , upon the folid parts of the body
,
and hath throughly obferved the nature o»f Affimulation , and of
Alimentation 5 either more perfeS or more peccant ^ alfo the na-
ture of the Spirits and of the Flame ("as it were) of the body, at
ffigned fometimes to confume , fometimes ;to repair j may by Diets,
Bathings , Anointings , proper Medicines , and accommodate Mo-tions, and the like
,prolong Ufe , or renew fome degrees of youth,
or vivacity : then that this (hould be efFedted, by a few drops
or fcruples of fome precious Liquor or Quinteicence. Again , that
fates may be drawnfrom the Stars^ men will not fuddenly, and eafily
affcnt unto, but thefe, that the hour of Nativity (which oftentimes
through many natural accidents, is either accelerated or differed^
ftiould govern the fortune ofthe whole life, or that the hour of Que-
ftionis co-fatal with the thing it felf which is fought, you will lay are
meer impoftures. But fuch a rafli impotency and intemperance, doth
poffefs and infatuate the whole race of man j that they do not only pre-
fume upon, and promife to themfelves what is repugnant in nature to
be performed j but alfo, are confident that they are able to conquer e-
ven at their pleafure, and that by way of recreation, the moft difficult
paiTages of nature , withoul trouble or travail. And of Magic^thus
much j the name whereof we have vindicated from reproach
,
and feparated the true and noble kind from the bafe and coun-
terfeit.
k II. of this operative part of Nature there are two Appendices, both of
INVEN- much importance. Thefirftis^ that there be made an InventaryoftheTARiUM ejiate ofMan 5 in which there (hould be taken and compendioufly cafk
HUMA- "Pj ^h^ fumm of all the wealth and fortunes of men (whether they
NAR.UM. arlfe from the fruits and revenues of Nature, or of Art) which are nowextant, and whereofmen are already pollefl:, adding (iich inventions,
as is manifeft have been in times pafl: celebrated , but are now peri(ht.
To this end and purpofe, that he who addrefleth himfelf to the (earch
of new Inventions, may not be arretted in his inqueft, nor wafl:e time
and ftudy in thofe things which are already invented, and are now ex-
tant. And this Inventary will be more artificial, and more ferviceable,
ifyou add thofe things which in popular conceit are reputed impojfible^
and together with them couple fuch inventions, as are neareft in de-
gree to inipcjfibks , and yet are extant 5 that the one may fet ati
edge on mans enquiry , the other may in a fort direft it ; and that
from thc^eOptatives, and Potentials, mans ASives may be more readily
condufted.
* § The fecond is, that there be made a Calendar of thofe experiments,
Cata- which are Poljichrejis, things of a multifarious ufe 5 and moft uni-LOCUS ver(al confequcnce^ and which conduce and direft to the Tnvc»'
CHRE- ^''^" ^^ other experiments. For example j the artificial experiment
^fo- of conglaeiation of IVater by Ice ivitb bLicf{_ fait ,pertains 10 in-
^^^- finite purpofes and ellays , for this difclofeth the fecret and ab-
(\ru(e
L I B . 1 1 1. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 109
ftrufc manner of Condenfation , than which nothing is more com-
modious for men. As for fire , that is a ready and known Agent
for RarefaSion^ but the myftcry oi Condenfation^ is not yet fully dif-
covered : and it makes much for the abridgement of invention
,
iC Foljchrejis of this nature were coHefted into a particular Cata-
logue.
m ^ ^ ., }„^.,.-
C H A P. VI.li'iC/.
Of thegrcJt Appendix. «/Natural Philqlbphy, ISpfeculative, as Opera-
tive, Mathematick knowledge j and that it ought rather to beplaced
among^Appendncs, than amongtifuhBantial Sciences. § The Par'
titJon of Mathematiwks into Pure and Mixt.
ARiflotk faith well, Phyfick, tnd Mathematics ingendcr pracihcal or
mechanical \novrledge : Wherefore now we have handled, both ^^^^^P^-^
thefpectilative znd operative p3Tt of the knowledge of Nature ') order re-
quires that weipe^kof Aiathematiefk^^ which is an auxiliary Science to
to them both. For, in the received Philofbphy, Matbematick.is annext^
as a third part, to Phyfick^ and Aletaphyficl^^j but it f^ems to us, who haveundertaken to reexamine, and Till over again the(e things, (ifwe haddefigned this as a fubftantive and principal Science) more agreeable
both in refpedt of the nature of the thing, and the light of order, to
place it as a branch of Mctaphyfck. For ^oKtity, which is the fubjeft
of Mathematick^Science^ applied to Matter, is the Dole, as it were, ofNature, and produdtive of a number of effefts in things natural , andtherefore is to be reckoned in the number of ejfentialforms. For the laert. in
Power of Figure and Number, feeraed to be of fuch force -amongft i^*™»
the Ancient PhilofopherS , that Democritus placed the feeds of the
variety of things, principally, in the Figures of Atoms ^ and Pythago-
ras aflerted, the Natures of things, to be conftituted of Numbers. In v^"pyf^„the mean, this is true, that of Natural Forms, (as we underftand forms) l.».
^antity is of all raoft abftradled and feparable from Matter: whichwas the reafon why it hath been more painfully laboured, and exaftly
inquired by men, than any other Form whatfoever, which are all
more iramerfed in Matter. For being it is the nafure of Man (cer-
tainly to the great prejudice of knowledge) to delight in the open
Fields of Generals '-, rather than in the Woods and Inclofures of Par*
ticularsj there was nothing found more acceptable and delightful,
than the Mathematicks i wherein that appetite of expatiating andmeditating might be fatisfied. And though all this ^e true, yet to
us, who provide not only for truth and order , but likewile for the
ufe and profit of men; it fcemed at laft better, to defign Alathema-
tickj •, being they are of fuch efficacy, both in r/y^/Jr^, and in /I/j/^/'^/-
ficl{^, and in Mechanickj, and in A4agick^, as the Appendrces and Auxj»liary Forces of them all: which in a fort we are compelled to dofor the wantonnefs and arrogancie of the AJatbcnat/cians , who
eould
1 1 o Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. Ill
eould be content, that this Science, might even command and over'
rule Thyfick. For it is come to pafs, by what fate I know not, that
AUthematick^ and Logick^^ which (hould carry themfelves as hand-
maids to Phjijick.3 boafting their certainty above it , take uponthem 3 command and Dominion. But we do not Co much ftand
upon the rank and dignity of this Science , let us confider the thing it
felf.
§ MathematJckj are either Pure or Mixt ; to Pure Mathematicl{f, thofe
Sciences are referred , which handle ^antity altogether abftrafted
from Matter, and Phyfical Axioms. They are two, Geometry^ andArithmetich i the one handling ^antity continued , the other dijfe-
" vered. Which two Arts have indeed been inquired into, with fub-
tilty and induftry, but neither to the labours of Euclid in Geometry^
hath there been any thing of any worth added by pofterity , in fo
many centuries of years fince he flourifht 5 nor hath the Doftrineof Solids , for the ufe and excellency of the knowledge , beenlaboured and advanced by Writers Ancient or Modern. And in
Arithmetic^ there hath not been found out apt and fufficient variety
of compendious ways for fupputations ; efpecially about Progrejfions 5
whereof there xs great ufe in the Phyficks. Nor is the Algebra, or
Art of Equation well perfected 5 but that Pythagorical and AtypicalA"rithfnetic^, which is begun to be revived out of Froclus, and fomeRemains of Euclid 5 is a fpacious field of fpeculation ; Forfuch is the'
nature of Mm, that ifit be notable to comprehendfolids, it vpajies itfelfin unprofitable niceties.
§ Mixt Mathcfnatic^, hath for fubjeft Axioms, and portions of Thy'
fick^'-, and confiders ^antity, as it is auxiliary to enlighten, demon-ftrate , and aftuate them. For many parts of Nature can never bewith fufficient fubtiity comprehended, nor demonftrated with fufl
ficicnt perfpicuity, nor accommodated to ufe with fufficient dexterity
and certainty, without the Aid and intervening of the Mathema"ticks. Of which fort are TerfpeBiiK , Mufick^, Ajlronomy, Cofntogra-
fhy^ Architecture, Ingenarie , and divers others. But in Mixt Mathe-tnatickj, I can now report no entire portions Deficient j I rather makethis prediftion, that there will be more kinds of them invented bypofterity , if men be not wanting to themfelves. For as Phyfical
knowledge daily grows up , and new Axioms of nature are dif^
clofed , there will be a neceility of new Mathematick inventions
,
and fo at lafl more Mixt Mathematickj will be contrived. Andnoxo Tve have pajjed through the l^novoledge of Nature , and have no-
ted the Deficients therein. Wherein if we have departed from theAncient and received opinons , and thereby have moved contradi-
ftion 3 for our part , as roe affeCi not to dijjent y fo me furpofe not t»
contend. Ifit be truth .
virg. Su- Ntf» Canimusfurdk, refpondent omniafylva^eol.
The voice of nature will cry it up, though the voice of man (houldi
cry it down. And as Alexander Borgia was wont to fay, of the Ex-tid. HiC'pedition of the French for Naples ^ that they came with chalky in their®'''
hands
L I B . III. Ofthe Advancement of Learnmg. 1 1
1
hands to mark-up their Lodgings^ and not with weapons t»fight ^ Co welike better, that entry of truth, which comes peaceably, where the
Minds of men, capable to lodge fo great a gueft, are figned, as it were,
with chalk^:, than that which comes with Pugnacity j and forceth it /elf
a way by contentions and controverfies. Wherefore having finiflit twoparts of Philolbphy, concerning God^ and concerning nature ; the third
remains concerning Man.
THE
II3
THE
Fourth BookO F
FRANCIS L. V E R ZJ L A MVicouhtS' ALBAN,
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
LEARNING.To the KING.
Chap. I.
h The Partition of the Knowledge of Man into the rhilofophj of HH"/nanjty ; and Civil. ^ The Partition ofthe Knowledge oi Httmu-nity into the Knowledge touchivg the Body of ALin , and into tho
Knowledge touching the Soul of Alan. II The Conflitution of a
general Knowledge of the "Nature ^ or of the State of man. § TheYyWx^XQXX of the Knowledge of the State of Man^ into the Knowledge
of the Perfon ofAlan j and of the League of the Mind, and the body.
§ The Divifion of the Knowledge of Alans Perfon, into the Knorvledge of Afans Alifcries. § And of his Prerogatives. III. The Di-
vifion of the Knowledge of the League, into the Knowledge of Indi-
cations, § And of Intprejfions. ^ The ASxgnmQnt of Phyfiogno-
t»y. § Andof the Interpretation of natural Dreams , to the Know»ledges of Indications,
F anyMan (f;^^^//^^**:/»^^ fhall aflault, or wound me for
any of thofe frefe/?^/ I have delivered, or fhall hereafter
deliver (befidesthat I fhould be fafe, being under the Pro*tedion of Tour Majefiy') let him know, that he doth that
which is againft the Cuftom and Law of Arms : For lamaTrumpeter only, I do not begin the fight ; perchance one of thofe of
whom Homer, &c.
1 14 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. IV.
Cicero deOrat.
Hora.11.4. Kai^txe Kvi^vxAi; Sio$ ''Ajy?\o/, m<5^ K) av</'gSv
:
For thefe even between Mortal and enraged enemies paft to and fro
ever inviolated. Nor doth our Trumpet fdfnmon, and incourage mento tear and rend one another with contradictions 5 and in a civil rage
to bear Arms, and wage War againft themfelves , but rather , a peace
conchaded between them, they may with joynt forces dired their
ftrength againft Nature her felfj and take her high Towers, and diC-
mantle her fortified Holds 5 and thus enlarge the Borders ofmans Dominion , fo far as Almighty God of his goodnefs fhall
permit.
rl»t. in I. Now let us come to that Knowledge, whcreunto the Ancient O-Aicib. I.
racle direfteth us, which is the knowledge of our felves : which deferves
LL lb'^^^ "^"^^ accurate handling by how muchittoucheth us more nearly.
" ' ' ' This kjioivkdge is to man the end and term of Knowledges ; but of Nature
her [elf̂ a portion only. And generally let this be a rule, that all Di-|^"'^P''^- vifionsof Knowledges be fb accepted and applied. As may rather de^
^'Jig» forth and dijiinguip Sciences into Parts j than cut and full them afutt-
der into pieces j that fo the continuance and entirenefs of Knorvledges mdyever be preferved. For the contrary pradtice hath made particular Sci-
ences to become barren, fhallow, and erroneous 5 while they have not
been nourifhr, maintain'd and redtified from the common Fountain and
Nurfery. So we fee Cicero the Orator complained of Socrates^ and his
School j That he -was thefirU that fcparated Fhilofophy and Rhetorick^^
whereupon Rhetorick became a verbal, and an empty Art. And it is
alfo evident, that the opinion of Copernicus^ touching the Rotation ofthe Earth (which now is maintain'dj becaufe it is not repugnant to the
Thcenomena^ cannot be revinced by Aftronomical Principles; yet bythe Principles of Natural Philofophy, truly applied, it may. So we fee
alfo that the Science of Medicine , if it be deftituted and forfaken
of Natural Fhilofophy, it is not much better than Empericd Pra&ice.
§ This being laid as a ground, let us proceed to the Knowledge of man^
This hath two parts: For it either confidereth man fegregate , or dilJri-
butively 5 or congregate, and infociety : the one we call Fhilofophy of Hu-
manity j the other Fhilofophy Civil. The Fhilojophy of Humanity, or Hu-
mane, confifteth ofthe fame Parts, whereofman himfelfconfifteth , that
is, of knowledges which refped the Body ; and of knowledges which
refpeft the Alind.
II. But before we purfue particular Diftributions, let us conftitute 5
One general Knowledge of the Nature and State of Man : For indeed it is
very fit that this Knowledge be emancipate, and made a knowledge byit felf. It is composed of thofe Sympathies and Concordances communebetween |he Body and the Mind.
§ Again, this Knowledge of the Nature and State of man may be di-
ftributcd into two Parts ; attributing to the one the undivided Nature
of man •) to the other the Combination between the Mind and the Body:
The firft of thefe we will call the knowledge of the Ferfon of man •-, the
fecond the knowledge of the League. And it is plain that all thefe (eve-
ral Branches of Knowledge , being they are common and commixt,
could pot beafligned to that firft Divifion of Knowledge, converfaut
about
L I B. IV. Of the Advancement ofLearmucr. 1 1 ^
about the Body j and of Knowledges converfant about the Aii»cL
§ The Knowledge concerning the rcrjon of mun^ comprehends Ipecial-"
ly two things j namely the Contemplations of the Aiiferies ofMuakind ;
and of the Trcrtf(JJ//w/, or Excellencies of the j.ime. But the hcrvailing
of mans mijeries hath been elegantly andcopioully let forth by many in
the writings, as well of Philofophers, as divines. And it is both a plea- *
iant and a profitable Contemplation. r.iumfhi
§ As for that other touching Mans Prerogatives^n is a point may well ^IZ'd'."
be let down among the Deficients. Pindar when he would extol Hiero^ summha^
fpeaks (as ufually he doth) moft elegantly. That he cropt offthe tops, or |^tT//l*
fummitics of all virtues. Fori fuppole it would much conduce to the m,.«<,.
JVIagoanimity, and Honour of Man ^ if aColleftion weremade of the ''"-"y"^*
Vltimits (as the Schools fpeak) or Summities (as Pindar) of HumaneNature, principally out of the faithful reports of Hiftory ; That as;
IVhatis the laji and higheji pitch, to which mans Nature ofitfelfhath ever
reach'd in all the Perfe&ions both of Body and Mind. What a ftrange a-
bility was that which is reported oiC<efar, that he could di&atc at once si.ct.in
tofive Secretaries! So the Exercitations of the Ancient Rhetoricians, lui-
Protagoras j G(?rgri/ j likewife ofPhilofophers j Calijihenes^ Pojfidoni-^^^^fl^ ^
us j Carneadcs j who were able to difcourfe extempore upon any Subject ri(h*Quin„
Pro and Con, with fluency and elegancy of expreifion, do much enno- '"'^-.^ ^.*"
ble the Powers ofmans wit and natural endowments. And that which phiioftr!'*
Cicero reports of his Mafter Archias is little for ufe, but perchance great '" Ep- alii
for Oftentation and Faculties 5 that he was able upon the fudden to al- fhkp*^
ledge a great number ofexcellent verfes pertinent to the purpofe of fuch ta.
Dilcourfes as were then in hand. It is a fingular commendation to ^^""P-
that faculty of the Mind, the Memory ; that Cyrus or Scipio could call QanftiL
fo many thoufands of men by their Particular Names. But the Tro- '"''xi.
phies of Moral virtues, are no left famous than thole ofintelledual vir-'^*"'^
tues. What a great example of patience doth that common ftory ofAnaxarchus prefent unto our thoughts, who put to the Rack and Tor-*
ture, bit out his own tongue, the hoped Inftrument of feme Difcove-
ry, and fpit it in the Tyrant's face? Nor is that inferiour for tolerance
though much for the merit and Dignity, ("which fell out in oin* timejofa certain Burgundian, who had committed a Murder upon the Per- '^.«tf"n.
(on ofthe Prince ofOrange; this flave being Icourged with iron whips , l'xi^'°
and his flelh torn with burning Pincers, gave not fo much as a groan ;
howbeit when a broken piece of the Scaffold fell by chance upon the
headofonethat fkood by, thefcorcht ftigmatiz'd varlet laught, evenin the midft of his torments, who a little before wept at the cutting
ofTof his curled hair. In like manner the ferenity and fecurity ofMindhath appeared wonderful in many, even at the inftant approaches ofDeath; as that of a Centurion recorded by Tacitus i, who being com-manded by the executioner to ftretch forth his neck valiantly. Iwould
^"'"'^'•'^'
^(zithhe) thou vpouldjijlril^e as valiantly, hut John Dul{e of Saxoniewhen the commiffion was brought him, as he was playing at chefs,where- Hift.
in his death was commanded the next day, call'd to one that ftood by, *^^'"^'
and fmiling, faid ; See^ whether I have not the better hand ofthis Game ;
He ("pointing towards him with whom he playedj will boaji when I amdead, that he was the fairer of thejet.knd our A/i?re,Chancellour ofEng-land, when the day before he was to die, a Barber came unto him (lent
P a for
ii6 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. IV-
for this endjleft perchance the grave and reverend fight of his long hair
Vita. Mo- might move companion in the People, and asked him whether it was*''
his pleafure to have his hair cut) he refufed, and turning to the Barber 5
The King (faid he) is atfuit tvith mefor my heacl^ and imtill that ContrO'
verjie he ended I mean to bejiorv no coji upon it. And the lame Perion at
the very point ofDeath, after he had laid his head upon the fatal Block
raifeth up himfelf a little again, and having a fair large Beard gently-
removed it, faying, Tet I hope this hath not amended the King, But not
to infift too long upon this point, it is evident what we mean, namely,
that the wonders ofHumane Nature^ and the ultimate Towers, and virtues
as well of Mind as ofBody^ fwuld be coUeHed into a Volume, which might
ferve as a Kakndar ofHumane Triumphs. For a work of this Nature^we
approve the Purpofe, and Defigne oiValerins Maximus, and C. Tlim-
nsj but it could be wiQit they had us'd more choice and Diligence.
Ill As touching the knowledge ofthe league^ or mutual AUiance between,
the Body and the Jldindj that may be diftributed into two Parts. For
as all leagues and Amities confift of mutual intelligence, aud mutual
offices 5 fo this league oiMind zn^Body, is in like manner comprifed in
thefe two circumftances 5 that is, to defcribe How thefe two, namely^
the Mind and the Body, dijcloje one to the other 3 .ind how one worketh up'
on the other, by difcovery or Indication , and by Imprejjion. The for-
mer ofthefe (namely a defcription what difcovery may be made ofthe
Mind, from the habit oftheBody,or ofthe Body from the Accidents of
the Mind) hath begotten unto us tWo Arts, both ofprediftion 5 where-
Arifl.Hip. of the one is honoured with the Inquiry of yfrj^^r/e 5 and the other ofHippocrates. And although the modern times, have polluted thefe Arts
with fuperftitious and Phantaftica] mixtures, yet being purged and re-
ftored to their true ftate, they have both a folid ground in nature, ai^d
a profitable ufe in life*t-vinq
fj Tkefirjl is Phyfiognomy, which difcovers thu difpofitions tf the mind,
by the lineaments of the Body. The fecond is the expofttion of Natural
dreams, which difcoveretb thcflate and Difpofition of the Body, from the
Pajjions and Motions of the mind.- In the Former of the(e, I note a £>fi
* fcience : for Arifiotle hath very ingenioufly and diligently handled the Po-Thjifiegnt'
fifff-f.^ ofthe Bod)'. while it is at Refi ; but not theCftiires oftht Body when
ris In mo- Jt ^s ?» Motion 5 whzch are no leji coniprebenjible by Art, and of Greater'»•
ufe. For the lineaments of the Body, do difclofe the Inclinations andProclivities ofthe Mind in general; but the Motions and Geftures ofthe Face and Parts, do not only fo, but further declare the AccelTes,
and Seafons,and Prognofticks ofthe preient difpofition, and ofthe will.
For, to ufe your Majefties moft apt and elegant expreffion. The tongue
^ , ^ fica^s to the ear, but the Gejiurefpcakjtotheeye. And therefore a num-ber ofold fubtile and crafty Perions, who(e eyes do dwell upon the fa-
ces and fafnions ofMen, do well know this obfervation; andean turn
it to their own advantage, as being a great partoftheir ability and w\£.
dorn, Neither indeed can it be denied, but that this is a great difcor
very ofdiflimulation in an other, and a great direftion, for the eleftioa
of(eafons, and opportunities ofapproaching to perlbns; which is not
the meaneftpart ofCivil Prudence. And let no man think, that fiich
Hdexterity may fomewhat avail, in refpc6 offome Particular perfbnsi
but cannot be comprehended under rule ; for we all laugh, and weep;
and
1
Lib. IV. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. iij
andbludij and bend the brow much after the fame manner 5 andfbformod part ic »sin otiicr more fubtile motions. As for Chiromancy^ it is a
meer imj oflure.
§ And as touchingthc cx^o^ition of Dreams'-) it is a fubjed handled in
feme mens UTitings, but foild with many idle vanities j only thus muchfor the prcfcnt I do Inlinuatejhat this knowledge of/nterprcting Dreams^
wtiiits the lupport of a folid Bale 5 and that foundation is this, n>hcre the
fame cffcQ is wrought, ^y an inward caufe^ that nfeth to be ivroitght by anoutw.tr d'-i that extern ACi is transformed into a Dream, The lurcharge
ofthe ftoraack from a grols vapour, and from thepoiie offome out-
ward weight, arealike ; wherefore they that labour ofthe Night-mare
do dream, that a weight is put upon them, with a great preparation ofcircumftances. The fluftuation or penfility ofthe Bowels, from the a.
gttation ofthe waves in the fea, and from the wind gathered about the
Diaphragmj, arealike; therefore fuch as are troubled with the Hypp-condriack wind, do often dream ofNavigations, and Agitations uponthe waters. There are an infinite number offuch like inftances.
§ The other branch ofthe knowledge ofthe league (which we have cal-
led Imprcjfion') hath not as yet been colledled into Art, but hath (bme-times intervened among other Treatifesfparfedly, and as in padage on-
ly. It hath the lame Antiftrophe with the former ; for the conliderati-
on is double •, either how, and how far the humours and temperament ofthe body, do alter or workjipon the mind : Or again, Hoiv and hew far^
the Pajjions and Apprehenfions of the mind do alter or work^ upon the Body,
The former ofthele we (ee fometimes handled in the Art ofPhyfick 5
but the (ame hath by ftrange ways infinuated it felfinto Religion. Forthe Phyfician prefcribes Remedies to cure the Maladies ofthe mind 5 as
in the cures of Frenzies and Melancholy : they do alio adminifter Phy-fick to exhilerate the Mind 5 tomunite and ftrengthen the heart, andfo to increafe the courage, to (harpen and clarifie the wits, to corrobo-
ratethe Memory, and the like. But Diets, and choice of Meats, andDrinks, and other obfervances touching the Body, in the feft of the
Pythagoreans j in the Herefie of the Mtnichees, and in the law of Jl/a-
bomet do exceed all meafure. So likevvi(e the ordinances of the Ceremo-
ttial Law, interdi&ing the eating of the bloudj and the Fat: and drjlin-
^
guifiing between heajis clean and unclean, fo far as they are for meat, are
many and ftrift. Nay the Chriftian faith it felf, though clear and fin-
cere from all clouds ofceremonies ^ yet retains the ufe ofFaftings; Ab-ftinences 5 and other obfervances, which tend to the maceration andhumiliation of the Body 5 as things not meerly Figurative , but alfo
Fruitful. The root and life ofall (uch prefcripts asthefe, (befides the
Ceremony it felf, and the practice of Canonical obedience,) confiftsin
this whereofwe fpeak, namely, that there may be a mutualfujferance andhnmiliation ofthe Soul with the Body. And ifany man ofweaker judge-ment do conceive, that thefe impreflions of the Body upon the Mind,
do either queftion the immortality, or derogate from the foveraignty
of the (bul over the Body ^ to aneatie doubt, an eafie anfwer is fuffici-
ent. Let him take thefe inflances 5 eitherfrom an Infant in the Mothers
Tpombe, which is compatible with the Accidents and &ympto?nes, ofthe mo-
ther, andyetfeparableinitsfeafon,from the Body of the mother : Or from'
Monarchs, who though they have abfolute power, are fometimes in-
clined
1 1 8 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b . IV.
clined by the fway of their Servants; yet without fubjeftion of their
Perfons or diminution of their Power.
^ Nowaf for the reciprocal part, the operations of the Soul, and ofthe
EffeiJs andPajJrons thereof upon the Bodj/j that alfo hath fbund a place
in Medicine. For all wife Phyficians do ever confider and handle, /Ac-
cidentia Animi, as a Matter of great moment, for their Cures; and
which are ofgreat force to further or hinder all other Remedies. But
there is another obfervation pertinent to thisfubjeft, which hath beea
very (paringly inquired into, and nothing to the depth and dignity of
the thing , that is, (fetting afide the affeftions) horvfar the Imagination
of the Mind, or a thought deeply fixt, and exalted as it were, into a be-
lief, is ofPovper to alter the Body of the imaginant .<? For though it hath
a manifeft power to hurt, it follows not,that it hath the (arae degree of
power to help.- No more' indeed, than if a man (hould conclude, that
becaufe there be peftilent Airs able fuddenly to kill a man in health;
therefore there (hould be Soveraign Airs, able fuddenly to cure a manin ficknefs. this Inquisition would certainly be of excellent ufe, but
laert.inV.^^ socrates^sX^^ it needs a Delian Diver^ being covered with darknels
and obfcurity. Again, of all thefe Knowledges, deFwdere-j orofthe
Concordances between the mind and the body, there is no part more ne-
ceflary than the difquifition ofthe Seats and Domicils, which the feve-
, ral faculties ofthe mind do take and occupate in the Body, and the Or-
gans thereof. Which kind of knowledge hath not wanted Senators,
but what is found in many fuch Writers is either controverted,or flight-
ly inquired ; and would be fearcht into with more diligence and per-
piat.inTi- (picacity. For the opinion introduced by Tlato placing the undcrftand-
mzo. ing in the brain, as in a high Tower ; Animofity (which he unfitly cal-
Ge'ifa! l^^h Anger,h€mg it is nearer to Tumor and iPride) in the Heart ; Con-
rim.4. cupifcence and Senfuality in the Liver, deferves not altogether to be de-
^^\ fpifed ; nor yet too haftily embrac'd. So the placing of the Intelk&U'
Ph?.^^' al Faculties •-, Imagination, Reafon, Memory}, according to the ventri-
cles ofthe Brain, is not without error. Thus have we explicated the
Knowledge touching the individed nature ofman, as alfo touching the
Leagueof the Body and the Mind.
Chap. II.
I. The Partition of the Knowledge refpeUing the Body ofMan into Art
Medicinal. ij.Cofmetickj. ^. Athletic^, l^. And Voluptuary. If.
The Partition of Medicine, into three duties. ^.Confervationof
Health. III. Cure of Difeajes. IV. And Prolongation of Life
:
And that the laft part. Prolongation ofLife, (hould be feparate from
the other two.
TH E Knowledge that concerns mans body, is divided, as the Good
ofMans Body is divided, unto which it is referr'd. The Good of
Mans Body, is of four kinds; Health j Form, or Beauty s Strength ;
rlcafure. Wherefore there are fo many -Safweej; Medicine;, or the Art
Lib. IV. Of tbe Advancement ofLearning, 119
of Cure j Cofmetick^, or the Art of Decoration 5 AthLtiv^ or the Art cf
AHivity 5 and Art P'olupnary, which Tacitus calls Eruditus Luxus.
ij Medicine is a noble Art, and according to the Poets defcended of
a moft generous race ^ for they have brought in /^p^Zf'tf, as the chiefGodofMedicine, towhora they haveafligned./^«/j'^7«f forhisfon5 a God ^'^"'er.
too, and a Profeilor oiPhyfick^: Becaufc in things natural the Stin is the lan.aiiil
^
Author^ and fountain of Life ; the Phj/fician the Confervcr of Nature ^ and
as it were afceond fpring of Life. But the greatefl: glory to rhyjick is from
the works ofour Saviour, who was a Phylician both ofSoul and Body.
And as he made the Soul the peculiar object of his heavenly Doftrine 5
fo he defign'd the Body the proper fubjeft ofhis miracles. For wc ne-
ver read ofany miracles done by him rcfpefting Honour or Wealth, (be-
fidcs that one when Tribute was to be given toC<^y^>-Jbutonly refpeft-
ing the Body of man ; or to prelerve, or tofuftain5or tocureit.
^ The Subjc& of Medicine (namely mans Body) is, of all other things
which nature hath brought forth, moft capable of Remedy 5 bnt then
that Remedy is moft capable ofError : For the fame fubtility, and va-
riety of the fubjeft, as it affords great poffibility of Cure, i^o it gives
great facility to error. Wherefore as that Art (iuch as now it is) maywell be reckon'd araongfl: Arts conjeftural •, (b the enquiry thereofmaybe placed in the num.ber of the moft difficult, and axaftcft Arts. Nei-
ther yet are we fo fenflels, as to imagine with Paracelfus, and the Al-
chymifts , That there are to be found in mans Body certain Corrcfponden' nj^ ^,
ces^ and Parallels to all the variety offpecifck^Natures in the tvorld (as Stars, Rob.
Minerals, and the reftj as they foolifhly fancy and Mythologize; ftrai-f,'^'^'
'^'^^
ning, but very impertinently, that emblem ofthe Ancients, That manwas Microcofmus, an abflracf, or model of the whole world, to counte-
nance their fabulous, and fidious invention. Yet notwithftanding this
is an evident truth, (which we were about to fay) That amongjiall Bo»
dies Natural, there is not found any fo multiplicioujly compounded as the
Body of man. For we fee Herbs, and Plants, are nouriibed by earth
and water j Beafts by Herbs and Fruits : But man by the flelh ofliving
Creatures ; as Beafts, Birds, Filli 5 and alfo of Herbs, Grains, Fruits,
Juice, and divers Liquors 5 not without manifold commixtures, fea-
(bning, and Preparation of thefe Bodies before they come to be mansmeat, and aliment. Add hereunto, that Beafts have a more iimple or-
der oflife, and le(s change ofaffeftions to work upon their Bodies, andthey commonly working one way 5 whereas man in his Manfions, Ex-
ercifes, Paflions, Sleep, and Vigilances is fubjeft to infinite viciftitudes
of changes. So that it is moft evident that of all other natural fubftan-
ces, the Body of man ts the moft fermentated, compounded, and in-
corporated Mafs. The foul, on the other fide, is the fimpleft offub-
fiances, as it is well expreft j
P^ramiri
-'Turumq^ relin^uit
Mthereumfenfum, atq--^ Auraifimplicis ignem, Y"S- -^n.'
Arifl.
So that it is no marvail , though the foul fb placed, enjoy no reft 5 ac- f_^,>f*^cording to that Principle, Motusrerum extra locum eft rapidus, placidns
in loco: But to the purpofe, this various and fubtile compofition and
fabrick of mans body hath made it, as a curious and exquifite inftru-
czl.
ment^
120 Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. IV.
ment, eafie to be diftemper'd 5 therefore the Poets did well to conjoyn
Paufan.in Mufick. <i»d Medicine in Apollo 3 becaufe the Genius of both thefe Arts is
o?Mct I ^^'"'!l^thefame 5 and the office of a Phyfician confifteth meeily in this,
* '
to know how to tune, and finger this Lyre of mans body ; that the
Harmony may not become difcordant arrd harlh. So then this incon»
ftancy, and variety of the fubjeft, hath made the Art more conjeftu-
ral : And the Art being fo conjectural had given more large fcope, not
only to error , but even to impofture. For almoU all other Arts and
Sciences arejudgd by their porvcr and operation ; and not by theirfnccefs
and work. The Lawyer isjudg'd by the virtue of his pleading , and not
by the ijfue of the Caufe 5 the Majier in the Ship approves his Art^ by the
direUing his courfe aright;^ and not by thefortune of the voyage : But the
Phyfician, andperhaps the Politic^, hardly have any porper particular A&Sy
whereby they may make a clear demoniiration of their Art and abilities 5
but bear away honour or dijgrace principallyfrom the event which is ever an
unequal judicature. For who can tell, if a Patient dye or recover; or
ifa State be preferved or ruin'd 3 whether it be by Art or Accident >
Therefore it often falls out , that the Impoftor bears away the Prize ,
Virtue the Cenfure. Nay, the weaknefs and credulity ofmen isfuch, As
they often prefer a Mountebank.->or Witch^before a Learned Phyfician. There-
fore the Poets were clear and quick-fighted, when they made ^fcula-
p/«j and C/y^e, Brother and Sifter 5 both children of the Sun, as in the
Verfes ; of ^fculapius the Suns Son,
Vifg. ^n; il/e repertorem Medicine talis ^ & Artif,'• Fulmine Phcebigenam Stygeas detrufit ad undas 5
And likewife ofCirce the Suns Daughter,
lljjj^Dives inaccejfos ubifolis filia hicos
Ajfiduo refonat cantu : teBifq'-) fuperbis
"Drit odoratam nociurna in lumina Cedrum.
For in all times in the reputation and opinion of the Multitude^"
Witches, and old Women , and Impoftors have been rival Competi-tors with Phyficians 3, and have even contended with them for the femeof Cures. And what I pray you follows ? Even thiSjthat Phyfitians (ay to
themfelves, as Solomon exprefleth it upon a higher occafion. Ifit befals
Ecclef.2. f0 fftg^ as it befals to the fool^ why fhould I labour to be more wife ^ Andtherefore I cannot much blame Phyficians , if they ufc commonly to
intend forae other Art, or Pradice, which theyfancy more than theif
Profeflion: For you (hall have of them Poets, Antiquaries, Criticks,
. ,g Rhetoricians, Politicks, Divines, and in thefe Arts better (ecn, than in
van.icien. their own profeflion. Nor doth this come to pafs, as I (uppo(e, be-
cau(e (as a certain Declaimor againft Sciences , objefts againlt Phyfici-
ans) they have ever Converfant before their eyes fuch loathforae andfad fpeftacles, that they muft needs retire their minds from thefe ob-
jcfts, to (bme other contemplations , for as they are men , Nihil Hu-matji afe alienum putent, but for this reafon, whereof we now (peak 5
namely, that they find, that Mediocrity^ and excellency in their Art^
Piakfth no difference in profit or reputation torvards their Perfons or For^
tunes*
L I B. IV. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 121
tunes. For the vexations of (ickncls^ the fiveetnefs oflife? the flatte-
ry hope 5 the commendation of friends ; raakcth men to depend up-on Phyficians with all their defefts : But if a man feriouOy weigh thematter, thefe things rather redound to the imputation of Phyficians,than their cxcufation ; who Qiould not for thefe prejudices caft awayhope 5 but encreafe their pains and diligence. For whofbever pieafeth
to excite and awake his obfcrvatiouj and a little look about him (hall
eafily deprehend even from common and familiar examples, what a com-mand and fovcraignty the fubtilty and fharpnefs of the underftandinghath over the variety either of matterjOr of the form of things. Not/jing
is more variable than mens faces and countenances ^ yet the memory re-
tains the infinite diftinftions ofthem ; Nay, a Painter with a kw fhells
of Colours 5 the benefit of his eye; the habit of his imagination; andthe ftcadinels of his hand 5 can imitate and draw with his pencil all
faces that are, have been, or ever fhall be; ifthey were brought before
him; Nothing more variable than mans voice j yet we can eafily difcern
their differences in every particular perfon ; nay, you fiiall have a Buf-
foon, or a Pantoraimus will render and expre/s to the life, as many as
he pieafeth. Nothing more variable than articulate fonnds oftpords, yetmen have found away to reduce them to a few Letters ofthe Alphabet.And this is moft certain, that it is not the infufficiencj, or incapacity ofntans mind ; but rather the remoteJianding , or placing of the objeCi that
breeds thefe Mazes, and Incomprehenfions. For as the fenfe a far off is
full of miftaking; but within due diftance errs not much; (b it is in
the underftanding. For men »fe commonly to ta^e a profpe^ of Nature. ,
asfrom fome high Turret , and to view her a far off'^ and are too muchtaken up vpith generalities, rvhereas if they vponldvouchfafe to defend andapproach nearer to particulars ; and more exaHly and conjiderately look in-
to things themfelves ; there might be made a more true and profitable difco-
very andcomprehenjion- Now the remedy of this error, js not alone this
to quicken orflrengthen the Organ ; but withal to go nearer to the obje& :
And therefore there is no doubt but if Phyficians, letting Generalities
go for a while , and fulpending their afTcnt thereto, would make their
approaches to Nature ; they might become Maftcrs of that Art,where^of the Poet (peaks,
Et quoniam variant morbi, variabimus Artei ; 0,,;^ ^.
AfilJe malifpedesy millefalutis erunt. A. La.'
Which they ought th _• rather to endeavour becaufe the Philolbphersthemfelves, upon the which Phyficians, whether they be Methodilts, orChymi(ts, do rclye (^for Afcdicine notgrounded upon Philofophy is a tvea^
thing) are indeed very (light and (uperficial. Wherefore if too wideGeneralities, though true, have this defcd, that they do not well bring
men home to Aftion; certainly there is greater danger in thofe Gene-rals, which are in themfelves falfe, and inftead of direding to truth ,
miflead the mind into the by-paths of Error.
§ Medicine therefore (as we have feen) hitherto hath been fuch, a3
hath been more profelfed, than laboured ; and yet more laboured thanadvanced ; feeing the pain? beftowed thereon, hath been rather in cir-
a cle,
122 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. IV.
cle, than in progreflion. For Ifitd much Iteration butfrnallAeidition in
Writers of that FacHlty.
II. We will divide it into three Parts, which we will call the threb
Duties thereof: The fi'rji is Confervation of Health,fecond the Cure of Dif"
cafes 5 the third Prolongation of Life.
§ But for this laft duty, Phyficians feem not to have acknowledg'd it
as any principal part of their Art ; but have (ignorantly enough)
•mingled and confounded it as one and the fame with the other two. For
they fuppofej that if Difeafes be repelled before they fcize upon the
bodyj or be cured after they have "fiirpriz'd the body ; that Pro/(7»^^-
/i(7«<?/ Life muft naturally follow. Which though it be fo, without
all queftion5yet they do not fo exaClly confiderithat thefo two offices ofConjervatioft and CuratiOn, only pertain to Difeafes 5 and to fiich Pro'
longationof Life alone, which is abbreviated and intercepted by Di(^
eafes; Ent to dratv out the thread cf Lifc^ and to prorogue Death for 3.
feafon, which filently fteals upon us by natural refolution, and the A-trophy of Age 5 is an argument, that no Phyfician hath handled it ac-
tatura, cording to the Merit of the fubjeCl. Neither let thatfcruple trouble the
ho '% e-"^^"^^ of Meny as ifthis thing committedto the difpenfationofFate, and
ma. ' the divine providince , rvere now by ttsjirji repealed and commended to the
charge and office of Art. For without doubt Providence doth difpofe
and determine all kind of deaths whatfoever , whether they come ofviolence, or from Difeafts, or from the courfe of Age •-, and yet dothnot therefore exclude Preventions and Remedies : For Art and humane:
induflry do not command and rule Fate, and Nature ; but ferve andadminifter unto them. ' £«* of this part we fhall fpeak anon; Thusmuch in the mean time by way of anticipation, left any fhould unskil-
fully confound this third office ofmedicine, with the two former, whichufually hitherto hath been done.
§ Asfor the duty ofp^eferv^ion of Health, the firfl duty of the three,
many have written thereof^ as in other points very impertinently, fc/
(in our judgment) in this particular -, in attributing too much to the
quality ofmeats, and too little to the quantity thereof^: and in the quan-
tity it felf, they have difcourfed like Moral Philofophers, exceffively
praifing Mediocrity j whereas hothfa/iing changed to cuftome, and/wZ?
feeding^ to which a man hath inured himfelf, are better regiments ofhealth, than thofe Mediocrities which commonly enervate Nature, andmake her flothful, and impatient, ifneed fhould be, ofany extremity,
excefs, or indigence. And for the divers kinds of Exercife, which muchconduce to the conjervation ofhealth, none of that profefCon hath well
diftinguifht orobferved, whereas there is hardly found any difpofition
to a difeafe, which may not be correfted by fome kind of exercife pro-
per to fuch an infirmity : , As bowling is good againfi: the weaknefs ofthe Reins ^ fhooting againfi the obftruftion ofthe Lungs , walking andupright deport of the Body, againftthe Crudities ofthe ftomach, andfor other difeafes other exercitations. But feeing this part touching
the confervation of health.hath been in every point after a fort handled,
it is not our purpofe to purfue lefTcr deficiencies.
III. As'concerningthe cures of Difeafes '^ that is a Part of Medicine,
whereon much labour hath been beftowed, but with fmall profit, ft
comprehendeth in it the l{tJowlcdge of Difeafes, to which mans body is
fubjeft
L I B. IV. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 123
fubjeft, together with the C.?//^^-/, Symftomcs^ and C//re/ ihereof. Iti
this fecond Dut\ of Medicine, manv things diVe deficient., of thefe wewill propound a few, which are mure remarkable, which to enume-rate without preci(e order or Method, we luppole fiifficieiit,
6 The Jtrji is the difcontwua}7ce, ofthat profitable andaccurate difi- *
gcnce of Wpporr.ites, whofe cultom wns' to fet down a Narruiive of T^^-f^v.A-
thefpecial cafes of his Patients, what the Medicament, what the CA'ent. ^^i^i^tTherefore having fb proper and notable a precedent from himjWhowaS males.
accounted theFather of the Art, we fhall not need to alleage any ex-
ample forreign, fctcht from other Arts 5 as from the wifdom of the
Lawyers, with whom nothing is more ufual, than to fct down ajid en-
ter more notable cafes, and new dicifions, whereby they may tht bet-
ter furnifh and diredt them(elvcs for the definition of future cafes.
(therefore I find this continiutioti of AIcdiciKul Reports de.'irie/jt^ fpeci-
ally digefted into one entire body , with diligence and judgement
,
>vhich yet I underftand not to be made fo ample, as to extend to everycommon cafe that daily falls out (for that were an infinite work, and to
fmall purpofe) nor yet fo refcrved and contracted as to admit none,but Prodigies and wonders, as many have done : for many things arc
new in the minner and circumftances of the thing, which are not new\x\i\\Q kind --^ and he that fhall give his mind to obferve, fhall find manythings even in matters vulgar worthy obfervation.
^ So in DifjHifitions Anatomical , the manner is , that thofe parts *
which pertain in general to Mans body, are moft diligently enquired amato.and obferved even to a curiofity, and that in every leafl filet: but as '^'a
touching the variety rvhich isfound in divers bodies^ there the diligence of ^/^-^t^
Phyficians fails. And therefore I grant that fimpk Anatomy hath beenmoft clearly handled 5 Comparative Anatomy , 1 define to be deficient.
For men have made a good enquiry into all the parts, and into their
confiltencies, figures, and collocations: but the divers figure, conditi-
on, and pofture of thofe parts in divers men, they have not fb well ob-ferved. The reafbn of this oraiflion I fuppole is no other than this,
that the firft inquiry may be fatisfied in the view of one or two Anato-mies, but the latter, being Comparative ^ndCz^udX ^ muft arife fromthe attentive and exaft obfervation of many Dijfe^ions : and the firft
is a matter, wherein learned ProfefTors in their Leftures, and the prefs
of fpeftators flanding about them, may vaunt themfelvcs^ b,ui the fe-
cond kind of Anatomy. IS a fevere knowledge, which muft be acquired
by a retired fpeculation, and a long experience. Neverthelefs, there
is no doubt but that the Figure and Struclure of the inward parts is ve-
ry little inferiour, for variety and lineaments, to the outward members^and that Hearts and Livers, and Ventricles are as different in men, as are
either their Foreheads, or Nofes, or Ears.
^ And in thefe differences of inward parts, there are often found the
Caufcs continent of many Difeafes j which Phyficians not obferving,
dofometime accufe the Humours which are not- delinquent, the fault
being in the very Mcchanick Frame offbme part, (n the cure ofwhich ^Difeafes, toapply Alterative Medicines , is to no purpofe (becaufe the
part peccant is incapable of fuch alteration,) but the matter muft be
mended, and accommodated, or palliated by a prcfcript Diet and
familiar Medicines. So I'lkew'iCe to Comparative Anatomy appertain ac-
Q_ 2 curate
124 Of the Advancement of Learning. L r b . I V.
curate obfervations, as well of all kind of humours, as of the footfteps
^ and impreffions of difeafcs in divers bodies diflefted : for the Humoursin Anatomies are commonly pad by, as if they were fuperfluous Purga-
ments and Excrements 5 whereas it is a point very ufeful and necefla-
ry, to note of what nature, and ofhow various kinds there be of dif-
ferent humours (not relying herein too much upon the received divifi-
ons,) which fometimes may be found in the body of Man ; and in whatCavities and Receptacles^ every humour ufeth for moft part to lodge
and neftle^and with what advantage or prejadiccjand the like. In like
manner the Fnotjicps and Imprejjions of Dijeafes, and the lefions and de-
vaftations of the inward {^arts by them, are to be obferved with dili-
gence in divers Anatomies 3 as impofthumes, ulcerations, folutions ofcontinuity, putrefaftionSj corrofions, confumptions, luxations, difloca-
tions, obftruftions, repletions, tumors 5 together with all perternatural
excrcfccncies, found in mans body (as (tones, carnofities, vrens, worms,and the like ,) I fay all thele, and fuch other, lliould be with great di»
•ligence inquired, and d\^'ef(.edhy x.h:it Comparative Atiatof»y^ whereofwefpeak, and the experiments of many Phyficians collefted and col-
lated together. But this variety of /iccidentf^ is by Anatomifts, either
handled perfunftorily,oreire part over in filence.
§ TofichiKg that other defect in Anatomy^ (namely^ that it hath not been
vfed to be practifcd fipon living bodies,') to what end (liould we fpeak ok
it? for this is an odious and an inhumane experiment , and by Celjus
De Re juftly condemned ; yet notwithftanding, that obfervation of the Anci-Midic3. ents is true, That many Pores, Paflages and Pertufions, which are more
fubtile than the reft, appear not in Anatomical difJeHtons^ becaufe they
are fhut and latent in Dead Bodies , whereas they are open and mani-
feft in Live. Wherefore to confult both for ule and humanity, this A'tiatamia vivoriifn, is not altogether to be relinquifht, or referred (as
Cc////j-did^ to the cafual infpeftionsof Surgions, feeing this may well
be performed, being diverted upon the Dijfc&ion of Beafts a-
livsy which , notwithftanding the diffimilituds of their parts withmans, may fufficiently fatisfiie this enquiry, being done wi.ii judge-
ment.*
§ Lil{en>/fein their inquiry of Difeafcs, th&y fiwd tnzny Difeafes which
tf N^.^"^'^^'^y ^^^(^'^^'^ ""djudge to be incurable j fome, from thefirft accels of die
MoRBo- Dileafe, others, afier fuch a certain period ; lb that the Profcriptions ofBiToRiM L.Scylla, and the Triumvirs, were nothing to the Profcriptions of Fhyfici'
rv?\8n" ^'''-""j ^y which, by their moft unjuft Edifts j they deliver over lb manyLI JUS. men to death 5 whereof numbers do elcape with leis difficulty, than
they did in the Roman Prolcriptions. Therefore I will not doubtro fct down among Deficients a tvork^of the cures of Difeafes held incura-
ble •, that fo fome excellent Generous Profeflbrs in that faculty, may be
awakt and ftirred up.ro fet to this work(ro far as the latent operations ofNature, by mans induftry, may be difclofed) feeing this very len-
tence of Pronouncing Difeafes to be incurable, enads a Law, as it were,
for (loath and negligence, and redeems ignorance from Difcredit and
Infamy.*
§ Nayfarther, to infiji a little upon this Point, lejleem it the o£jce of
than' ^ Phyfician, not only to rejiore health, but to mitigate dolours, and tor-
SI^EXTE- ments of Difeafes ^ and not only when fuch raiciG;ation of pain, asof a
d angerous
EN-C IS.
L I B. i V. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 125
dangerous fj'mptome, may make and conduce to recovery 5 but evenwhen alJ hope ot recovery being gone, it may fcrveto makca f.Tir andealie paliage out oflite. For it is no fmall felicity, which Aui^ujins Co;- Aug."*"
'
far lea wont to tpifi to himfslj\ thatfame Etith.ina.fia ^ which vvas aifo no-
ted in the Death oiAntanint Vins^ who feemed not fo much to dye, as
to be cait into a fvveet and deep tleep. And it is written oi Fpicitrui
that he procured this (ame ealie departure unto himfelfi for after his,
difeafe was judged defperate, he drowned his (tomach and (enfcs with
alarge draught, and ingurgitationof wine j whereupon theEpigrammwas made hinc Stygias ebrius hauft aqitas, He took, arvay by thcje L,er'in
draughts ofrvtne^ the bitter taji of the Stygian rvatcr. But in our times Epcm..;
Phylicians make a kind of fcruple and nicety of it, to ftay with a pati-
ent after the difeafe is part hope of cure 5 whereas in my judgment, if
they would not be wanting to their profcfli jn, and to humanicy it (elf,
they ought both to enquire the skiiJ, and to give the attendance, for
thefacilitating and affvpaging of the Vdinr and Agonies of Death at their
departure. And this part, the enquiry de Euthanafia Exteriori^ (whichwe fo call to diftinguilh it from that Enthanafri, ox frvcet-calm Dyings
procured by a due preparation ofthelbul) we refer to the number ofDe-jicients.
^ So in the Cures ofDifeafes^ I find generally this Deficiencc- i that the *
Phyficiansofthetime, though they do not impertinently purfue the ge- oe me-.
neral intentions and fcope ofCures j yet for particular Receipts, which av^'^^^
by a kind ofpropriety refpcct the cures offpecitical difeafes 5 either they ^"
do not well know them, or they do not religiouily obfervethem. For
the Phylicians have fruftrated and taken away the fruit of Traditions,
and approved experience, by their Magiftralities ^ in adding and taking
out, and changing ingredients ofReceipts at their pleafure ^ and almoft
after the manner of Apothecaries, putting in^idpro ^0 5 commanding fo prefumptuoufly over Medicine, as the Medicine can no longer
command the difeafe. For except Treacle, and Mithridatuai, and of
]2ite,Diofcordiu/n, and the confection of Alkerntes, and a few more Me-dicines 5 they commonly tic themlelves to no receipts feverely andftridly. For theconfeftions of lale, which are in the (hops, they are
in readinefs rather for general purpo(es, than accommodate and proper
for particular cures ^ for they do not exaftly refer to any di(ea(e in fpe»
cial; but generally to the opening of obftruftions, comforting conco-
ftion, altering Diftemperatures. And this is the caufe why Empericks
and old women are more happy many times in their Cures, than Lear-
ned Phylicians^ becaule they are faithful, aud fcrupulous in keeping
ihemfelvesto the confection and compolition of approved Medicines.
I remember that a Vhyfician with US here in England , famous for pra-
ctice, in religion half Jew, and almo(t an Arabian for his cour(e of (tu-
dy,wont to fay, your European Phyjicians are indeed Learned men, but
they know not the Varticular Cures of Difeafes, And the fame perfon u-
fed to je(t, but unreverently, laying, That our Phyficians were li^e Bifl?ops,
they had the Keys of binding and looting, and nothing elfe. But to fpcak
the truth in earnelt ^ m our opinion it would be a matter ofgood con-
(equence, if fome Phylicians of Note for Learning and Practice, wouldcompile a work^ of Probations, and experimented Medicines for the cure
of Particular Difeafes. For that any roan, induced bv (bme fpeeious rea-
for?
iQo Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. IV.p^_
^. ^_
Ton, fliould be ofopinion, that it is the part of a learned Ph) Gcian (re-
fpefting the completions of Patients, their Age, the feafon of the year,
Cuftomes and the like, rather to accommodate his Medicines as occali-
onsfuggeft, thantoinfift upon Tome certain Prefcripts, is a deceivab!e
allcrtion, and which attributes too little to experience, too much to
judgment. Certain!)/ asintheftate oi Rome they were the men moft
ufefiii, and ofthebett compofition, which either being Confuis favou-
red the People, or being Tribunes inclined to the Senate : So in the mat-
ter we now handle, they be the belt of Phyficians, which either in
their great Learning, do much value the Traditions of Experience , or
being famous for Practice, defpife not Methodsand Generalities ofArt.
Asfor qtutUfications ofMedicines (if at any time that be expedient) they
are rather to be practis'd upon the Differents of Phyfick, than incor-
porated into the Receipt, wherein nothing fhould be innovated with-
out apparent neceflity. Wherefore this Part which handleth Authentic^
and Vofittve Adedinnes, we report as Deficient : but it is a matter not
to be attempted or undertaken without a (harp and piercing judgment
;
and as it were, in a Synod of feled: Phyficians.
rfo^'^' § Alio in the Preparations of Medicines I do find it ftrange (fpecially
M AyV M'confidering how Mineral Medicines have been lb extolled, and celebra-
NA ra- ted by Chymifts ••, and that they are fafer for the outward than inward
u M. Y^ans) that no man hitherto hath endeavoured by Art to injjtate Natural
laths^ and Medicinable Fountains 5 and yet it is confeiTed that thofe
Baths and Fountains receive their virtues from mineral veins through
which they pafs : and for manifeft proof hereof mans iudultry knowswell how to difcern and diftinguilh from what kind of Minerals fuch
waters receive their tindures; as whether from Sulphur 5 Vitriol 5 Steel,
or the like: which natural tin&ure of waters, if it may be reduced to
compofitions of Art, it would be in mans power, both to make morekinds ofthem,as occafion required 5 and to command, at pleafure, the
temperament thereof. Therefore this Part of the imitation of Nature iit
y^>7///r74/ £<«//.'/ (a thing without queftion both profitable andeaficto
be done) we take to be Deficient.
^ ^ But L'fi If)ouldpHrjtie Particulars more precifely, than is agreeable
FiLUM to ourintentioi}, or to the proportion of this Treatife 5 I will clofe and^'EDicz- conclude thjs Part with a note of one Dcfiacnce more, which feems to
ustobe ofgreatconfequence; which is, that the Prcfcnpts in ufe arc too
compendious to efi^eii any notable or difficult cure. For in our judgmentit is a more vain and flattering, than true opinion, to think that anyAledicine can be fo fovereign, or fo happy, as that the fimple ufe there-
of fliould be of force fufiicient for (bme great cure. It were a flrange
fpeech which fpoken, or fpoken oft, fhould reclaim a man trom a vice
deeply rooted and inveterate, certainly it is far oiherwife : But it is
order, Purfuit, Se^juence, Artificial interchange, that arc potent andmighty in nature : Which although they require more exaft judgmentin prefcribing j and more precife obedience in obfervmg, yet this is
amply recompcnced in the greatnefs of efiedts. And although a manwould think, by the daily diligence of Phyficians, their Vifitations,
Seflions, and Prefcript ions, which they perform to the fick 5 that they
did painfully purfuc the Cure •, and goon in a certain courfe : Yet let
a man exadly look into their prefcripts, and miniftrations, he (hall find
many
Lib. IV. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 127
many of them full of wavering, inconftancy, and every days devifcs 5
and fuch as came into their minds without any certain, or ad vifed courle
of Cure. For they ^jould evenfrom the bcgintiing^ ajtcr they have madeafnll andpcrfe& dijcovery of the difiaje, meditate and refolve 7ipon an or-
derly fequence of Cure 5 and not mt-hout important reafons depart there'
from. And let Phyficians know for certain, that (for example) thre^perchance, or four receipts, are rightly prefcribed for theCtireofforae
great difea^e; which taken ?« due order, and in due fpaces of iime
ferjarm the Cure •) rrhichiftheyrperc taken ftngle, or hythemfehes alone^
or ij the Courfe roere invented), or the enterljah oftime not ohjcrved, woKldi>e hurtful. Nor is it yet our meaning that every (crupulous aadfupcr-ftitious way of Cure in cftimation (bould be the beft 5 no more thanthat every ftreight way is the way to H€aven,but that the way (hould beright as well asltreight and difficult, ^^nd this Part which we call Fz-
f«w Aledicinale wefet doWn as Deficient. So thefe are the Parts whichin the Knorvkdgc of Medicine, touching the cure of Dileafes, are deji-^
derate, favethat there remains yet (iiie part more oFmore ulethan all
the other, v/hich is here wanting, A true and Aiiive natural Philofo'
phy, upon vrhich thefcicnce ofMedicinefjould be built : but that belongs
not to this Treatile. > n> • r.\ v.
IV. The third part of Medicine we have fet dowhtb bfc that ofthe[^"(?f^;,
Vrolongatim of Life, which is a part new and Deficient, and the raoft do cur.'
tiobleof all: For ifany fuch thing may be found out. Medicine (ball vir^,
not be praftis'd only in the impurities of Cures, nor (hall Phyftcians behonour'd only for Necellky, but for a gift, the greateft of earthly Do-nations that could be confer'd on mortality, whereofmen, next underGod, may be the Di(penfers and Adminiftrators. ' For .although the irorld
to a Chrijiian man, travelling to the land of Promife, be as it were vj jr//-
dcrnefi, yet that our fi:)roes dndwjlments (thas if our Body, xchich is as
a coverture to the foul,) be lefi worn arvay while ri>e fojourn in this rtil-
dernefi, is to be ejieemed a gift coming from the divine goodn<^. Nowbecaufe this is one of the choiceft parts of Phyfick, and that we havefet it down amongft Deficients, we will after our accuftomed mannergive fome Admonitions, Indications, and Precepts thereof.
§ Firfi rce ddvertife, thatof Writers in this Argument there is noneextant that hath found out anything of worth, that I may not (ay,any
thing found touching this fubjeft. Indeed Arijiotle hath left unto po-
fterity a fmall briefCommentary of this mattery wherein there is fomeacutenels, rchich he roouldhave td be dU cdn befaid, as his Manner is : Delon=^i-
But the mote recent Writers have Written (b idly, and fuperftitioufly up- ti'd.&
on the point, that the Argument it felf, through their vanity, is re-^'*^'^'-^''
puted vain and fenflefs. • •
§ Secondly, rve advertife, that the intentions of Phyficians touching
this Argument are nothing worth : and that they rather lead rrten a-
way from the point, than direct them unto it. For they difcourle that
Death is /t defiitution of Heat and Adoijiure, and therefore ndturdl heat
Jhould be comforted and radical moijiitre cherifn 5 as if it were a niatter^
to be efFefted by Broaths, or Lettuces, and Mallows, or * Jujufcs, orpi^J^J^''
fine Wafer-cakes, or elfe with hotfpices, generous wine, or thefpirits
ofwine, or chymical oyls ; all which do rather hurt, than help.
§ Thirdly, we admonifh men that they ceafe to trifle, atid thSf'they
be
1^8 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. IV.
be not lb credulous as to think that fuch a great work as this is, to retard
and turn back^ the courfe of Nature, may be brought to perfeftion by a
morning draught, or theufe of fome precious Receipt j no not with
Auritm Potabile, or the fubftances of Pearls, or fuch like toys j but that
they take it for a grounded truth , that the Prolongation of Life , is a
great work, and which confifts in many kinds of Receipts, and of anorderly courfe and connexion of them; And let no man befoftupid
as to believe , that what never yet was done^ can be now effe^ed^ but by
meansyet never attempted,
Fonrthly, we admonifh men, that they rightly obferve and diftingufh
touching thole Receipts which conduce to a healthful life, and thole
which confer to a /tf»^ ///e. For there are many things which exhila*
rate the fpirits, ftrengthen the aftive powers ofnature, repel difeafes,
which yet fubduft from the fum of life , and without ficknefs accele-
rate aged y^/r^/;A/e. And there are other Receipts which conduce to
the Prolongation of life, and the retardation of the Atrophie ofold-age 5
but yet are not us'd without hazard of health : So that they who ule
thele remedies for the />rtfr<jg4//<>» of life, muft likewife provide againft
fuch inconveniences as upon their ufage may unexpeftedly fall out. Andthus much by way of Admonition.
§ As for Indications, the image, or Idea we have conceiv'd in our
mind hereof, is this : Things are conferv'd and continued two ways 5
either in their own Identity, or by Reparation. In their proper Identz-
ty, as a Fly or an Ant in Amber 5 a Flower, an Apple orWood in Con-lervatories of Snow j a dead corps in Balfam. By Reparation, as in
Flame, and Mechanicks. He that goes about the work of P/-tf/o»g4-
tion of Life , muft put in praftice both thcfe kinds, (for difunited ,
their ftrength jsweakned) and Mans body muft be conferv'd after the
lame manner inanimate Bodies are conlerved : and again, as Flame is
conferved ; and laftly , even as Mechanickj are confervcd,,IVherefore
there are three intentions for the Prolongation of Life 5 the Retardation
of Confutfiption ; the Integrity of the Reparation 5 and the Renovation
of that which begun to decay and grow old. Confumption is caus'd bytwo Depredations, Depredation of innate Spirit ^ and Depredation ofambient Air. The refiftence of both is two-fold, either when the A-gcnts fthat is , the fucc and moiftures of the Body ) become lels Pre^
datory , or the Patients are made left depredable. The Spirit is madelels Predatory, if either it be condenfed in fubftance, as in the ule ofOpiates, and nitrous application , and in contriftations; or bedimi"nijljed in ^antity, as in fparc, Pythagorical or Monaftical Diets ; oris fweetned and refrefit with motion, as in eafe and tranquility. Am-bient Air is made lels Predatory , either when it is lefs heated with the
beams oj the Stin, as in colder Countries 3 in Caves, in Hills, and in
the Pillars or Stations of Anchorites 5 or when it is repell'd from the
Body, as in dens-clole skin, in the Plumage of birds, and the ufe ofoyl and unguents without Aroraatick ingredients. Thejuyce and liic-
culencics of the Body, are made lels depredable, if either they be
made more indurate, or more dewy, and oyly : Indurate as in aujlere
courfe Diet , in a life accujiomcdto cold, byJirong excrcifes 5 by certain
Mineral Baths : Rolcide or dewy, as in the ule of Sweet-meats, and
abftinence from Meats, Salt and Acid j but efpecially in fuch a mix-
ture
Lib. IV. Of the Advancement ofLeamino, 129
ture of drinks, as is of parts very tenuious and fubtil , and yet v;ith-
out all acrimony or tartnefs. Reparation is clone hy Aliments j and AI^mentation is promoted four ways : By theConco&ion of the inteard Parts
for the fending forth of the nouriOiment 5 as in Confortatives of the
Principal Bowels :, by Excitation of the outward parts, for the attradli-
on of nouriflimentjas in due exercifcs and frications j and fome kind of
Undtions and appropriate ?>^t\\s--,hy preparation ofthe Aliment itfelfj that
it may more eafily infmuate it felf , and in a fort anticipate Digeftions^
as in divers and artificial kinds ofjeafoning meat, mingling drinks, leaven-
ing bread, and reducing the virtues of all thefe three into one; by com-
forting, the lafl: aft of Ajftmilapion, as in feafonabk Jleep, and outwardor Topicli Applications : the Renovation of that which began to wax old,
is performed two ways, cither by inteneration of the habit of the body
it felf, as in the ule of fuppling or foftning applications by Baths , em-plailters and unftions, of fuch quality as may foak or infinuate into the
parts, but not extraft from it 5 or by expurgation of the old moijiure,
andfubfiitHtion of new moifture, as in feafonable and often purging; let-
ting of blood j attenuating Diets, which reftore the Flower of the
Body, and fo much for Indications.
§ As for Precepts, although many of them may be deduced from the
Indications, yet we thought good to fet down three of the moft prin-
cipal. Firji, we give in Precept that the Prolongation of Life, mult beexpefted from a prefcript fet Diet, rather than from any familiar regi-
ment of Food, or the excellency of particular Receipts : for whatfo-
'ever are of luch virtue, as they are able to make nature retrograde, are
commonly more ftrong and potent to alter, than that they can be conl-
pounded together in any Medicine , much le(s be intermingled in fa-
miliar food. It remains therefore that fuch Receipts be adminiftred
regularly, and fucceffively, and at fet appointed times, returning inf
certain courfes.
§ Our fecond Precept is, that the Prolongation of life be expeBed, ra-
ther from veorkjng upon fpirits, and from a malacijjation or inteneration
of Parts, than from any l{inds of Aliment or order of Diet. For feeing
the Body of Man, and the Frame thereof (leaving afide outward ac-
cidentsj three ways becomes Pafliv ^ namely, from the fpirits ; froffi
the parts j and from aliments ^ the way d( prolongation oflife, by meansof aliment is a long way about , and that by many ambages and cir-
cuits 5 but the ways by working upon the fpirits, and upon thepartSj
are more compendious , and fooner brings us to the end defired, be-
caufe the fpirits are fuddenly moved , both from vapours and paffi»
ons, which work ftrangely upon them : and the Parts, by Baths, Un-guents, Emplaifters , which in like manner make way by fudden im-preffions.
^ Our third Precept is, that Alalaciffation or inteneration of Partt by
outward Topickj, muji be performed by applications Confubjiantial , Pene-
trating, and Stringent. Confubftantials are willingly entertained with
a kindly imbrace, and properly intenerate and fupple; Penetrating
and iofinuating remedies are theDeferents, as it were, of Malacifl'ant
and mollifying qualities, and convey more eafily and impreffedly the
virtue thereof; and do themfelves fomeVv'hat expand and open the
Parts. Reiiringents keep in the virtue of thera both, and for a time
a fix
3o Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b . IV
.
Iix it, and alfo cohibite and reprefs perfpiration j which is a thing re-
Jugnantto MaUciJJ'ation orfnp^ling^hecaM^cytikn^s^onh the moifture;
wherefore by thele three (but difpofed in order, and fucceeding than
intermixt) the matter is effeded. In the mean time we give this ca-
veat, that it is not the intention of MaUajfaiion by outward Topicks
to nouriCh Parts i but only to render them more capable of nourili*
ment ; for v/hafoever is more dry, is lefs aftive to affimilate. And thus
much of the frolongation of life, which is a third part newly affigned to
Medicine.
§ Come vee now to Cofmetick^medicamentSy or the Art of Decoratio»^
which hath indeed, parts Civil, and parts effeminate. For cleanneft,
and the civil beauty of the Body was ever efteemed to proceed from amodefty of behaviour, and a due reverence in the firji place towardsGod, whofe creatures we are, then towards fociety, wherein we live 5
and then towards our felves, whom we ought no lefs, nay, much moreto revere, than we do any others. But that Adulterate decoration by
Tainting and Cerufs , it is well worthy of the imperfeftions which at-
tend it 5 being neither fine enough to deceive, nor handfbme to pleale,'
nor (afe and wholfome to u(e. And it is a wonder that this corrupt cu-
ftom of painting, hath fo long efcaped penal Laws, both ofthe Churchand of the States which yet have been very fevere againft the excef-
five vanity ofApparel, and the effeminate trimming of hair. We read
2ReE.p indeed of ]eCabel thatfie painted herface ^ but of Eiihei and Judith, ffo
fuch matter is reported.
(j Let us proceed to Athletic^, which we take in a fomewhat morelarge fence than ufually it is. For to this we refer any point o£Ability^whereuntothebody of man may be brought, or any aptitude there-
to, whether it be of A&ivity, or of Patience : whereof ABivity hathtwo parts, Jirength and fmftnefs ^ and patience likewife hath two parts,
Indurance of Natural wants, and Fortitude in torments. Of all thefe
we fee many times notable Inftances in the praftice of Tumblers; in the
hard fare of fbme Salvages; in tlie wonderful ftrength ofLunaticks;and in the conftancy ofmany in the midft of exquifite torments. Nay,if there be any other faculty , which falls not within (as in thofe that
Dive, that obtain a ftrange power of containing Refpiration, and thelikej we refer it to this part. And that fuch things may fbmetimes bedone, is moft certain : but the Philofbphy and enquiry ofcaufes touch-ing them, is commonly neglefted ; for this reafbn, as we fuppofe, be-
caufe men are perfwaded, that fuch mafteries and commands over Na-ture, are obtained either by a peculiar inbred aptnefs of fbme men,which falls not within the rules of difcipline ; or from a continual cu-
fl:om from childhood, which rather is commanded than taught. Whichthough it be not altogether fb true
,yet to what end fhould we note
any Deficience } for the Olympicl^games are down long fince ; and a me-diocrity in thefe things is enough for ufe ; but an excellency in themierveth commonly but for Mercenary oftentation.
^ In the laji place we come to Arts of Pleafure : They, as the fenfes to
which they refer are of two kinds , Fainting delights the eye, efpeci-
ly, with an infinite number offuch Arts appertaining to Magnificence a-
bout Buildings, Gardens, Garments, Veffels, Cups, Gemras, and the
like. Muficl{_ delights the ear , which is fet out with fuch variety andpreparation
L I B . IV . Of the Advancement of L earningx i^t
preparation of Voices 5 Airs and Inftruments, In ancient time water-
Inftruments were ertecmcd rhe chief Organs of that Art which now are
almoft grown out of ufe. Thefe Arts bcloftghig to the eye and the ear^
are principally above the reft accounted Liberal ^ thefe two (enles are
more chafte ^ the Sciences thereot more learned, as having in their
train the Mathcmatick Art as their Handmaid: So theoneis rcfefr'd
ro Memory and Demonftrntions 5 the other unto MannerSjand thePaf-
lions of the Mind. The delight of the other fenfcs and the Arts about
which they are conver(ant , are in lefs reputation and credit, as draw-
ing nearer to lendiality than magnificence. Unguents; Odors , Dain-
ties ; Delicious fare , and Incitements to Lufts 5 need rather a Cenfor
to reprcfs them , than a Dodor to iiiflruft them. And it is well ob-
Icrved by fome. That vpfrile States and Cotfimonxfcalths have been in
theirgrowth and ri^wg^ Arts military have finiirifit ^ when they have been
fetled andjiood at a height, Arts liberal^ and drawing to their declenfion
and ruin. Arts voluptuary. And it is to be fear'd that this age of the
world being fomewhat upon the defcent of the wheel, inclines to Arts
voluptuary : Wherefore we pals them over. With Arts voluptuary I
couple PraSices Joculary ; for the deceiving of the fenfes, may be fet
down as one of the delights of the fenfes.
§ And now ive have gone through the Knowledges concerning the Body
ofman (Fhyfick^Cofmetick^^ Athletickjand Voluptuary) weadmonilh thus
much by the way; that feeing fo m^ny things fall into confideration
about the Body of man^ as Parts, Humours, FunSions, Faculties, Acci-
dents •, and feeing (if we could aptly do it) an entire Body fhould be
made touching the Body of man , which might comprehend all thefe,
(like to that of the knowledge of the Soul, whereofwe fliall fpeak anon)notwithftanding left Arts (hould be too much multiplied, or the anci-
ent Limits of Arts tranfpos'd, more than need mufl; we receive into
the Body of Medicine , the knowledge of the Parts of mans Body , ofFun3io7is, oj Humours , of Refpiration, of Sleep ; of Generation ; of the
fruit of the IVomb, of Gejiation in the IVomb , of Growth j of the flower
of Age ; of what Hairs , of Impinguatiqn, and the like , although they
do not properly pertain to thofe three Amxaqs oi Confervation of Health 5
Cure of Difeafes j Prolongation of Life : But becaufe mans body is every
way the Subjeft of Medicine. Asfor voluntary motion, and lenfe, werefer them 10 xhe knowledge concerning the Soul j as two principal Parts
thereof And fo we conclude the knowledge which concerns mans Body^
which is but the Tabernacle of the Soul..
R 2 Chap.
ip Ofthe Advancement of Learning. Lib. IV.
Chap. IIL
I. The Partition of Hnmane Philofo^hy concerning the Mind , into
knoTpledge of the infpiredEjfence'-, and into the knovoledge of the fen-
fihle,or prodnCfedSoul. (j A Cecoad Pimtion of thefame Philofo-
phji, into the kjjovpkdge of the SnbSiance and Faculties of the Sonl^
and the knowledge of the ufe and ohje&s of the Faculties. II. TwoAppendices of the knoveledge concerning the Faculties of the Soul.
^ The knowledge of Natural Divination j § And the knowledge ofFafcination. III. The Di^nbmioa of the Faculties of the fenfihl$
Soul. § Into Motion 5 and § into Senfe. »
I. TV 1 Ow let MS proceed to the Knowledge which concerns the Mind or
\\i Soul of man ^ out of the treafures whereof all other Know-ledges areextraded. It hath two Parts, the one entreateth of the Rea-
fonable Soul^ which is a thing Divine 5 the other of the unreafonable Sout^
vphich is common to us with Beajis. We have noted a little before
(where we fpeak. of Forms) thole two different Emanations of Souls ,
which in the firft Creation of them both , offer themlelves unto ourview, that is, that one hath its original from the Breath of God ; the
other from x\iQ Matrices of the Elements 3 for of the Primitive Emana-tion of the Rational Soul •, thus fpeaks the Scripture , Deus formavit
Gen.a. hominem dclimotert^, (^ fpiravit in fnciem ejusfpiracnlum vita : Butthe Generation ofthe unreafonable Soul , or of Beafts , was accoin-
6to.i. plilht by thefe words ; Produrat JquU; Producat Terra : And this irra-
tional Soul, as it is in man, is th^ Inftrument only to the Reafonable
Souli, and hath the fame oriojinal in us, that it hath in Beafts 5 namely,
from theflime of the earth y for it is not (aid Godform\l the Bodyofmtn^ofthtflime of the earth , but God formed man, that is the whole manthat Spiraculum excepted. Wherefore we will ftile that part ofthe gene-ral knowledge concerning mans foul, the knowledge of the fpiracle, or
itifpiredfubfiance'j and the other Part, the knowledge of the Scnflile
hx Product Soul. And feeing that hitherto we handle Philofophy oulyjt ^placing facred Thcologie in the clofe of this work) we would not have\ borrowed this Partition from Divinity , if it had not here concurred
with the Principles of Philofophy. There are many and gredt freceOencies
of the fvul of man, above the fouls of beaSJs , evident unto thofe whophilofophize even according to fenle ; And whcrefoever the concur-
rent Characters of fuch great excellencies are found, there (hould e-
ver, upon good reafon, be madea fpecifick^ Difercncc. Wherefore wedo not altogether fo well allow the Philofophersproraifcuous, and con-
fule Difcourfes touching the Fundions of the Soul j as if the Soul of manwas differenced gradually, rather than fpecifickjy 5 from the foul of Beajis 5
no otherwife than the Sun amongft the Stars , or Gold amongft
Metals.
§ There remains another partition alfo to be annexed to the Knowledge
in General concerning thefoul or mind ofman, before we fpeak at large
of the kinds: For what we (hall fpeak oixhtfpecies hereafter, com-prcbendeth
Lib. IV. Of the Advancement ofLearniug. i^j
prehendeth both the partitions 5 as well that which we havefct downalready, as this which we lliall now propound. If-'htrefore thcjecoad
Partition tftay be, into the {{notoledge concerning the Subjlance and Facitl'
ties of the Soul ^ and into the knowledge concerning the ufe and obje&s
ofthe Faculties.
^ This two-fold Partition ofthe Soul thus premis'd, let us now comeunto thefpecies or kinds.The knowledge of the SpiracMlnm^oT infpired
EJfcnce, as that concerning the fubltance of the Reafbnable Soul, com-prehends thele Inquiries touching the Nature thereof5 as whether, it
he Native, or Adventive ^ Separable, or Jnfcparablc j Mortal, or Im-mortal'-, horv far it is tied to the Laves of Aifatter, horofar, not, and the
lil{C^ What other points foever there are of this kind, although theymay be more diligently, and foundly inquired even in Philolophy,
than hitherto they have been j yet for all this, in our opinion, theymuft be bound over at laft, unto Religion, there to be determined anddefined j for otherwife they ftill lye open to many errors and illufions
of fenfe. Forfeeing that thefubjiance of the Sonl was not deduced and ex- or/^*traSedi» her Creation from the A/af ofHeaven and Eartb, but immedi- Myiiuri-
ately injpiredfrom Godj andfeeing the Laws of Heaven and Earth are the^™'
properfubje&s of rhilofophy 5 hove can the knovpledge ofthefuhjiance oftheReafonable Soul be derived orfetch'dfrom rhilofophy i But it mitjl be drawnfrom the fame infpiration from whence the fubilance thereoffiritflow-ed. ^
^ The Knowledge of the fcnjible or produ&ed Soul, as touching the de stis.
fubftance thereof is truly enquired into ; but this enquiry feems to us to A>f^^^*be Deficient: For what makes the(e termso£j&u4Vltim/fs^ and Forma sensisi-
Corporis:, and fuch like wild logical Univerfalities, to the knowledge of^^^
the Souls fubftance ? For thefenfibk SohI,ox the (bul ofBeafts,rauft needsbe granted, to be a Corporaljubjiance attenuated by heat and made Invi"
fibU: Ifay, atbin gentle gale of windJwelI'd and blown up fromfomc fla-
my and airy 'Nature, indeed with the foftnefl of Air to receive imprejfiott,
and with the vigor offire to embrace a3ion 5 nourifhed partly by an oily^
partly by a wateryfubftance 5 fpread over the Body j reftding (in perfeBCreatures) chiefly in the head
'-frunning through the nerves^ refrefht and
repair d by theJpirituous blood of the Arteries 5 as Bernardinus TeLfius, and Tele: de
his Scholar, Augujiinus Donius in fome points, not altogether unpro-f^",' do°
fitably, have delivered it. Let there be therefore made a more dili- iLus."
gent enquiry touching this knowledge, and the rather for that this
point, not well underftood hath brought forth fuperftitious and verycontagious opinions, and moft vilely abafing the Dignity of thefoul
ofman , of Tranfmigration offouls out ofone body into another ; and Lu-flrations offouls by Periods ofyears j and finally of the too near affinity i»
every point ofthe foul ofman, with thefouls ofbeajis. This foul in Be^^xis a principalJohI^ whereofthe body ofBeafts is the Organ ; but in manthisfoul is it feIf an Organ of the Soul Rational and may rather be called
by the appellation da Spirit, than of a ^W. And thus much of the
fubfiance of the Soul.
§ The Faculties of the Soul are wellknown, to beVnderstanding:, Rea-
fon ; Imagination 5 Memory ^ Appetite , Will, and all thofe Powers, a-
bout which the Sciences of Logick and Ethick^zxe converfant. But in the
knowledge concerning thefoul^ the Original ofthefe Faculties ought to be
handled
1^4 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b.IV.
handled, and that Phyfically, as they are connatural with the Soul,
and adhere to it : Only their ///e/ and objects aredcfigned to other Arts.
And in this part (in our opinion) there hath been no extraordinary per-
formance hitherto^ although we do not report it zs Deficient.
i! This Part tottchujg the faculties of the Soul hzth tveo Apoendicct^
which as they have been handled have rather prefented us with Imoak,
than any lucid flames of truth ^ one of theie is the Knowledge ot Natu-
ral Divmjtion '-^ the other of Fajcmation.
^ Divination hath been anciently and fitly divided into two Parts 5
Artificial and Natural. Artificial by arguing from the Indication of
figns, collefts a PrediSion : N<i/«ri2/ from the internal Divination ofthe mind without the ailifVance offigns, makesa Prefage. Artificial is
oftwoforts 5 oneargueth from Caufes j the other from Experiments on-
ly, by a blind way of Authority ; which later is for the molt partfu-
perftitious, (uch as was the Heathen Difcipline upon the inffeQion ofthe Intrals of Bcafis--^ the flight of Birds j and the like: So the Iblemri
Aftrology of the Chaldeans was little better. Both the kinds ofArti-
ficial Divination are diftributed amongft divers Sciences. The Aftro-
loger hath his Prcclici ions from the (ituation of the ftarsi the Phyfici»
an b:ithh\s Fredi&ions, of the approach of Death 5 of Recovery 3 ofcnl'uing SymptomcsofDifealesj from Urines, PuKesj afpeft ofPati-
Saluft.iii ents, and the like. The Politick hath his /'re^/^/o»jj urbcmv<ena'Jugurth. lcmd^ cito p.'riluram^ (i emptorem invenerit^ The truth of which Fr<7-
phefie ViMd not long, being firft accompli(ht in Sylla^ after in C<efar.
Wherefore Prediftions of this "Nature are not pertinent to the prefent
purpofe, but are to be referred over to their proper Arts. But the
Divination Natural^ which fpringeth from the internal Power of the
Soul, is that which we now fpeak of. This is oftvpoforts^ the one Na-
five •) the other by Infiuxion. Native is grounded upon this fuppofition,
that the mind when it is withdrawn and coHc&edinto itfelf^ and not dif-
fiifed into Organs of the Bodj/, hath from the natural Tower ofits own Ef-
f'ence^ fame Prcnotion of things future. And this appears moft in fleep;
Exrafiesj Propinquity of Deaths more rare, in waking, or when the
Body is healthful and ftrong. And this ftate ofthe mind is commonlyprocured and furthered byabftinencies, and thole obfervances whichdo moft of all retire the Mind unto itfelf from the praftick fundions ofthe Body : that thus redeem'd from the incumbrances of exterior ingage-
ments, it may policfs and enjoy its own Nature. But Divination by In-
fluxion is grounded upon another fuppofition, That the Mind as a Mir-
ror or GlajsfJjould taks afecondary kl^d ofilluminationfrom thefore-knom-
Icdge ofGod and Spirits ^^ unto which thefame State and Regiment of the
Body which was to thefirji^ doth Ukewife conduce. For the (ame feque-
ftration ofthe mind caufeth it more feverely to employ its own Eflencc ,
and makes it morefufceptive of Divine Influxions : fave that the (bul,
in Divinations bylnfluQion is rapt With a kind of fervency and impati»
ency, as it were of the Deity, wherewith it is poileft (which the An-cients noted by the name offacred Fury , but in Native Divination^ the
mind is enfranchis'd and neerer to a repofe rather, and an immunityfrom labour.
^ Fafcination is the Tower and intenfive AU of the Imagination upon
the Body ofanother^ (for ofthe Power ofthe Imagination upon the Bodyof
L J B. TV. Of the Advancement ofLearning. lo^
of the imaginant, we have fpoken before). In this kind the fckoo! efTuracclfns^ and the Difciples of pretended W.?///r^/ yl/jf^/V;^, have beenfb intemperate, as they haveonly not equall'd the force and apprehen- fsm'!"^**
(iono^th^ Itftagiuatio», with the Powtv of »iirjcle-ti>orI{ing fjith. O-thers, drawing nearer to the fimilitude of truth, when they had more ^^'^[''^
intentively confidered the fecret energies and imprefllons of things 3
the Irradiations of the fen(es j the tranfmiffions of cogitations fifora Bo-dy to Body ^ the conveyances ofMagnetick virtues i came to be ofo-pinion, that much more might fuch impreffions^ Informations ^ andCommunications be made, from fpirit to fpirit i being that 3 fpirit ofall other things is more powerful and ftrong to work, and more foft andpenetrable to lufFer : whence the conceits have grown, made almoft
popular, ofthe Maftering fpirit 5 ofmen ominous and unlucky ^ oftheftrokes of love and envy 3 and ofothers of like Nature. Incident un-
to this, is the enquiry, Horv the Imagination may be intended andfort ijT'
edi For if the Imagination fortified be of fuch great power, then it is
material toknowby what ways it may be exalted, and madegreaterthan it fclf ? And here comes in crookedly, and as dangerouQy a Palli-
ation and Defence of a great part oiCeremonial Alagick. For it may bea fpecious pretence, that Ceremonies ; Charadlersj Charms; Gefticu-
lations 3 Amulets, and the like, do vPorl{_ not by any tacit or facramcn^
tal contraS rvith evil fpirits ', buffcrve onlytojirengtha» and exalt thei-
magination of him that ufcth them j even as the ufc of Images in religion
hath prevailedfor thefixing of mens minds in the Contemplation ofthings^
Oftd the raijlng of the devotion ofthem that Pray. But for my own judg-
ment, if it be admitted, that the force ofImagination is fo Potent, andthat Ceremonies exalt and fortifie that Power; and be it granted, that
Ceremonies are u(ed fincerely to that intention, and as a Phyfical Re-medy, without the leaft thought of inviting the affi(hnce of Spirits bythem 3 yet for all this, I (hould hold them unlawful, bccaufe they im-
pugn and contradift that divine Edidi pafs'd upon man for fin, Infu-
dore vultus comcdcs panem tnum. For this kind of i^/j'^zc^ propoundsthofs iKjble fruits, (which God hath fet forth to be bought at the price ^of Labour) to be purchas'd by a few eafie and llothful obfervan-
"^"
ces,
III. There remain two knowledges, which refer fpecially to the Fa-
cnltiesofthe inferior orfenfible Soul, as thofe which do moft Communi-cate with corporal Organs; the one i^oiVoluntary Motion^ the other
oTfenfc and fenfibility.
§ In the former of thefe the Inquiry hath been very fuperficial, and *
one entire part almoft quite left out. For concerning the office and apt bus'sp/-
fabrick of the Nervs and Mufcles, and ofother parts requifite to this motu^'^Motion^ and which part ofthe Body refts whilft another is moved, and Yk^'that the Governour and Chariot-driver, as it were, of this Alotion, is
the Imagination ; lb as difmifling the Image to which the Motion was car-
ried, the Atotion it felf is prefently intercepted and arrefted (as whenwe walk, ifanother ferious and fixed thought come into our mind, weprefently ftand ftill) and many other fuch fubtilties not to be flighted,
nave now long ago come into Obfervation and Enquiry, Andhow Com-prejjions^ znd Dilatations, znd Agitations of the Spirit (which without
queftion is the fpriag of Motion, fbould iacline, excite, and enforce
the
136 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. IB. IV.
RENT I A.
PERCEPTIONISET SEN-SUS
the corporal and ponderous Mafiof the Parts, hath not yet been enqui-
red into^ and handled with diligeace 5 and no marvail, feeing the fen-
fible foul it felf hath been hitherto taken for an entelechie^ oxjelf-moving
Facultie, and forae Funftion, rather than a fubftance. But now it is
known to be a corporal and materiate Subftance j it is neceflary to be
enquired, by what efforts fuch a pufil and a thin foft air Qiould put in
motion, fuch folid and hard bodies. Therefore feeing this part is De-
ficicnt let enquiry be made thereof.
§ But ofjenfe andjenfibility there hath been made a far more plenti-
ful and diligent enquiry, both in General Trcatifes about them, andia
Particnlar Sciences , as in Perfpecfive, and Mufick^ 5 how truly, is not
to our purpofe to deliver. Wherefore we cannot fet them as Deficienti
:
Notwithjianding there are two noble and remarkable Parts, which ia
this knowledge we affign to be Deficient , the one concerning the diffe-
rence of Perception and Senfe j the other concerning the Form ofLight.
+r ij As for the Difference between Perception and Senfe, Philofbphers
DEDiFFE- (hould in their writings de fenfu & Jenfibilihvje premised a folid andfound difcovery thereof, as a matter Fundamental. For we fee that
there is a manifeft power o£ Perception even in all Bodies Natural ; and
a kind ofEleftion to embrace that which is any way allied in nature, andfavourable to them 5 and to fly what is adverfe and foreign. Neither
do we mean of more fubtile Perceptions only^ as vphen the Loadftoae
draws unto it Iron ; Flaffte leaps to Bituminous Mould 5 one Bubble of
water near another Bubble, cloleth and incorporates with it , Raysglance from a white objeft j the Body of a living Creature aflirailates
that which is good for it, excerneth what is unprofitable 5 a piece ofIpunge even when it is rais'd above the furface of the water, fucks in
water, expels air, and the like. For to whatendQiould we enume-
rate fuch inftances, feeing no body plac'd neer to another, changeth
the other, or is changed of it, unlefs a reciprocal Perception -^xecGdc
the operation. Every Body hath a Perception of the Pores and Paf^
fages by which it infinuates it felf 5 it feels the invafion of another Bo-
dy, to which it yieldeth 5 itperceivs t\\Q removeof another Body, bywhich it was detained 3 when it recovers it felf, it perceivs the divul-
fionof its continuance, which for a time refifteth ; and in a word,Per-
ception is diffufed through the whole body of Nature. Air doth Co
exaftly Senje Hot and Cold, that the Perception thereof is far more fub-
tile than mans Touch, which yet is taken for the difcerning Rule ofHot and Cold. Two faults therefore are found concerning this know-ledge 3 that men have for moft part paft it over untouchtjand unhand-
led 3 whichnotwithftandingis a moft noble fpeculation: The other
is that they who perchance have addifted their minds to this contem-
plation, have in the heat of this Purfuit gone too far, and attributed
neila',alij. Senfe to all Bodies, that it is almoft apiacular crime to pullof a bowfront
a Tree, kfi itfhouUgroan and complain as Polydore did. But they fhouldvirg .S.n. explore with diligence the difference oCPerceptionzndi Senfe, noton-*'
ly in comparing oi" Senfibles with Infenjibles according to the entire bo-
dy (as of Plants, and living Creatures) but alfo to obfervein thefen-
fible Body, what (hould be the caufe that fb many Adions (liould be
difcharg'd, and that without any Senfe at all > Why Aliments are di-
gefted.
Campa-
L I B. IV Of the Advancement ofLearning. i:> 7
gefted, egefted : Huraoufs and fucculcnt Moiftures carried upwardsand downwards j the Heart and PuKe beat ; the Guts as lb many Shops,
or Work-houfes (hould every one accomplilh his proper Work, andyet allthefc, and many fuch like are performed without Seti^c .<? But
men have not with fufficient enquiry fearcht or found out of what Na -
ture the Action o^ Scnfc is, and what kind of Body; what delay,
what Conduplication of Impreflion are required to this, that pain or
pleafure Ihould follow? Toclofe this Point they do feem to be altoge-
ther ignorant of the difference betwixt j?wp/t'/)c>re/>/7^« and fenfcy ho^v
fur perception ffta} be made wit/joHt Jenje ^ Nor is this enquiry a Contro- ^verfie of words, but a matter of great and important ijioment. yvhere-.
fote kt there be made a hcitcx inquiry of this knowledge, as of amatterVery profitable, and of manifold ufe. Coqlidering alio that the igno-
rance of fomeof the ancient Philofophers touching this matter, fo far
oblcured the light ofreafon, as that they thought, tUn, n>as^ withont- any
difference, a Soul infufed into all Bodies vnor did they conceive how Mo-Uon^ with a difcerning inftind, could be made with Senfe^ox Senjec^xH-
without a SomI.. ^
§ As for the Fornt of Light., that there hath been made a due en- radixquiry thereof (fpecially leeing men have fo painfully employ"d their^^^^^'-
Studies in the Perfpe&ivesy may well.be cenfur'd ^s'aftrange overfight. sue de
For neither in the PerfpeCfives, nor ellewhere, is there any thing in- lucis,^
quired concerning Light, of any worth or weight : The Radiations ofit are handled, the Originals not : But the placing of Perfpe&ives amongft
the Mathematickj hath begotten this defeC^^ and others of like nature j
becaufe men have made a too early departure from Phyfcl{. So on the o-
ther fide the haadling of Light, and the Caules thereof, in PhyficJ{s is
commonly fuperftitious, as of a thing of a middle nature, betwixt
natural and Divine ; in (b much as fbme of Plato's School have intro- ^^ .
duced Light zs a thing more ancient than Alatter it felf : For when the Cird.iu
empty fpace was fpread abroad they affirm'd, in a vain imag!nation,that ^"^^*-
it was firft fiU'd with L7_g/j^ ; and afterwards with a ^c^^, v/hcreas Ho-ly Writ fets down plainly the Mafs ofHeaven and Earth to be a dark^ Chaos
""' ''
before the Creation ofLight. ViViX. what are handled Phyfically, and accord-
ing to lenfe, of this fubjcft, prefently defcendeth to Radiations -) fb as
there is very little Philofophical enquiry extant touching this point.
And men ought to fubmit their Contemplations a while, and to enquire
what is common to all Lucid Bodies, as of the Form o^ Light : For whatan immenfe difference of Body is there ("if they may be confidered ac-
cording to their dignity ) betwixt the Sun and the rotten Wood, or '
the putrid fcales of Fifh ? They (hould likewife make enquiry, what(hould be the Caule why forae things take fire, and once throughly
lieated caftfortha Light-., others not? Iron^Metals, Stones, Glafs^Wood,Oyl, Tallow by fire, either caft forth a Flame, or at leaftgrow/?*;^ .-
But Water and Air heated with the fury of thehotteft Flames, to the
higheft degree they are capable of, acquire no fuch Light, nor caft
forth any Splendor. If any man think, it therefore thus comes to pals,
becaufe it is the property of fire to give light •-, but JVjtcr3.n<i Air are
utter enemies to f/re 5 fure he was never rowed with Oars in a dark
night upon (alt waters, and in a hot feafon -j v.'here he might have feen
fmall drops of water rebounding from the clafhing of the Oars, to-
128 Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. IV.
fparkjc ancl caft forth a light : Which is likewife feen in the fervent
froath of the Sea which they call the Sea-longs. And what affinity
with flame and fired matter have the CiciuduU, the LucioU^ and the»
Indian Fly, which caft a light over a whole arched Room 5 or the eyes
ofcertain living Creatures in the dark; and Sugarjas it is grated or bra-
ken J or the fweat of a horfe hard ridden , in a foultry night 3 andmany more ? N^/, many have unclerjioodfo little in this point, as manjf
have thought the fparl{sfrom a flint to be' attrited Air. But when the
Air is not fired with heat, and apparently conceives Light, how comes
ittopafs, that Owls and Cats , and many other Creatures fee in the
night? So that it fnuji needs he (feeing vijion cannot be c&nmyedmthouli
light^ that there is a native and inbred light in Air, although very feeble^
and weal{_j yet fuch as may be proportioned to the Optick^ Beams offttcb
Creatures, andmayfuffice them for (ight. But the caufe of this evil, as;
of many more , that men have not drawn forth the common Forms of
things Natural , ftom particular Injiances j which is that we have fet
down as the proper fubjedt of Metaphyjick.j which is it felf a part of
Phyjickj or of the knowledge of Nature. Therefore let there be enquiry
made of the Form and Originals of Light, and in the mean time, it maybe placed among Deficients. And thus much of the Knowledge con»
cerningthe fubjiance of the Soul, Rationaland Senjible, with their FacftU
tiesjznd ofthe Appendices^ oflhejame Knowledge,
THE
13^
THE
Fifth BookO F
FRANCIS L. V E RV L A MVicoutiTS^' ALBAN,
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
LEARNING.To the KING.
Chap. I.
I. ThePzmnon of the Knonpledgey tffjich refpe^eth the Vfe^ and Oh-
jeBs of the Faculties of the Mind of Man^ into Logick^^ and Ethick^
If. T\\t\^\v'\^\onoi Logick^intothe ArtSy of Invention '^ ofjudgi»
ment 5 of Memory j and of Tradition,
jHE Knowledge refpefting the underjianding of Man(Excellent King)zxxd. that other refpcfting his IVill^ are,
as it were, Twins by Birth ; For the Ptirity of lUuminati*
on^ and the Liberty of will began together ^ fell together:
Nor is there in the Vniverfal Nature of things fo intimate
a Simpathy, as that of Truth and Geodnefs. The more
(bame for Learned Men, if they be for Knowledge like winged Angels 5
for bafe Defires, they be like Serpents which crawl in the Dull, carrying
indeed about them Minds like a Mirror or Gla(s 3 but menftruous and
diftain'd.
^ F^V come now to the Knowledge which refpeð the ufe and ohjeSs
of the Faculties of the Mind of Man. This hath two Parts, and they
well known, and by general confent received, Logick^ and Ethici : Save
that wc have a little before fet at liberty Civil Knowledge^ which com-
monly was taken in as a Part of EthicI^ 5 and have made it an entire
Knowledge of min congregate or in focietv \ handling here only manjegre-
S a gAte,
(f^ Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. IV.
gate, LogJcli intreateth of the Vncler^ianding and Reafon 5 Ethick_ of
the IVill:, /Appetite andaffe&iotis 5 the one produceth Decrees 5 the other
A&ions. It is true that the Imagination in both Provinces, Judicial
and Minifterial, performs.the Office ofan Agent or Nuncius^or commoaAtturney. For .Se«ye (eads over all fqrts of Ideas unto the Imaginati-
on^ upon which, Pveafon afterwards (its in Judgement ; And Reajon in-
terchangeably fends over felected and approved Ideas to the Imaginati-
on^ before the Decree can be adled. For Imaginaticn ever precedes
Voluntary motion and incites it ^ fb that Imagination is a common re-
ciprocal Inftrument to both; Saving that this Jj««/ is bifronted, and
turns faces : For the face towards Reafon hath the print of Truth 5 but
the face towards A^ion hath the print of Coodnefs : which neverthe-
leGi are faces,
Cv;d. "^. »&nales decct effe fororuw.
Met. - - -
Neither is the Imagination a meer and fimple Meflenger, but is inverted
with, or at leaftwife ufurpeth no fmail Authority, befides the duty of
the meflage : For it is well faid byylrijiotle^ That the Mind hath over the
p 1:. Body that command which the Lord hath over a bond'man ; hut the Rea-
fon hath over the Imagination /^rff commandrchich a Magijirate hath over
a free Citizen^ who may come a!(b to rule in his turn. For we fee that
in matters of Faith and Religion, the Imagination mounts, and is clc^
vatcd above Reafon j not that Divine lUuminat ion refideth in the Ima-
gination 5 (nay, rather in the high Tower of the mind, and underftand-
ing) but, Jx in virtues Divine^ grace maizes ufe of the motion of the wiU ^
fo m lUiiminations Divine^ grace makes ufe of the Imagination : Which is
the Caufc that Religion fought ever an accefs, and way to the Mind, bySimilitudes, Types, Parables, Vifions, Dreams. Again, it is no fmall Do-minion the Imagination hath in perfwafions, infinuated by the power of
Eloquence; for where the minds ofmen are gently intreated.inflamed,
and any way forcibly won by thefmooth Artifice offpeech, all this is
done by exalting the Imagination,\'jh\ch growing hot and impatient, not
only triumphs over Reafon ; but in a fort offers violence unto it 5 part-
ly by blinding, partly by extimulating it. Neverthelefs I fee no rea-
(on why we fhould depart from the former Divifion ; For the Imaginati-
on covo.mox\\y doth not produce Sciences^ for P^e/ze which hath ever
been attributed to the Imagination, is to be efteemed rather a play of
the wit,than a knowledge. As for the power of the Imagination in things
Natural, we have affigned that, a little before, to the DoHrine de Ani-
ma. And for the affinity it hath with Rhetorick^, we think it fit to refer
it to the Art it lelf, whereof we (liall intreat hereafter.
: ^ This Tart of Hnmane Vhilofophy tahich is Rational or refpe&ing Lo'
gick, is to the Tafte and Palate of many Wits, not fo delightful 5 and
feemeth nothing elfe but a net and fnare of thorny fubtilty. For as it
Sen.alicu- is truly ilAid.that l{non>ledgeis animi Pabulumi,\'o in the nature of mens ap-^^' petites, and election of thisfood, mod: men are of the tafte and ftoraach
of the Ifraelities in the Defert, that would fain have turned adollas Car-
nium^ and were weary of Manna \ which though it were Celeftial, yet
feemed it lefs niitrif ivcand comfortable. So generally thofe Knowledges
rtiilh beft, that have an infufion fomewhat more efculent offlefh in themy
fuch
L I B. IV. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 141
(iich as are Civ: t H/Jiorj, Jlforalitj, Policy^ about the which mens affedi-
ons 5 Praifes, Fortunes do turn, and arc conver(ant ; But this fame /«-
men (iccum^ doth parch and offend moft mensvvatry and loft natures.
But ifwe would meafure and value things according to their properworth, RjtioK.ll Sciences ure the kpys of all other Arts 5 and as the Handis the Itsjlrnment of Injiruments i the /If/nd , tl<c Form of Forms ; jo
theft hrioveledgcs arc to he eliecr,ied the Art of Arts. Neither do theydircftonly; but likewife ftrengthcnand conhrm j astheufeand habit
of (hooting, doth not only enable to Ihoot a nearer (hoor 5 but alfo
to draw a ftronger Bow.II. Arts Logical or intelc&iial are four in number ^ divided according
to the ends whereunto they are referred ; For mans labour in Ratio-
nal Knojvledgcs is^either to invent that which is jought 3 or tojudge whatis invented:, or to retain thatrvhichisjudgd'-, or to deliver that which is
retained : So as there rauft needs be (b many Rational Sciences 5 Art ofInquiry or Invention j Art of Examination or Judgement j Art ofCttJio-
dyov Memory j and Art of Elocution 01 Tradition ^ whereof we will
(peak, of every particular apart.
C H A P. II.
I. The Partition of the Art of Invention into the Inventive of Arts:and of Arguments. § The former of thefe, which is the moreeminent, is Dejicient. II. The Divilion of the Inventive Art ofArts, into literate Experience. § And a new Organ. III. A De-lineation of Experience Literate.
I. "WNvention if of two kjnds^ much differing 3 the one of Arts and Set- *
J^ences
'ithe other of Arguments awA Speeches. The former of thefc experf-
I report to be wholly Deficient, which feems to me to be fuch a Defi^ ^iv!\r'^',
ence, as if in the making of an Inventory , touching the eftate ofa De- natio^'fundi, it fhould be fet down, of ready money nothing : For as money i ams
will fetch all other commodities 5 fb all other y4r// are purchas'd bythis Art. And as the IVeJi Indies had never been difcovered, if the u(e
of the AlarinerJ Needle had not firftbeen difcovered, though thofei^e-
gions be vaft , the Ferfor is a fmall Motion ; So it cannot be foundilrange , if;'» the difcovery and advancement of Arts, there hath notbeen made greater Progreffion, feeing the Art of Invention and Perlii-
Jirat ion Unhexto was unknown.
§ That this part of kfiowledge is wanting jldnds plainly confejfed.
For firft Logick doth not profeft, nay, not pretend to invent either ArtsMechanical, or Arts ("as they call them) Liberal j nor to elicite the
Operations of the one, or the Axioms of the other j but fpeaks to menas it were in Pallage, and fo leaves them with this inftrudion, <:«/^3y«5
arte credendum. Celfus a wife man, as well as a Phyfician (though it jaKi.
^
be the cuftom of all men to be copious in the commendation of their
own Profeflion) acknowledgeth it gravely and ingenioufly,fpeakingof
the Empericaland Dogmatical Sed:s of Ph)ficiansj That Medicines andCunt
1 42 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. V.
De Re Cures vpere firjifound out^ and then after the Reafons andCanfesToere dif-Medica.
covered: not the other vpay, that the Caufesfir^ extrudedfrom the nature
I -r-^ of things, cave Inht to the invention of Remedies. ?>ut Plato often notes
Hh.lcb. a-iti That partictdurs are injinrte j again, that the highest Generalitieslibi.
givenofufficient DireUion , and that the Pyth of all Sciences^wherebj the
Arts-man is diSiingtnfitfrom the Inexpert, confijieth in middle Fropojiti-
ons, which experience hath delivered and taught in every particular Sci'
ence. And therefore we fee, that they which difcourfe of the firft In-
ventors of things^ and the Originals of Sciences, have celebrated rather
chance than Art j and have brought in Beajls^Birds, Fijhes, Serpents, ra-
ther than M-», as the firft Doftors of Sciences.
DiBamnum Genetrix Cretaa carpit ad Ida,
Virg, /En. Puleribus Caidemfoliis d^flore comantem»2^- Turpureo^ non ilia feris incognita Capris
Gramina, cum tergo volucres h(eferefagitt£.
So that it was no marvail ( the manner of Antiquity being for to
contccrate Inventors of things profitable ) that the iEgyptians , an
ancient Nation, to whom many Arts owe their Beginnings, hadtheir Temples full of the Idols of Brutes , but a+moft erop^y of the
Idols of men,
V rg. mnigenumq; Dcum monjlra ^ Latrator Anubis,.^n.g.
Contra Neptunum, d^ Fenerem^ contracj\ Minervam, &c.
And if you like better, from the Tradition of the Grecians, toafcribe
the f,rli invention of Arts to men ; yet you cannot fay that Promethe-
bv'd.Ho- »i applied his contemplation on fet purpofeto the invention of Fire;wt&c. or that when he firft ftroak the fiint he expeded fparks 3 but that he
fell upon this experiment by chance, and as they fay, furtum Jovijecijje s fo as for the Invention ofArts we are qiore beholding to a wildGoat fur Chirurgery; or to a Nightingal for modulations ofMufickj
Pamirol- the z/»// for Clyfters; to a Potlid that flew open for Artillery , andIlls Rer. to fay in a word, to Chance^ot any thing elfe more than to Logic^. Nei-
ther is the form of Invention , which r/rg7/dercribes,much other.Meu.pa.i.
Virg. G.I. Et varias iifus meditando extunderet Artes
PauUtim
' For here is no other method of Invention propounded , than that
which brute Beafts are capable of, and often put in ure, which is amfljl intentive foUicitude about fame one thing , and a perpetualpra&ice
Oratio. thereof 3 which thenecrifity of their Confer-^ation impofeth uponfuch Crea'
c'.K Bai ^'""^^'n for C/ccro faith very truly , ufus uni rei deditus, d^ naturam ^Im. artemf<epe vincit. Therefore if it be faid of men,
^"SG;t^ Labor omnia vincit
Improbnr, C^ duris urgent in rebus egrjias.
It
L I B . V. Ofthe Advancement of Learn'mg, 14jte^— —
-
—•—'—-*"
—
^ — *i .
Tt is likcwife faid of Beafts,
SlMis exped/wt rJittacofKum'K.xT^ 5P-rf.pi-o!,
Who taught the Raven inadroughthto throw Pebbles into a hollow
tree, where by chance (he fpied water, that the water might rife Co as
(he might come to it ? Who taught the Bee to fail through fucha vaft
lea of Air, to the Flowers in the Fields 5 and to find the way fo far P''n- Nat;
off to her Hive again ? Who taught the Ant to bite every grain of"'
Corn that fhe burieth in her Hill, left it (hould take root and grow, and
lb delude her hope ? And if you obferve in I'irgil's verfe, the word cx-
tnndere^ which imports the Difficulty^ and the word Panktim^ which
imports theflotFficfs 5 we are where we were, even araongft the Egyptian
Codf ^ feeing hitherto men have made little u(e of the faculty of
Reafon , none at all of the duty of Art^ for the difcovcry of Invent i"
§ Secondly, if this which we affirm, be well confidered» it is dc-
flionftrated by the Form of Indn&ion v;hich Logick propounds, narac-^
ly by that Form of Inference^ whereby the Principles of Sciences are
found out and proved 5 which, as it is now framed , is utterly vitious
and incompetent, and fo far from perfecting nature, that it rather per-
verts and diftorts it. For he that Ihall exadtly obferve how this ^£'//je-=
real Dew ofSciences 5 like unto that the Poet fpeaks of,
Aeret meUh Celejiia dond,
is gather'd (feeing that even Sciences them(elves are extrafted out ofparticular examples, partly Natural, partly Artificial, or from the
Flowers of the Field and Garden) (hall find that the mind, ofher ownnature and inbred difpofition, doth more ingenioudy, and with bet-
ter Invention, ACt an huhiBion^ than Logicians defcribe it. For froma nude enumeration of Varticulars (as Logicians ufe to doj without anInftance Contradiftory, is a vitious Conclufion j nor doth fuch an In-
du&ion infer more than a probable Conjefture. For who will take
upon him , when the particulars which a man knows , and which hehath mention'd, appear only on one fide , there may not lurk (bmcparticular which is altogether repugnant? As if ^^///«e/ fhould have
rcfted in thofe fons of Ifiay , which were brought before him in the
houfe, and fhould not have (ought David, which M'as abfent in the
field. And this Form of Induction fto fay plainly the truth) is (bgro(s
and palpable, that it might feem incredible, that (uch acute and fubtil
wits as have exercis'd their meditations in thefe things, could have ob-truded it upon the world •-, but that they ha(ted to Theories, and Dog-maticals; and from a kind of pride and elation of mind de(pired par"
iiculari^ fpccially any long ftay upon them. For they have itfed thefe
examples and particular injianccs, hut as Sergeants and IFhijfers, adfnm-tjtovendam turham, to make way and room for their opinions •) and never
advis^drvith themfrom the beginning 5 thatfo a legitimate and mature de-
liberation, concerning the truth of things, might be made. Certainly it is
a thing hath touch'd my mind with a pious and religious wonder, to -
fe?
144 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. V.
fee the (ame fteps leading to error, troden in divine and humane enqui-
ries. For as in the apprehending of divine truth, men cannot endure
to become as a child 3 fo in the apprehending of humane truth, for mencome to years, yet to read, and repeat, the firft Elements of induSi-
ons^ as if they were (till childreUjis reputed a poor and contemptible
employment. '^!io-;.b v. \\\
§ Thirdly if it be granted, that the Priftcipkf of Sciences may berightly inferr'd from the InduBion^ which they ufe, or from fenfe andexperience 5 yet neverthelefs, certain it is, that inferiour Axioms,can-
not rightly and fafely be deduced, by Syllogifm from them, in things
ofnature, which participate of matter. For inSyllogifm there is a.re-
duftion ofPropofitions to Principles by middle Propofitions. And this
Form, whether for Invention, or for Proof, in Sciences Popular, as
Ethickj , Politicks , Laws, and the like, takes place 5 yea, and in Di-vinity •) feeing it hath pleafed God of his goodnefs, to accommodatehimfelf to mans capacity : but in Natural Philofbphy where nature
Ihould be convinced and vanquifht by deeds, and not an Advcrfiry, by-
Argument ; truth plainly efcapes our hands : becaufe that thefubtilty ofthe operations ofNature, is far greater than thefubtilty of words. So that
the Syllogifmihns failing, there is every way need of help and fervice,
of true and reftified IndnBion, as well for the more general Principles,
as inferiour Propofitions. For Syllogifms confill of Propofitions, Pro-
pofitions of words, words are the currant tokens or marks ofthe Noti-
ons ofthings ; wherefore ifthefe Notions (tphich are thefouls ef wordsybe groflcly, and variably abftrafted from things, the whole building
falls. Neither is it the laborious examination either of ConlequenceSj
Arguments, or the verity ofPropofitions, that can ever repair that ru-
ined being the error is, asthePhyficians (peak, in the firji digefiica ,
which is not redtified by the fequent funftions of Nature. And there-
• fore it was not without great and evident Cau(e, that many of the Phi-
lofophers, and fome of them, fomc of fiagular note, became Acade^
pticks j and Sccptickj ; which took away all certainty of knowledge or ofContprehenfions 5 and denyed that the-knowledgeofman extended fur-
ther than apparence and probability. It is true that fome are of opi-
^.jj, . . nion, that Socrates, when he put ofFcertainty of fcience from himfelf^
cad! did this but by a form of/rtf»/, &fcientiam diifltfrulandofimulaffe^ that
iSjthat by renouncing thoie things which he manifeftly knew, he might
be reputed to know even that which he knew not; neither in the la-
ter Academy,which Cicero embraced,was this opinion o^Acatalepjie held
fo fincerely : For all thofe which excell'd for eloquence, commonlyinAead. made choice ofthis Sed, as fitter to give glory to their copious fpeech,^ and variable difcourfe both ways ; which was the caule they turn'd a-
fide from that fl:reight way by which they (hould have gone on to truth,
to pleafant walks made for delight and padime.NotwithJianding it ap-
pears that there were many (catter'd in both Academies^the old and new(much more zmong the Sceptick/yhzt held thisAcatalepfe in fimplicity
and integrity : But here was their chief error, that they charged the
Perceptions ofthe^-c/^/tj-jWhereby they did extirpate and pluck up Scien-
ces by the roots. For the fenfes although they many times deftitute anddeceive men,yet aflifted by much induftry they may be fufficient for Sci-
ences 3 and that not ib much by the help oi Injiruments (though thefe
arc
L I B. V. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 145
EXPERr-
are infome fort ufeful) as of experiments ofthe fime kind, which mayproduce morefubtilobjcfts, than for the faculty of fenfe, arebyfenfe
coraprehenftble. And they ought rather to have charged the defefts
in this kind upon the errors, and contumacie ofthemind, which refu-
feth to be pliant and morigerous to the Nature ofthings ^ and to crook-
ed deraonftrations and rules of arguing and concluding, ill fet downand propounded from the Perception of Senfe. This we fpeak not to
dilable the mind of man j or that the bufinels fhould be abandoned 5
but that apt and proper affiftances may be accquired 5 and applied to
the underftanding, whereby men may fubdue the difficulties of things,
and the ob(curity of Nature. For no man hathfuch ajieadittefof hand
by nature or pra&icc, that he can draw ajirait line or viul^e a perfcCf cir-
cle with his hand at liberty, which yet is eafily done by rule or compaj?.
This is that very bulincls which we go about and with great pains en-
deavour, that the mind by the help ofArt might be able to e/]ual Nature j
and that there might be found out an Art of Discovery, or Direftion,
which might difclofe, and bring to light other Arts, and their Axi-
oms and Works. This upon good ground we report Dejicicnt.
II This Art o^Difcovcry (for fo we will call it) hath two parts; for
either the Indication is made from Experiments to Experiments i or entiau-- „ . ,. 1-111 r 1 r .
teratafrom Experiments to Axioms ; \vnicn may likewile delign new Expert' fi.evENA-
f/tents'f whereof the former W-e will term, Experientia Literata-j the nis^"^'
later, Jnterpretatio Nature, or Novum Organum. Indeed the former
(as we have touched heretofore is not properly to be taken for an Art
^
or a partof Philofbphy, but a kind of/agacity j wherefore we fbme-
timcs call it Venatio ranis, borrowing the name from the Fable. But;
at a man maygo on his way after a three-fold manner ; either when him-
felffeels out his way in the dar^^j or being weak^fighted is led by the hand
of another ; or elfe when he direCfs his footing by a light : So when a maaeflays all kind of Experiments without fequence or method that is a
meer palpation 5 but when he proceeds by diredion and order in £x-periments, itisasif he were led by the hand; and this is it which weunderftand by Literate Experience : For the light itfelf which was the
third way, is to be derived from the Interpretation ofNature, or the NewOrganum.
III. Literate Experience, or the Hunting ofPan fhews the divers waysofmaking Experiments: This (feeing we have fet it down as Deficient^
and that it is a matter not altogether fb plain and perfpicuous) we will
according to our manner and defign give fbme light touches and flia-
dows ofit. The manner ofmakjng Experiment chiefly proceeds ; cither
by variation ofthe experiment ; or by Produ&ion ofthe Experiment ; or
by tranjlation of the Experiment j or by inverjion of the Experiment 5 or
by compulfion of the experiment'-, or by Application of the Experiment 5
or by Copulation of the Experiment ; or elfe by the lots and chance of theExperiment. And all the(e are limited without the terms ofany Axi-om of Invention : For that other part of the New Organ takes up andcontaineth in it all Tranjition of Experiments into Axioms j or of Axiomsinto Experiments.
§ Variation ofExperience is firft praftis'd upon Matter ; that rs whenthe Experiment in things already known commonly adhereth to fuch al{ind of matter ; and now it is tried in other things of like kind ; as
T the
146 Of the Advancement ofLearning. L i l.V.
the making of Paper is only tried in linen, and not in filk, (unlefs per-
chance amongft the Chinefes j nor yet in ftuffs interniixt with hair and
briftles, of which is made that which we call chame-Jot5 nor yet in
woollen, cotton, and skins, although thefe three laft feem to be moreHeterogeneous, and Co rather may become ufefui mingled, than fepa-
rate ; So infition in fruit-Trees, is pradis'd, but rarely tried in Trees
wild 5 although it is affirm'd that an Elm grafted upon an Elm, will
produce wonderful (hades of leaves. Infition likewile in flowers, is
very rare, though now the Experiment begins to be made upon musk-Rofes, which are fuccefsfully inoculate upon common Rofes. So weplace the variation in the Part of a thing amongfi the variations in Mat'ter. For we fee a fcion, or young flip grafted upon the trunk ofa tree,
to (hoot forth more profperoufly, than if it had been fet in earth: Andwhy, in like manner, fhould not the feed ofan Onion inlerted into
the head of another Onion while it is green, germinate more happily
than if it had been fown in the bare earth ? And here the Root is vari-
ed for the Trunks, that the thing may feem to be a kind of in(ition ia
the root. Secondly^ the variation of an Experiment way he made in the
efficient. The beams of the Sun through burning-Glafles are fo fortifi-
ed, and intended to fuch a degree ofheat, that they are able to (et onflame any matter, which is apt eafily to conceive fire : Now whethermay the beams ofthe Moon, by the fame Glafles be aftuated by (bme weakdegrees ofwarmth 5 that we may fee whether all heavenly Bodies behot in power ? So bright and radiant heats are exalted by Glafles; Whe-ther are gloomy and opaque heats (as of (tones and mettals, before they
be made burning hot by the force offire) fubjeft to the fame impreffi-
on , or are they rather in this (bme portions of light? So Amber, andJet, or an Aggat chafed draw unto them (traw 5 whether warmedat the fire will they do the like? Thirdly, the variation of an Expe-
riment may be made in ^antity, concerning which a very diligent care
is to be taken,being it is encompafilpd with many errors. For men are
o^o^vciion that if the Quantity be augmented and multiplied^ the virtus
is propart7onably augtaented and multiplied ^ and this commonly is with
them a Poftulatum, and a (uppofed truth, as ifthe matter were a Ma-thematical certitude 5 which is utterly untrue. A globe of Lead, or a
found in weight let fall from a Tower, fay, it de(cends to the earth in
the fpace often PuKes 5 whether will a Globe of tvoo pound weight (in
which that force ofMotion, which they call Natural, (hould be doubl-
ed,) light upon the earth in the fpace offivePulfes? But that Globe(hall come down alraoft in an equal fpace of time with this, and (hall
not be accelerated according to the meafure oi^antity. So (ima-
gine,) one dragra of Sulphur mingled with half a pound ofSteel, it
will make it fluid and liquid ; Will therefore an ounce ofSulphur fuffice
to the diflblving of four pounds of Steel ? But that follows not 5 For
it is certain that the objiinacy ofthe matter in the Patient is more encreas'd
by ^antity, than the ASivity of the virtue in the Agent. Befides, too
much, as well as too little fru(trates the efFedt ; For in the excodtions
and depurations of Mettals it is a familiar error, that to advance exco-
ftion, they augment the heat of the Furnace, or the ^antity of the
InjeUion ; but if thefe exceed due proportion, they hinder the opera-
tion 3 becaufe through their force and acrimony, they turn much ofthe
L I B. V. Ofthe Adz\incement of Learning, 147
the pure Metal into fumes, and carry it away •-, fo as there is a )o(s in
the \Iettal 5 and the raafs which remains through the emilUon of the
Spirits becomes more obftinate and indurate. Men jfjould therefore
remember the mockery oi^j£fop'j houfvvife,who conceited that by doub-ing her raeafurc of Barley, her Hen would daily Jay her tvvo eggs: p*f'^P"
But the Hen grew fat and laid none. It is not altogether fafc to rely
upon any Natural expg:iraent,before proof be made Z»o//j /« a lejfer^aud
greater ^uantitj.
§ Trodudion of an Experiment is oftwo forts ^ Repetition and Extet;-
fion 5 namely when the Experi/Hent either is iterated ^ or driven to a kind
offubtilty. Example of Kcp-,'tition miy be this ; the fpint of wine xi
made of wine once diftilled, and it is much more quick and ftrong
than wine it felf, will likewifc the fpirit it felfofwinedifttlledj or lub-
liraated, proportionably exceed it felfin ftrcngth ? But Repetition aX'
fb is not without deceit i for neither doth the fecond exaltation equal
the excefs of the brft •-, and many times by iteration of the Experiment
after a certain ftate, and height of operation. Nature is Co far from a
further progrelTion, as llie rather falls into a relapfe. Wherefore the,
experiment rauft be made with Caution and judgment. So ^ickcfiiver
in linen, or elfe in the raidlt of raoulten Lead when it begins to growcold, the Quick-filver inferred is ftupified, and is no longer fluids
will the fame ^ick^filver if it be often fo practised upon, become fo
fixt as to be made malleable ? The example of extenfion may be this,
water placed Hpwvds^ and made penfile j and by a long nebofaglaftdipt io wine, raixt' with wai;er, will unraingle, the water from the
wine,- the wine leafurely afcending, and fetlingin the top , the water
defcending, and (etling in the bottom : Now as wine and water whichare two divers bodies are feparate by this device; may the more fubtil
parts ofwine in like manner, which is an entire body, be feparate fromthe more grols, that fo there may be a diftillation, as it were, by»
weight ) and that there may be found floating in the top, a fubftance
neareft to the fpirit of wine, but perchance more delicate ? So the Load-(tonedraweth Iron folid, and entire, unto it j will a piece of a Load-ftone, plunged into diilblv'd parcels and fragments ofIron, allure the^
Iron unto ir, and cover it fclf with it? So the verfor of a. Addrinersnee>
<^/(,' applies it felf to the Pohs of the world; Doth it do this after the
fame manner, and upon the fame confequence whereby Celeftial Bodies
move? Namely ifyoufliould place the Needle in a contrary polture,
that is, in the South -point, and there ftayita while, and then ccafe
your forcing it, and leave it to it lelfi would this Needle turn it lelfper-
chance to the North; and chufe rather to wheel about by the VVefti
into its delired natural (ite, than by theEaft? So gold imbibeth Quick-
filver which is contiguous to it 3 doth the gold ingulf, and fuck upthis Quicktilver into it felfwithout extenfion of its fubftance, that it be-
comes a Mafs more ponderous than gold it felf? So fome men fitlimini-
Jier helps to their memories by fettingup Images and Pictures of Peribns
in certain rooms ; vvould they attain the fame end. if (fetting afide iuch
Images) they fhould effigiate to themfclves an Idea oftheirgeftsand
habits. And thus much of the Poduftion ofan experiment.
^ The tr.tf7Jl.ition cf an experiment is thrce-fvld, either from N.tturc^
cr chance into Art ^ cr from Art, or one Fracfice into another , or fromT 2 a
1 48 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. V.
a pari offame Art, into a diverfe part of the fame Art. Of Tra>7J]ation
fro!n N^litre, or chance into Aft, there are innumerable examples 5 for
that almoft all Mechanical Arts owe their originals from (lender be-
ginnings prefented by Nature or Chance. It is a receiv'd Proverb, That
Crapes conforted with GrapesJuoner come to maturity : Which from the
Nature of mutual affiftanceand friendfhipgrew popular. But our ma-
kers ofSyder, which is a wine of Apples, do well imitate this: For
they provide that they be not ftampt or preft, before, by being caft
into heaps for a time 5 they mature by mutual contaft; whereby the a-
cidity and tartneft of the liquor is corrected. Sothc imitation ofArti-
Jjcial Rainbon>s by thefpifs alperfion of little drops, is by an eaGe deri-
vation from natural Pvain-bows compofed of a dewy Cloud. So the
manner of diJiiJJtng might be taken either from above, as from(hower«
or d.i^'w-) or from that homely experiment of Drops adhering to Co-Pancirol- vers put Upon Pots of boyling water. And a man would have been a-lus par.2.
j'^^j^ f^ /j^.yg imitated Thunder and Lightningjfthe Tot-lid ofthat chymick^
Monh^had not, by being toji up into the air, infiru&cd him. But the more
plentiful this experiment is ofexamples, the fewer we need to produce.
And if men would be at leifure toimploy their ftudies in the inquiry
of things profitable; they fhould view attentively, by degrees and of
fet purpo(eall the workmanQiip, and the particular workings ofNa-
ture •, and perpetually, and thoroughly meditate with themfelves,
which of thofe may be transfer'd to Arts, For Nature is the Mirror of
Art: And the experiments are as many which may be tranfated fr»mArt into Art •) orfrom one Fra&ice into another, though this is not (6
muchinufe: For nature every way is obvious to all men j but Arts
appropriate to particular Profeflbrs, are only known to them. Spe^
{fades are invented to help a weak fight 5 might there be contrived an
inlirument which faftned to the ear, might help fuch as are thick of
hearing ? So embalming, and honey conferve dead Corps ^ might not (bme
of thofe ingredients be transfer'd into a medicine, which might be ufc-
ful to bodies alive? So the praftice of Seals upon wax; cements for
walls,and upon Lead is an:ient5 but this invention (hewed the way to
Impreflion upon Paper, or the Art of Printing. So in the Art ofCooke-
ry, faitjeafonsfleJJ), and that better in Winter, than in Summer : Might
not this be profitably tranflatcd to Baths and their temperament, as
occafion (hall require 5 either to imprefs fome good moifture, or ex-
traft fome peccant humour. Sofait m the new-found experiment of
Artificial Conglaciations is found to have great power to condenle
;
Might not this be transfer'd to the conden(ation of Metals;, leeing it
h known long fince that ftrong-waters,being compofited of fome kinds
of (alts, have a power to dejed and precipitate fmall lands of Goldout ofcertain Metals, not fo denfe and compaft as Gold ? So painting
revives the memory of a thing,hy the Image of a PiQure: \s not this tradu-
ced into an Art, which they call the Art of Memory ^ Let this in gene-
ral ferve for admonition; that nothing can fo much conduce to the
drawing down, as it were, from heaven, a whole lliowr of new andprofitable Inventions, as this, that the experiments ofmany Mecha-
nick Arts, may come to the knowledge ofone man, or fome few, whoby mutual conference may whet and (liarpen one another; that (bbythis^which v\e call Tranfation of Experiments, Arts may nourifh, ar;das
it
Lib. V. Of toe Adzwiccmein ofLearning. i_ln
it were, by a commixture, and comnninicationofKayes, inflame onethe other- For although tl.e rationall way by an artificial Vr^.i>nim^
promifc far greater mittersj yet neverthelels x\\\s jagacity hy litcrate
expericvce, may in the mean projcft and fcatter to the benefit of man(as miffive Donatives amongft the Ancients) many rudiments to know-ledge, which may be had at hand. There remuins the Trjrjlation ofuFart of Art into another part diverjc froffi it, which little differs fromthe Trarji.ition of Art into Art : But bccaufe many Arts cxcrcife great
fpaces;, lb as they may very well fuftain a Irar'JIation within the limits
of their own operations , we thought good to annex this kind ufTr.m-
Jlation j fpecially feeing it is in Ibme Arts of very great import. Forit maketh much to the advancement and amplification of the Art ofPhylick^ if the Experiiftcnts of that part of M€6.\c\v\t concerning the
Cures of Dijiafes, be transfer'd to thofe Parts concerning ihc Regiment
of Health, zndthe Trobngation of Life. For if fome excellent Opiate
be of that force and virtue, as to reprefs and affwage the raging infla-
mationof the (pirits, ina peftilential Fever ^ let no manqueftion, but
that a like receipt by a due proportioned Dole made familiar, may in
fbme degree put back and retard inflamation, which grows and creeps
upon us by age. Thus much for the Tranflation of Experiments.
ij Invcrfion of Experiment is, when the contrary to that which is byExperiment manifefl', is tried ; For example, Heat by Claffes is inten-
ded ^ is cold fo too ? So Heat when it dif^iafeth it felf is yet rather car-
ried upwards ; Is cold likewifein diffufing itfelfcarried rather down-wards? Forinftance, take a fmall Bar of Iron, and heat it on one end,
thenfet it upright, (that end which is heated placed downwards) lay-
ing your hand upon the end, it will prefently burn your hand 3 but:
now inverfe the Bar, placing the hot part upwards, and yo'.ir hand up-
on the part which is downwards, and you (hall not feel the heat fo fbon
by raanyFulfes: Whether or no, if the Bar was heated all over, andone end fliould be moiftned with fnow, or with a fponge dipt in cold
water ; ifthe fnow or fponge were applied to the part which is upward,would (I fay) the cold fooner pierce downward, than if the fnow or
fponge placed at the lower end, the cold would fhoot upward. So the
Beams of the Sun rebound from a white upon a black are congregate:
Whether are rhadowsalfodifperfed upon whitejand united upon black.-*
The Experiment we fee made in a dark room, the light being let in
thorow a narrow chink only, where the Images ofthings which are
without, arc taken upon white i-*aper, not upon black. So a vein is
opened in the fore-head for the Megrim, orHeadach. Muft alfb the
Hemicrane be fcarified for x\\&Sndif-, or the pain of the head in gene-
ral? Somuchforthe Inverfton of Experiment.
§ Compulsion of Experiment, is when Experiment is urged, and exten-
ded to annihilation, or privation of the vertue. For in other kinds ofhunting, the game is only taken, but in this kill'd. Example ofC<?«z-
puljionh this; The Loadjione draws Iron, inforce therefore the Iron,
or vex the Loadftone, fo as the virtue ofattradion be ftifled or expir'd:
As, fuppofe the Loadftone were burnt or macerate in flrong waters,
whether will it forego, or abate its virtue? Contrarywife, //'^ec/ or
Iron be reduced into Crocum Alarlis.. or into prepar'd ffeel, as they call
it, or bed'.iiblved in AqnaFortis , will theLoadflone ftill allure them?
Again,
150 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . V.
Jgai»^ the LoacIJioKe draws Iron through all interpos'd Bodies that weknow, as Gold ^ Silver 5 Glafs, &c. Fix therefore feme medium
upon it (if it maybe) that may intercept, andarreftits virtue. Makea trial ot- Quicklilver j ofOyl^ Gums^ a burning coal 5 and the like,
which yet have not been experimented. So there have been brought
in of late certain rerfpeciives, which multiply after a Orange manner
the minuteft vifibles; Prefs the ufcofthem, either upon fmall objefts,
as they may not be able to work upon 5 or upon fo vaft, as they maybe confounded in working : As whether they can clearly difcover thofe
moats in Urine, ,which oiherways could not be difcern'd .> Whether
inlewels, ev^ry way pure and fpotlefs, «they can make the grains and
imperceptible clouds to become vifible ? IVhether can they expofe to
view the moats in the Sun ^which are untruly charged Upon DemocrUns
j^l^. for his Atoms, and the Principles of Nature^ as if they were great
Epaua- Bodies ? Can they fo diftinguifii to the fight the grofJer dufl: made ofcrt.invi-
Cerufs, and Vermilion, that the fmall grains may appear, here the
Lib.-jo.' red, there the white? Again^ f^w they multiply greater Figures (ima-
gine a face 5 an eye, or fo) to the fame bignels they can a flea, or a
little worm? Can //jc; make a piece of Cyprels, or Cobweb-Lawn ap-
pear (b full of holes, as if it were a Net? But ive Jhiy the Ie(s upon the
CoffjpuliioKs of Experiments becau(e commonly they fall not within the
limits of literate ex-perience; but: are rather referr'd to C^/z/ye/ ^ and
JxioMs i and the Neiv Orgumnn: For wherefoever there is a Nega-
iivej Privative i or ejtclulive faculty ^ there is already fome light gi-
ven to the /«•2'f«/i<J.^.^/f^''«'^-f' Thus liT o£ the Cowpidfion of Expert-
^ Application of Experiment ii nothing •elfe than a rvitly Tranfiation
of It to fame other prejaublc Experiment. Example may be this 5 All
Bodies have their own dimenfidns, and their.own weights: Gold-is
ofgreater vv^eight, oflefsdimtnlion, than Silvery Water than Wine.
FrQrathisis traduced a prontable Experiment^ that from a jufl weight
and meallire being taken, you may know how much Silver hath been
niixtwith Goldj how much Water with Wine^ which was that celebra-
ted E"u§;r/.oc of Archimedes. So fltfti Iboncr putrifies in fome Cellars,
than it doth in others. It will be of ufe to make application of this
Experiment to the finding out of Airs, more oriels healthful, for ha-
bitation v namely, there where fleili is longeft preferv'd from putre-
faction.,The fame may be applied to the difcovery of healthful, or
peltilcntial (eafons of the year. E»t there are innumerrjhie examples
of this N-ature: Only let men awake, and perpetually fix their eyes,
one vv,hile, on the nature of things; another while, on the applica-
tiiOn of themto the ufe and fervice ofmankind. So much concerning
the Application of the Experiment..
§ Cepulatic» of .Experiment if the Linkj and Chain of Application j
vpheu.,as things, fngle^ and feparate had been to little ufe^ are^ (connex'
ed)offcrcea?!d efficacy. For example, you dcfire to have late Rofes
or fruit i this is effected if you pull offthe more early buds when they
are newly knotted ; the fame is done, if you Jay the roots bare until
the fpring be well come on, and expofe them unto the open Air,
but it will take the better, if you joynboih thefe praftices of putting
back germination. So Ice and Nitre do much conduce to refrigera-
tion j
L I B. V. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 1 5
1
tion j but comniixt5together much more. But this experiment is clear
of it felf, notwithftanding here may covertly a fallacy lie hid, (a,?
there may in all other elfecls, and conclufions where Axioms are wan-ting) if the Coptihtion be made of things which work after a dificrent,
and as it were, repugnant manner. And fo muiph for Copnlath/iofEx'
ferimcnt. . - \- • '
§ There rei»ai» the Chances ^ ar ForiMftes of Experi»te»t. This ii altO"
gether an irrational, and.as it ivere, a P(ijfiotiate »faf7fier of exper/Menti»g^
vphen yoH have a mind to try a conchtfioH not for that any rcafoa^ or other
Experiment indttcethyoti to it 5 hut only hecaHje the lil^e was never attempted
before. Yet 1 do not know whether or no, in this kind, there may notlie hid forae fecret of great ufe, if you try Nature every way. Tor the
Wonders of Nature commonly lie out of the high road, and beaten
paths 5 (b as the very abfurdity of an attempt may (bmetimes be pro-
fperous. But ifreafon go along with this praftice 5 that is, that it is evi-
dent that fuch an Experiment was never yet tried 5 and yet there is
great reafon why it fliould be attempted 5 then it is z choice Experiment^
and fearchetb the very bofom ofNature. For Example : In the opera-
tion of Fire upon fome Natural Body, one or other of thcle efFefts hi-
therto ever comes to pa(s ; as that either fomething flies out, (as flame
and fume in ordinary burning fewelj or at leaft there is made a local
(eparation of Parts, and that for fbme diftance 5 as in Diftillation wherethe Lees fettle, the vapours, after they have play'd about, are gather-
ed into receptacles ; But no man ever yet made trial of an imprifon'd
DiftiIlation,for Co we may call it: And it feems very probablejthat ifthe
force of heat immur'd with in the Cloilters of a Body, do (b great mat-
ters,and work fuch alterations 5 and yet without lofs, or manumiffion to
the Body ; that then this Proteus of Matter, fetter'd, as it were, withManacles, may in time be forced to many transformations, iffbbe, that
the heat be fo temper'd 5 and intermutually chang'd, that the veflels
be not broken. For this operation is like that of the womb, wherethe heat works without emiflion, or feparation of any part of the Bo-
dy, fave that in the Matrix, there is conjoyn'd Alimentation ; but for
verfion, the thing is the fame. Thele are thefortunes, or adventures ofExperiment. In the mean time. We give this advice, touching Experi-
ments of this Nature 5 that no man be difcouraged, or confounded ,
if the Experiments which he puts in praftice anfwer not his expeftati-
on 5 For tt>hat f/icceeds pleafeth morcj but what fucceedsnot,many times in-
forms no lefs. And this ought ever to be remembred (which we of^
ten prels) that Experimenta Lucifera Experiments of Light, and difcove-
tj, ought for a time to be much more enquired after, than Experimenta
fru^ifera. Experiments of ufe andpra&ice. And thus much ot Literate
Experience, which (as we have faid before) is rather a fagacity, and a
hunting fcent, than a Science.
^ Nowfor the Novum OrgunufH, we fay nothing, nor give any fore-
taft thereof^ being we have projefted in our minds, by the afiiflance
of the Divine favour, to make a perfed: entire work of that fubjeiSj
feeing it is a matter of higher confequencc, than all the refV.
CAR
152 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. V.
HAP. III.
1 ThePsirthionofthe Ifivehtive Artof Arguvtentt, into Profxptuary,
or Placet of Preparation ^^ and Topic^ or Placet of Suggejiion. II.
The Divifion ofTopick, Art into General. (j.And Particular Topickj,
III. In example of Particular Topiek.in the Enquirji De Gravic^j
Levi.
rNvention ofArgumentt it not properly an Invention 5 for to Invent it to
I difcover thingt unkjtonon, and not to recover, or recall that vphich is
kpoxvn already. The Vfe and Office ofthit ^ind of Invention feemt to b&
no other, than out of the Maft of Knowledge, congefied, andjioredup in
the Mind, readily to produce, that which may be pertinent to the Matter^
and ^ejlion propounded. For he that is little or nothing acquainted
before hand with the Slibjeft in queftion, Topickt of Invention will lit-
tle advantage him ; On the contrary he that hath Provifion at homewhich may be applied to the purpofe, even without Art and Places of
Invention, will at length, (though not ^o readily and aptly) find out
and produce Arguments. So that this kind ofInvention (at we have
(aid) it not properly Invention, but only a Redu&ion into Memory, or
Suggejiion with Application. But becaufecuftom and conlent hath au-
thorized the word, it may in fome fort be called Invention : For itmaybe as well accorapted a chafe, or finding of a Deer, which is made
within an inclofed Parks as that within aForreftat large. But let-
ting afide curiofity ofwords it may appear that the fcope and end of this
kind ofInvention, is a certain promptitude, and expedite u(e ofour
Knowledge , rather than any encreafe, or Amplification there-
of.
I To procure this ready Provifionfor difcourfe, there are tivo wayt ; either
that it may be dejigned andpointed out, as it were, by an Index, under
vphat Heads the matter is to be fought 5 and this is that we call Topick^: Or
elfe,that Arguments may be before hand framed, and Jiored up, aboutfuch
things as arefrequently incident, and come intodifceptafion ^ and this we
will callpromptuary Art, or ofPreparation. This later fcarcely deferveth,
De Repr. to be called a Part ofKnowledge, feeing it rather confifteth in diligence,
Soph.ub,^^^^ 2p,y artificial erudition. And in this part Arijiotle doth wittily
*'^'^"^*indeed, but hurtfully deride the Sophifts near his time, faying 5 They
did as ifone^ that profeffcd the Art offl)oO'makjvg, fiould not teach how to
make up afiooej but only exhibit in a readinefs a number offiooes, ofall
fafJjions andliz.es. But yet a man might here reply, that if a Shoo-
maker Qiould have no Ihooes in his fhop, but only work as he isbe(po-
kcn, he would be but a poor man, and weakly cuftoraed. But our
Saviour fpeaking of Divine knowledge, faith far otherwife j Every
Scribe injiruliedfor the Kingdom ofheaven j is like a good hoitpolder that
bringeth forth both new and oldjiore. And we fee the ancient Writers
ofRhetorick do give it in Precept, That rleddprsponkl huve divers com-
mon rlcices prepared long before hand, and handled, and illuflrated both
ways^ forexample, for the fence and equity ofLaw againfi: the words,
and letter of Law 5 and on the contrary. And Cicero himfelf being
broken
lilt.
Mat. J 3.
Cic.de 0-
L r B . V. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 153
broken unto it by great experience, delivers it plainly 5 That an Ora-
tor if he be diligent andjeciiilous^ may have in effect premeditate^ and y\j Attics
handled, whatfoever a manpall have occafion tofpeak^of^ Co that in the Lib.xvi,
Pleading ofthe Caufe itfelf hcQiall have no need to infert any new or^**-^''
fudden matter, befides new names, and fbme individual Circumftan-
ces. But the pains and diligence of Demojihenes went fo far, that in
regard of the great force that the entrance and accefs into a Caufe hath
to make a good Imprellion upon the Minds of Auditors, he thought
it worth his labour to frame, and to have in readinefs a number of Pre- EJ"s ^5
faces toi' Orations and Speeches. And thefe Prefidents, and Authori-Gei°us
^
ties, maydefervedly overweigh /4;-//?i?//(;'j- Opinion, that would advife
MS to change a Wardrope for a pair ofShears. Therefore this part ofknowledge touching Promptnary Preparation, was not to be omitted j
whereof for this place this is fufEcient. And feeing it is common to
both LogickjinA Rhetoric^, we thought good here amongtt Logickj, on-
ly inPaflage, to touch it; referring over a more ample handling of it
to Rhctorict{.
II The other Part o£ Invention, which is TopicJ^, roc rvill divide into
General and Particular To^ick. General /"/ that which is diligently andcopioujly handled in Logick, or rational knowledge ; as it wer^needlefs to
ftay upon the explication thereof. Yet thus much wfe thought meet to
adraonifh by the way 5 that this Ttf/>7V;^is of ufe, not only in argumen-tations, when we come to difpute with another; but in meditations
alfo, when we reafon and debate matters within our felves. Neither
do thefe places ferve only for///jj^eyZ/<?;?, or admonition, what we oughtto affirm or a/fert ; but alfo what we ought to enquire and demand.And a faculty of wife interrogating, is half a knowledge; fox Plato
laith well, IVhofoeverfeekj, comprehends that hefeekj for, in general no- la ucno-^
Hon ; elfe howfjall he l{novo it, when he hathfound it ^ And therefore the ^^'
larger and more certain our anticipation is, the more direct and compendi-
ous is ourfearch. The fame places therefore, which will conduce to
fearch the mind ofour inward conceptions, andunderftanding; and to
draw forth the knowledge there ftored up ; will alio help us to pro-
duce kno.vledge from without. So as if a man of Learning, and un-
derftanding be in prefence, we might be able, aptly and wifely topro'
pound a Qjieftion thereof; and likewile profitably feledt and perufe
Authors and Books, or parts of Books, which might teach and inform
us of thofe points vve enquire.
§ But particular Topickj do much more conduce to the purpofe we fpea^ *
of--, and is to be accompted a thing offar greater ufc. There hath been """^J^ir^,
indeed (bme flight mention made hereof, by fome Writers ; but it hath L?:li.%.
not yet been handled fully, and according to the dignity of the Subjeft.
But to let pa(s that humour and pride, which hath reigned too long in
Schools, which is, to purfue with infinite fubtilty, things that are within
their command ; but never to touch at things any whit removed ; we 60receive and imbrace particular Topickj, as a matter of great ufe, that is,
places of enquiry and invention, appropriate to particular Subjects and Sci-
f«fg/;and thefe places are certain mixtures ofLogicl^^and the proper matter
of particular Sciences. For he is but a weak man, and of narrow capa-
city, whoconceives that the Art of jf»(i/»^ (>//? Sciences may be found
out, propounded and perfected at once, even in their (irft conception ^
V and
154 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. V.
ORES
and prefently be fet down^and praftifed in fome worLBut let men knowfor certain, That [olid and true Arts of Invention do fioot up, and come
to tuaturity with the Inventions themfelves : So as tvhen a manji'rji en-
ters upon thcjearch of a l^novpledge^ he may have many profitable Precepts of
Invention ; hut after he hath made farther progrejs in the knowledge it
felt, he may^ and muji excogitate new Precepts of Invention, which may^
lead him more profperoufly to further Difcoveries. For this kind of pur-
fuit is like a going upon a plain and open Champion 5 for after we have
gone a part of the way , we have not only gained this, that we are
now nearer to our journeys end ; but we gain the better fight of that
part of the way, which remains. So every degree oi proceeding in Sci-
ences, having paft over that which is left behind, gives a better profpeft
to that which follows : And becaufe we fet down this part of Topick
as Deficient, we will annex an example thereof.
L
^ III. A particular Topick^, or the Articles of Enquiry
de GRAVI ^LEVI.
Et it be enquired whit Bodies thole are which are fufceptible of the
J Motio/f Iff Gravity, what of Levity, and whether there be any of amiddle and indiff^ent Nature >
2. After an abfolute Inquiry de Gravi €^ Levi 5 proceed to comparative
Inquiry j as, oi Ponderous Bodies, which doth weigh more, which left, in
the fame demenfion > fo o( Light Bodies, which are more fpeedily car-
ried upward, which more (lowly?
g. Let it be enquired, what the ^antum of a Body may contribute,
and efFedt towards the Motion of Gravity, But this, at firft fight, may(eem a fuperfluous Inquiry, becaufe the computation oi motion muft
follow the computation of quantity : But the matter is otherwife j for
although the quantity in the fcales do compenfate the weight of the Bo»
dy it felf, (the force of the Body every way meeting by repercuflion,
or by refiftance, of theBafins,or oftheBeam ) yet where there fs but
fmall rcfiftance (asin the falling down ofa Body through the Air) the
quantity of a Body little avails to the incitationof the defcent j feeing
two Balls of Lead, one of twenty, the other of one pound weight, fall to
the earth alraoft in an equal fpace of time.
4. Let it be inquired, whether the ^u.nitity of a Body may be fo
increafed , as that the Motion of Gravity may be utterly depoled and
cafk off', as in the Globe of the earth, which is pcnfil, and falls not ?
Whether may there be other maflive fubftances, fb great;,as may fuftain
V. DN themfelves ? For Local Defcent to the Centre of the Earth, is ameerfiCii*
on--i and every great Mafs abhorrs all Local Motion, unlcG it beover-
rul'd by another more predominant Appetite.
5 Let it be inquired, what the refijiance of a Body interpofit^, or 7»-
countring may do, or aduate towards the managing of the Motion ofGravity : For a Body defcending, either penetrates and cutteth the Bo-
dy occurrent 5 or is arrcfled by it ; If it penetrates , then there is pene-
tration •) or with weaker refiftence, as in Air, or with more ftrong, as
in Water ; If it hcjiaid, it is ftaid either by a refiftance uneciual, where
there is a Pregravation '-, as if Wood fhould be put upon Wax 5 or e-
qnxl, as ifWater fhould be put upon Water, or Wood upon Wood of
the
Lib. V. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 0> -
the fame kind : which the Schools, in a vain apprehenfion call the m»-Pondcration of a body within its own Sphere. All thele do vary theJlMion of Gravity 5 for heavy fiibftances are otherways moved in fcales^
othervvife in falling down 5 nay50therwire(vvhich may feem ftrange) in
Ballances hanging in the Air, otherwi(e in Ballances immerfed in Wa-ter; otherwife in falling down through Water, otherwife in fwiai-
ming, or tranfportation upon Water.
6. Let it he inquired, what the Figure ofa body dcfcending rnay, ordoth work, to the moderating of the Motion of Gravity^ as a broad Fi'
/?«re with tenuity 5 a cubick F/gwre , long round, Pyramidal 5 whenthey turn j when they remain inthefamepofture, wherein they weredeliver'd.
7. Let inquiry be f)tade,\o£ that which the Continitancc and Progrejfion
of a Fall ox Defcent,vazy^znd doth work to this effeft,that it rnay be car- ,
ried with a greater incitation and force; and with vvhatproportion,and
how far that Incitation will carry ? For the Ancients, upon a (light con-templation, were of opinion, that becaufe that was a natural Jilotion^ it v. vv.
jfonld continually be augmented and improv''d. °^^^<
8. Let inquiry be made of that which Dijiance and Proicimity of a.
Body defcendingfrom the earthy may, and doth work to this end, that
it may fall more fpeedily, more ilowiy, or elfe not at all, (iffobethat it
be without the Orb ofAdivity ofthe terrene Globe^whichwasGilbert's DeMagaJopinionJ: as likewile what the intntcrfion ofa Body dcfcending more in
the dee^ of the earth--i
or the placing thereof «c^rer to the fuferficies ofthe earthy may produce ? For thefe kinds of Pofitures vary the Motion,as they experience that work in Mines.
9. Let there be inquiry made of that which the difference of Bodies,'
by which motion of Gravity is diffufed, and communicated, can doand doth ; And whether it may equally be communicated by Bodiesfoft, and porofe ; as by hard and folid : As ifthe Beam of the Ballance
be on one fide of the Tongue Wood, on the other fide Silver, Cthoughthey be reduced to the fame weightj whether doth it not beget a va-
riation in the Scales? In like manner^whetber Metal put upon Wool,or upon a blown Bladder, weigh the fame, it would do, if laid in the
bottom of the Scale ?
10. Let there be iiiquiry made what the diftance of a Body from the
ievel-Poife; that is the quick, or late percepriotr of the incumbent, or
ofdepreflion, can do or doth : As in a Ballance where one part of the
Beam is longer (though of the fame weight) whether this doth fwaythe Ballance } Or in the crooked Pipes, where certainly the longer part
will draw the Water, although thefliorter part, made more capacious,
may contain a greater weight of Water.
11. Let there be Enquiry made of that which the intermixtion or
copulation of a light Body with a weighty , may do to the raifing
of the vpeight of a Body , as in the poile of Irving Creatures, andDead>
1 2. Let inquiry be made of the fecret afcenfions , and defcerifions ofthe parts more light, and more weighty in one, and the fame entire Bo-
dy. Whereby there may be made oftentimes exadt feparations 5 as in
thefeparation of Wine and Water 5 inthe Aftenfion of the Flower ofMilk, and the like.
V ;? I^. Let
1^5 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . V.
13. Let it be inquired what is the line and direftion of the Motion
of Gravity •-, and how far it may follow either the centre of the earth,
that is,the ma(sof the Earth, or the centre 'of the Body itfelfj that is,
the contention and driving on of the parts thereof j for thofe centres
are profitable in demonftration, but of noufe in Nature.
14. Let it be inquired touching the comparifon of the Motion of Gra-
vity, with other Motions ; what Motions it matters, to what it yields?
As in the Motion, which they call, violent^ which is repreft and bridled
for a time 5 as when a far greater weight of Iron is drawn up by a fmall
Load-ftone, the Motion oi Gravity gives place to the Motion of Sym*
fathy.
15. Let inquiry be made of the Amotion of Air^ whether it be carried
upwards, or be collateral and indifferent? Which is a hard thing to
find out, but by fome exquifite Experiments ; for the glittering appa-
rition of Air in the bottom of Water , is rather by the PercuflBon ofWater, than by the Motion of Air; being the fame emication may be
made in Wood. But Air mingled with Air difcovers no Experiment^
becaufe Air in Air exhibits Levity no lefs , than Water in Water doth
Gravity : But in a Bubble drawn over with the inclofure ofa thin Skin,
itftaysfor a time.
1 6. Let it be inquired what if the Term of Levity^ for fure their mean-
ing fwho made the Centre of the Earth, the Centre o'iCravity') is not,
that the ultimate convexity of Heaven fhould be theftint and limits ofLevity: Or rather, that as ponderous Bodies feem to befofar carried,
that there they may caft Anchor as at afixt Pillar ; fo light Bodies are
ia far carried, that they may begin to wheel about, and come to a nto»
tion without termination $
1 7. Let inquiry be made^ why vapours and exhalations fhould be car-
ried as high as the middle Region of the Air(as they call it)^(eeing they
are foraewhat a grols fubftance 5 and the beams of the Sun by turns ("aa
in the night) ceafe their Operation.
18. Let inquiry be made of the conduS of the Motion of Flame np'
wards j which is the more abftru(e , becaufe Flame exfpires every mo-ment 5 fave perchance in the imbraceraent of greater Flames
:
For Flames feparated and broken off^ from their continuation, laftnot
long.
19. Let inquiry be made of the afcendant Motion of the A&ivity ofHeat, as when the Heat of red-hot Iron affefteth rather to mount up-wards, than to move downwards ? The example therefore of particular
Topick^ may be made in this manner ; in the mean time, what we havebegun toadvife, wedoagainadmonifh, which is, that men vary their
particular Topickj (o, as after farther Progreffion made by Inquiry, they
do fubftitute one, and after that another Topicl^, if ever they defireto
reach the top of Sciences. As for us, we attribute (b much toparticular
Topickj, as we do defign to make a particular Work of them upon fomeSubjects in Nature, which are more obfervable, and more obfcure , For
we are Commanders of ^ejiions, notfoof things. And thus of /»fe»-iion.
Chap,
L I B. V. Of the Advrjicemetit of Learning, 157
Chap. IV.
I. The Partition of the Art of Judging, into Judgement by tnduQiott^
§ And by Syllogijm. Ofthefrji a Collection is made in the New Or-
gan. § The firit Partition of Judgement by SylJogifm into Redii-
dion, DireH, and Inverji. ^ The fecond Partition thereof, into
Analytic^ Art : and the Knojvledge of Elenchs» U, The Divifion
of the Knovpledge of Elcnchs , into Elenchs ofSophifms. ^ Into
Elenchs of Interpretation of Terms. § And into Elenchs ofImages^
or Idolaes. III. The Divifion of Idolaes. § Into Imprejjlons
from the General Nature of Alan, or Idola Tribus. § Into Impref*
ftons from the Individual temper of particulars, or Idola Specus,
§ Into Imprejfions by Words , aud Communicative Nature , or I-
dola Fori. IV. An Appendix of the Art of Judging , namely ofthe Analogie of Demonftration according to the Nature of the
Subjc&.
I. T ET us now pafs to Judgement , or the Art of Judging , which
\__j handleth the N.tture of Proofs, or Demonjlrations. And in this
Art of Judging fas al(b generally it is accepted) a Conclufion is inferred,-
either by Induction 5 or clfe by Syllogifm : For Enthymemes, and Exam-*
fks are only the abridgements of thefe two. Atfor Judgement that it
is by Ittdu&ion, we need nothing doubt. For by one and the fame Opera-
tion of the mind, that which isfought, is both found and Judged. Nei-ther is the thing pcrfefted by any mean , but immediately after the
fame manner, for moft part, as it isin Senfe : For 6"e»/e, in her primary
Objects, doth at once feizeupon the fpecics of an Objefl', and confent
to the truth thereof. But it is otheripife in SyUogifm, the Proof where-of is not Immediate, but perfefted by a Meanj and therefore the In-
vention of the Medium if one thing 5 and the Judgement of the confcq)ience
of Argument, is another : For the mind fir^ difcourfeth , afterwards rcfls
fatisfied. But a I'itious Form of InduSionv^e uuerly diCchim-^ a Legi-
timate Form we refer over to the Nert> Organ. Therefore enough in this
place, ofJudgement by Indu&ion.
§ For that other Judgement by Syllogifm , to what purpofe is it to
fpeak, feeing this is by the fubtil files off" mens wits amofl: worn away,
and reduced into many minute pieces ? And no marvel, being it is a
thing hath fach Sympathy with mans underftanding. For the mind ofman doth wonderfully endeavour, and extremely covet this, that it may not
bi penfd'-) but that it may light upon fomething fixt and immoveable, okwhich as on afirmament it mayfupport itfelf, in itsfwift niotions and dif-
quifitions. Surely, as y4r7/Z(7^/e endeavoureth to pfove. That iit all mo- -^^^^-^^
tion of Bodies there isfame point quiefcent 5 and very elegantly expoundeth mah Mo-
the Ancient Fable ^/ Atlas thatjioodfixcd, and bare up the Heavensfrom ''""*''
falling , to be meant of the Poles of the World, whereupon the Convet»
fion is accomplif't. In lil^e manner men do earnejily Jcek^to have fameAth$,crAxeltreeofihcir Cogitatiovs within themfelves , which tnay in
feme
158 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. V.
Come meafitre moderate thefiH&uations, and wheelwgs of the underftand-
itig^ fearing it may be, the falling of their Heaven. Therefore men
have hajined toofafi tofet down principles of Sciences^ about which all the
variety of Difputations might turn without peril ofrttiue orfubvcrjion. In
truth not knowing that he who too early lays hold on certainties^ will con'
elude in ambiguities'-i
andhethatfeafonablyfufpends his Judgement^ JJiall
attain to Certainties.
§ So then it is manifefl:, that this Art of "judging by Syllogifm is no-
thing elfe, but the reduftion of Propofitions to Principles, by middle
terms , and Principles are underftood to be agreed of by all, and are
exempt from Argument. But the invention of middle terras is per-
mitted to the free fagacity, and purfuit ofmens wits. This Redu&zon is-
of two kinds^Dire& and Inverted. DireH is, when the Propofitiod is re«
duced to the Principle, which is call'd Probation oUenfive. Inverfed is,
when the Contradidtory of thePropofition is reduced to the Contra-
dictory of the Principle; which they term a Probationfront incongrui"
ty, oranabfurdity. The number alfo ofmiddle terms, or their fcJale is
dimtnifhed or increafed, as they are remov'd from the Principle of the
Propofitiori.
§ Thefc grounds laid^ we will divide the Art of Judgement (as for moft
part generally it is ) into Analytick^Art 5 and the DoCfrine of Elenchs-,
the one giveth Diredion, the other Caution. For Analjticli fetteth
down the true Forms of Confequences of Argument by a Variation,
and Defleftion, from which, the Conclufion is deprehended to be er-
roneous ; and this part contains in it a kind of Elench^or Redargution.
V. Euclid. For, as itisfaid, Return &fui index cji, & obliqui. Notwithftanding& Com-
it is the fafeft wayto fetdown Elenchs as Monitors, whereby Fallacies^
which otherwife might infnarc the Judgement, may be more eafily de-
tefted. In the Analytick^ Part we find nothing Deficient^ which ra-
ther is loaden with fupcrfluities , than any way is wanting in acceP.
fions.
II. The Knowledge of Elenchs we divide into three ?arts : Elenchs ofSophifms 5 Elenchs of Intepretation j and Elenchs of Images or idolaes.
The Dodrine oiElenchs of Sophifms is very uTeful > for although the
the more grofs fort oi Fallacies is (as Seneca makes the comparifbn ve-
iplft,4j. ry well) But as the feats of Juglers^ which tbough we kjjow not how they
are done , yet we know well it is not as it feems to be. Yet the morefubtil fort ofSophifms doth not only put a man befides his anfwer, but
doth in good earneft abufe his Judgement.
§ This Part concerning the Elenchs of Sophifms is excellently handled
by AriBotle in Precept ; but more excellently by Plato in Example, not
only in the Perfon of the Ancient SophiftSjG^r^Mx, Hippiasy Protagoras
. and Euthidemus, and the reft ; but even in the Perfon of Socrates him-
infcrtpt'.' ^^^^3 who profeffing to affirm nothing, but to infirm whatfoever others
avouch, hath exaftly exprefTed all the Forms oiohje&ions. Fallacies andRedargutions. Wherefore in this Part we have nothing Deficient. But
this, in the mean time, is to be noted, that though we make the inge-
nuous and principal ufe of this Knowledge to conliftin th'is^That So-
phifms may be redargued 5 yet it is manifeji, that the degenerate and
corrupt ufe thereof is imploy'd to contrive , and impofe Captions and
Contradi&ions , by thcfe Sophifms , which pafjcth for a great Faculty ,
and
Lib. V. Of the AclvMicement ofLearning. 150
and MO doubt it ofgreat advantage. Though the difference was elegant-
ly made by one betwixt an Orator, and a Sophilt, 7hat the one is as the
Gre}'-fjon»d, which hath his advantage in the race , the other as the Harewhich hath her advantage in the turn.
^ Now follow Eh nchi Ht'rMeni<e^ for fo we will call them, borrow-ing the Word, rather than the Sence, from Arijioile. And here let us
call to mens memory what we have laid before; (when we handledVrimitive Fhilojophy) of tranfcendent, and adventitious Conditions^ or
AdjunQs of Entity^ they he Majority, Minority-, Much, LittL'^ Prio-
rity^ Pojieriorityj identity, Diverflty ; Porver, A&j Habit, Privation5,
Totality , Partiality 5 Aifivity, Pajjivity j Motion, ^ictude 5 Entity,
Non-Entity, and the like. But fpecially let men remember, and ob-ierve the different Contemplations of thefe Properties, which is, thatthey may be enquired, either Vhyfically, or Logically. The Phyfical
handling of thefe adherent Qiialities we have afiigned to Primitive
rhilofophy. The Logical lemimeih, andthatisthe very thing whichwe here HWQDocfrinam de Eknchis Hermeni^, the Knowledge of the E-lenchs ef Interpretation. This indeed is a (bund and material Portionof Knowledge: Eor thefe ComniHne and general Notions have this Na-'
ture, that in all diJpHtations they every where intervene, foasjfthey be
not by a careful Judgment accurately dijiinguijljt at firji ; they may won-derfully overcloud the robole light ofDifputations ; and even bring the cafe
to that pafs, that the Difputationsfl}aU be rrfolvedinto a skimiiflj of words.For JE/juivocattons, and erronious deception of words (fpecially ofthisNature) are the Sophif/ri, of Sophifms. Wherefore it feemeth better toconftitute a Treatife of them apart, than to receive them into PrimePhilofophy, I mean Metaphyfick^:, or to annex them as a part oCAnaly-ticks, which Ar\[[ot\e very confufedly hath done. And we have given it AnR.Ara-
a name from the Nature and life; for the right ufe is plainly Redarguti- 'i'-
on, and Caution about the acception ofwords. Nay that Part of Predi-
caments touching Cautions, of not confounding, aud tranfpofing th»terms o{ Definitions, and Divijlons, if it were rightly inftituted,wouldbe of lingular ufe, in our judgment, and might fitly be referred hither. ^And thus much of the Elenchs ofInterpretation.
Ill Asfor the Elenchs of Images or idolaes ; certainly idolaes are the inoLo-
profoundcjlEallaciesofthef/tindofman. Nor do they deceive in P^r/i-
culars, as the reft do; caftinga Cloud, and fpreading fnares over the
Judgment; but apertly from a corrupt, and crookedly-fetpredilpofi-
tion otthe mind ; which doth, as it were, wreft andinfeft ail the an-
ticipaiionsof the underftanding. For the mind ofman ("drawn over,
and clouded with the fable Pavillion of the Body J is fo tar from beingJike a fraooth, equal, and clear Glafs, which might fincerely take andrefl ct the beams of things, according to their true incidence ; that it is
rac' r likeaninchantedGlafSjfuUofSuperftitions; Apparitions,and Im-poItL.rcs.
^ I'iolacs are impofedupon the underjianding, either by the univerfalNa^iure oj man in general'-, or from the individual Nature of Particulars ; orhy words, or nature Communicative. The firft (brt of Images we wonttviczWidola Tribiis--, the fecond, idola Specus:, the third, Idola Fori: ^ov.or.
There is alfo a fourth kind, which we call, Idola rheatrij andis intra- ApHxxr.
ducedby depraved Theories or Philojophies^ andperverfe Laws of Demonjira-^^ ''^'''"
ttons ;
i6o Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . V.
tions •) but this kind may be denied and put off, wherefore we pafs it
over for the prefent. But the other do'^Iainly befiege the raind, norcan they ever be quite removed, or extirpated. Therefore let noneexpedany Analytick Art in thefe; but the knowledge of Eknchs con-
cerning thefe idolaes is a Primary Knowledge. Nor (to fpeak truth) can
this Knowledge of /^^/<«e/ be reduced into Art ; but only by a contem-plative wildom, we may be inftruded to beware of them. As for a
jufl: and more fubtile Treatife thereof, we refer that to the Novum Or-
ganum, touching upon them in a generality in this place.
>:ov.oR. ^ /^tf/<i Tr//-»/ is thus exemplified, The Nature oj the rfiind of man is
Lin.i. more ajfeBedwith /Affirmatives and /l&ives, than with Negatives and Pri-
XLV. vatives '-, whereas in aju(i and regular courfe itfiould prefent itfelf equal to
i.dLui. both. But the mind of man, if a thing have once been exiftent, andexcuive,
g^d held good, receives a deeper Imprellion thereof, than if the (amething, far more often fail'dand fell out otherwifej which is the root,
as it were, of all fuperftition and vain credulity. So that he anfweredwell to him that lliewed him the great number ofPiiflures offuch as had'/caped Shipwrack, and had paid their vows 5 and being preft with this
Cic.de N. Interrogative, Whether he did not novo confe^ the Divinity of Neptune ?L'.iib.v. return'd this counter-queftion by way of anfwer; ^e^?, hut vrhere are
they painted^ that are drowned .<? And there is the fame reafbn of all fuch
like Superftitions, as in Aftrology 5 Dreams ^ Divinations, and the
reft. An other htflance is this ^ The Spirit oj man being itfelfofa» equal
and uniform Subjiance^ doth prefuppofe^ and feign a greater equality, and
-^ Pj_ uniformity inNaturc^ than in truth there is. Hence that fiction of theORES. Mathematicians, that in the heavenly Bodies, all is moved by perfeif Cir-
cles i, rejecting fpiral Lines ; fo it comes to pafs. that wherens there are
many things in Nature, as it were Atonodica^ and full of imparity j
yet the conceits ofmen ftill feign and frame unto themfelves, Rela-
E'emT"-'^^^^f 5 TarjiUels, and Conjugates. For upon this ground, the Element
nisvide of Fire and its Orb is brought in to kecpfquare with the other three, EarthjDi§rc(s. Water j Air. The C/^/^^f^/ have fet out a Phanaiical Squadron of the
word, feigning by amoft vain conceit, in thofe their four Elements
Paracel. (Heaven:^ Air i^ Water, znd Earthy there are found to every one paral-t^hidde ]gi 3J,J conform fpecies. The third Example hath (bme affinity with the
lormer. That man is, as it were, the common meajure and mirror, or glaa
of Nature j for it is not credible (ifall Particulars were fcann'd and no-
ted) what a troop o^ Fi&ions and Idolaes the redudlion of the operati-
ons of Nature, to the fimilitude of humane Aftions, hath brought into
f piphsn. fhilofophy 5 I fay this very fancy, that itJl)ould be thought that Nature doth'
''h^H^il ^^^f'"^^ things that man doth. Neither are thele much better than the
EccUiib.n Herefie ofthe Anthropomorphites, bred in the Cells aud folitude ofgrofsand ignorant Monks, or the Opinion of Epicurus anfwerable to the
l^ime in Heathenifm, whofuppoled God tobeof Humane fliape. ButVelleius the Epicurean needed not to have asked, why God fhould haveadorned the heavens with ftars and lights, as if he had been an Mdilis ;
one that fliould have fet forth (bme magnificent fhevvs or plays 5 for if
that great Workman had conform'd himfclftothe imitation of an ^di-lis, he would have caft the ftars into fbme pleafant and beautiful works,
and orders, like the curious roofs of Palaces, whereas one can fcarce
find in fuch an infinite number of ftars a Pofture in (quare, or Triangle,
oc
I
Lib. V. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. i6i
or right-Line. So different a hurmony there is between the Spirit of mah,
a^d the Spirit ofthe rvorld.^^^ ^^
^ idohSpeciis are derivedfront the Individual Cotfjplcxio» ofevery Var- Lib.i.
ticulir in refpecf ofAlind^ and ofBody 5 as aljO, from Education 5 Cuflont •,
'^l^^-'
^'^•
arid Fortuitous Events, which befall every man. For it ii an excellent
emblem that of Plato's Cave ; for certainly (to let go the exquilite Tub- piat.de
tilty of that Parable) if a man were continued from his Childhood un- Rep. vir;
to mature Age in a Grotj or adarkand fubterraneous Cave, and then
fliould come luddenly abroad, and fliould behold this (lately canopy ofheaven, and the Furniture of the World ^ without doubt he wouldhave many ftrange and abfurd imaginations come into hismiud, andpeople his brain. So in like manner we live in the view of heaven -, yet
our Spirits are inclofed in the Caves of our Bodies ^ Complexions, andCuftoms, which muft needs minifVer unto us infinite images of errors,
and vain Opinions, ifthey dofbfeldom, and for fofhort a fpace appear
above ground, out of their holes j and do not continually live under
the Contemplation of Nature, as in the open Air. That Parable ofHcraclitus doth well fuit with this emblem of Plato's Cave, that men ^ ^^ .
feek^ Scicncecs in their oxvii proper World , and not in the greater
World.
§ But idola Fori are moji troiiLlefofne, tf>bichc»tofatacitefiipulationi.\b't.
nmongfimen, touchingtheimpofition of words, and names, have injinua- ^'^^^'>^=
ted themfclvcs into the tindcrfianding. Words commonly are impofed
according to the capacity ofthe People , and diftinguifh things by fuch
differences, as the Vulgar are capable of^ and when a more prefciffive
conception , and a more diligent obfervation would difcern, and le-
parate things better^ the noife of popular words, confounds and inter-
rupts them. And that which is the remedy to this inconvenience
Cnamely Definitions') in many points is not a rerrfedy fufficient for the
di(eale ^ becaufe the Definittons therafelves condft of words, and wordsbeget words. For although we prefume that we are mailers ofourwords, and expreffions ^ anditis foon faid, lo^Mendnm ut vidgus, fen- ^^'^^'^-
liendkf» utfapientes, and that words of Art, which are of Authority
only with the Learn'd, may feem to give fome fatisfaftion tothis de>
fecli and that the De//'»i/7o«x whereof we have fpoken, premiled, andpreluppoled in Arts according to the wifdom of the Mathematicians,
may be of force to corred the depraved acceptations of words, yet
all this fecures us not from the cheating flights and charms of words,
which many ways abufe us, and offer violence to the underftanding^
and after the manner ofthe Tartars Bow, do fhoot back upon the judg-
ment from whence they came. Wherefore this difeale muft have a
new kind ofremedy, and ofmore efficacy. But we do now touch thefe
in paffage briefly, in the mean time reporting this Knowledge whichwe will call, the Great Elenchs, ov theUoiir'me oi^ idolaes, Native andadventual of the mind of man, to be Deficient. But we refer a juft
Treatilc thereof to the Novum Ors^anuKi.
IV There remains one part of jfwd'gwewf of great excellency, whichlikewife we fet down as Deficient. For indeed ylrifiotle noteth the thing, logia^
but no where purfueth the manner ofacquiring it. TheSubjeftof this ^^j^^-^{.
point is this, ihe difitrent kjndofDemonftratmns^ a*rd Proofs, to difi'e- ov.'^yi.
Tint kjnd of Matter and Suhje&s-, fo that this Dodrine containeth the
X In diealiens
1 62 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. VI.
Indications of Indications. For Arijlotle advifeth well. That xve mayEth.lib. J. notrequirz Demo7ifirationsfrom Orators^ or Verfveaftonsfrom Mathemati-
cians--i
fo that if you miftake in the kind of Proof, the judicature can-
not be upright and perfeft. And feeing there are four kinds of £>e-
monjirations either by immediate Confent^ and commune Notions , or
by InduQion j or by Syllogifm 5 or by that which Arijhtle calls De-monjirationinorb, or in Circle^ (that is not from the more known no-
lions, but down rightJ i every of thefe Dcmonjirations hath certain
Subjcds, and matter ofSciences, whereinrefpeftively they have chief-
eft ufe 5 other Subjefts from which refpeftively they ought to be ex-
cluded. For a rigor and curivfity in requiring toofevere proofs in fomethings ; much more afacility at/d remijfion in rejiingfatisjied in Jlighter
Proofs, are to be nnmbred amongji thoje prejudices, which have been the
great efi Caufes of detriment, and impediment to Sciences. Thus muchconcerning the Art ofJudging.
C H A P. V.
I. The Partition of Art Retentive, or of Memory into the Knowledge
of the Helps of memory. §. andtheKnoivledgeofthe Memory it feIf.
ir. ThcDivifion of the DoBrine of Memory into Vrenotion, §. andEmblem.
1 T TT J E will divide the Art ofRetaining, orofCufiody, into tvpo Knovp'
Vv ledges --y that is, into the knowledge ofthe Helps ofAlemory, andthe Knowledge of the Memory itfelf. Affiftant lo Memory is writing:,
and it muft by all means be noted, that Memory ofit felf, without this
ftipport, would be too weak for prolix and accurate matters , wherein
it could no way recover, or recall it lelf, but by Scripture. And this
Jubfdiaryfecond is alfoofmoft fpecial ufe in Indn&ive rhilofophy, andthe Interpretation of Nature. For a man may as well perfeft, and fumup the Computations of an Ephcmerides by mere Llemoryx, as compre-
hend the //;f('r/;n'/<2///?« of N<?/«r(? by meditations, and the nude, andnative ftrength of Memory •, unlefs the lame Memory be aflifted by Tables^
and Indices provided for that Purpofe. But to let go the Interpretati-
on of Nature, which is a new knowledge ^ there fcarcely can be a thing
more ufeful even to ancient, and popular Sciences, than a (olid, andgood Aid to Memory ^ that is, a fubftantial and Learned Digeji oiCom-mon places. Neither am I ignorant, that the referring ofthofe things weread, or learn, into Common Places, is imputed byjome as a Prejudice to
Learning ^ as caufing a retardation of Reading, and ajlothful relaxation
to Memory. But becaufe it is a Counterfeit thing in Knowledge, to be
forward and pregnant, unlefs you be withal deep and full ; I hold that
the diligence, and pains in collefting Commvn Places, is of great ufe
and certainty in fludying; as that which Subminifters Copy to Inven-
tion j and contradieth the fight ofJudgment to a ffrength. But this «•
true, that of the Methods andSyntaguts ofCommon Places, which we have
Jeen^ there is none that is ofany worth $ for that in their Titles., they mere-
ly
L I B . V. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 162
ly rcprefcut thefice, raihcr of a School, than of the rvorlcl--, exhibiting VhI-
gar aad Feciantical Divijiorts^ andnotfuch as any way penctr'!tte the Marrowand Vith pf things.
§ As for Memory it felf3 that in my Judgement hitherto hath beenlooftly, and weakly inquired into. There is indeed an Art extant ofit 5 but we are certain that there may be had both better Precepts for
thecontirmingandincreafing Memory^ than that Art comprehendeth 5
and a better praftice of that Art may be fet down , than that whichis receiv'd. Neither do we doubt (ifany man have a mind to abufe
this Art to ofentation) but that many wonderful and prodigious Mat-ters may be performed by it. But for ufe (as it is now managed) it is
a barren thing. Yet this in the mean time we do not tax it withal, that
it doth fupplant, or furcharge Natural Memory (as commonly is objedt-
cd) but that it is not dexteroully applied to lend afliftance to Memoryin bufinels, and ferious occafions. And we have learned this (it maybe from our praftifed Cour(e in a civil Calling) that whatfbever makesoftentation of Art, and gives no affurance of u(e, we etleem as as no-
thing worth. For to repeat on the fudden a great number of names or
words, upon once heari.ig, in the fame order they were delivered , or
to pour forth a number ofverfes upon any argument exte»/pore-j or
to tax every thing that falls cut in (bme fatyrical fimilc^or the turning ofevery thing to a Jeft ^ or the eluding of every thing by a coatradifti-
on or cavil 5 and the like 5 whereof in the faculties of the mind there
is a great ftore ^ and fuch as by wit and praftice may be exalted to a
great degree ofwonder. All thefe and the like, we make no more efti-
mation of, than we do of the agilities and tricks of Tumblers, Buffoons
and Juglers. For they arealraort all one thing, feeing ihefe abufe the
Powers of the Body, thefe the Powers of the Mind ; and perchance
they may have fome ftrangenefs in them 5 but little or no worthinefs.
II. This Art of Memory is built upon two Jntentions^Prenotion and £«?•
blem.We call Frenotion a Precifion ofendlefs Inve^igation'-^^ox when a manwould recal any thing to Memory, ifhe have no Vrenotion or Freception
of that he feeketh, he fearcheth indeed,and taketh pains, rounding this
way and that way, as in a maze of infinity. But if he have any certain
Prenotion, prefently that which is infinite is difcharged and cut offj andthe queftioning of the Memory is brought within a more narrow com»pa(s -, as in the hunting of a Fallow Deer within the Park. Therefore
it is evident, that the Method helps the Memory 5 for Frenotion fuggefteth
that it mud: agree with order. So verfes are fooner gotten by heart
than Profe ; for if a man make a doubtful fland at a v/ord , Frenotion
prompts him that the word which agrees with the verfe, muft be offuch a Nature. Arid this Frenotion is the firft part of Artificial Memo-ry. For in Memory Artificialvit have places digefted and provided be-
fore hand : But we make Images extempore, according as the prefcnt
fhall require. But Frenotion doth adraonifh that the Image mufi befiich as hath fbme refemblance with the phce j this is that which a-
waketh, and in fome fort muniteth the Memory in the chafe of v.'hat wefeek.
§ Emblem deductth conceptions inteUe&ual to Images fenftblc, and that
which isfenfiblc^ more forciblyJiril^es the Memory , and is more eafily im^
frinted^ than that vehicb is intellectual. So we fee that even the Memo-X 2 r/
164 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L1B.V.
r)i of Beads is ftirr'd up by sl jenfible objeft, not by an intelle&ual. So
you will more eafily remember the Image of a Hunts man purfuing the
Hare, or of an Apothecary fetting in order his Boxes, or of a Pedant
making a Speech, or of a Boy reciting Verfss by heart, or of a Jefter
afting upon a Stage, than the Notions of Invention, Difpofttion^ Elocuti-
on^ Memory^ A3ion. There are other things that pertain to the help ofMemory (as we faid even now) but the Art which now is in ule confifts
of thefe two Inventions now let down. To purfue the particular De-
fers of Arts, would be to depart from our intended purpofe. Where-
fore let thus much fuffice for the Art of Retaining, or of Cujlody. Nowwe defcend in order to the fourth member o^ Logick.^ which handles
'Tradition and Elocution.
THE
165
THE
Sixth BookO F
FRANCIS L. V E RV L A MVicountS^- ALBAN,
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
LE ARklNG.To the KING.
HAP. I.
TbcPanmoaof the Art of Tradition into the Do&rinc of the Or-
gan of Speech, The Do^rine of the Method of Speech j Jnd the Do-
Urine of the lUnfiration of Speech. § The Partition of the Do-
Brine of the Organ of Speech , into the Knowledge of the Notes ofthings J ofSpeakjng^ and of Writing j of vohich the tvpo Li(i conjii-
tHte Grammar, and the Partitions thereof, (j The Partition of the
Knowledge of the Notes of things , into Hieroglyphickj -, And into
CharaSers Real. 11. A (econd Partition of Grammar^ into Literary
and Philofophical. III. An Aggregation of Poefie^referring to MeafurCf
unto the Knowledge of Speech. An Aggregation ofthe Knowledge ofCyphers to the Knowledge of IVriting.
Ertainly any man may affume the liberty (^Excellent King")
if he be fo fo humour'd, to jeft and laugh at himfelfjOrhis
own Projefts. Who then knows whether this work ofj^. .
ours be not perchance a Tranfcript out of an Ancient Book dlsfafa-'
found amongft the the Books of that famous Library of^ diBiJn
S. J'i3or, a Catalogue whereof Af, Fra. Rabelais hath colleaed ? Forf^^"f
"'^'
there a Book is found entitled Formicarium Artiurftj we have indeed
accumulated a little heap ofy^?/^// Duji ; and laiH up many Grains ofArts and Sciences therein, whereto Ants may creep, and there repo(e a
while
66 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b.VL
De Inter
ptst.
while, and fo betake themfelves to new labours. Nay the wifeft of
Prov.4. Y^xngsfendi the Jlothfiil, of what rank or quality foever, unto the Antsj
whofe only care is to live upon the mainjioc^ but not to improve it hj/ow-
im the ground of Sciences over again, and reaping a new Harveji,
I. Notp let us come unto the Art of Delivery, or of Expreffing, andTranf-
ferring thofe things which are Invented, Judged, and laid up in Memory 5
which, by ageneral name, we will term Tradition. This comprehenueth
in it all Arts touching Words and Speeches j for though Re^fon be, as it
Wi:te,the Soul of Speech, yet in the manner ofhanQJing, Reafo^r and
Speech (hould be feparate^even as the SoulznA the Body are We will
divide thefe Traditive Sciences into three Parts ; into the Kno^vledge con-
cerning the Organ of Speech '-y into the Knowledge conc&rnihg the Method ofSpeech 5 and into the Knowledge concerning the llluflration and Orna-
ment of Speech.
§ The Knowledge concemitfg the Organ ofSpeech generally receiv'd,
which is alfo called Grammar , hath two Parts 5 the one ofspeich-jlh^
other of Writing. For Arjfiotle (aith well. Words are the Images ot Cogi"
tationsj Letters are the Images ofWords j we will affign both toGram-
mar. But to derive the Matter fomewhat higher before we come to
Grammar, and the Parts thereofnow fet down ; we muftfpeakof the
Organ of tradition in general. For there feems to be other Traditive
Emanations befides Words and Letters. For this is certain whatfoever
may be diftinguilhtinto differences, fufficient for number , to exprefe
the variety ofNotions(ro thofe differences be perceptible to fenfe^may
be the Convoy of the Cogitations from man to man. For we fee Na-
tions of different Language to trade one with the other, well enough
to ferve their turn by Gejiures. Nay, in the praftice of many, that
have been dumb and deaf from their birth, and othurwile were in-
genious, we have feen ftrange Dialogues held between them, and their
friends, who have learn'd their Geftures. Moreover it is now generally-
known that in China, and the Provinces of the high Levant,' th^re are
at this day in ufe , certain Real, and not Nominal CharaSers 5 that is,
fuchas exprefs neither Letters nor Words 5 but Things and Notions : ia
(bmuch, that many Countries that underftand not one anothers Lan-
guage, but confenting in fuch kind oiClaraSers ("which are more gene-
rally receiv'd amongft them) can communicate one with another by
fuch Figures written ; fo as every Country can read and deliver in his
own native Tongue, the meaning ofany Book written with thefe C^4-
ra[fers.
§ Nvtes therefore of things, which without the help and mediation
>jv. «w.ia°^ ^f^ords fignfie Things, are of two forts j whereof the firfl fort is fig-
REauM. v\\?[C3LK\toi Congruity-y the other ad placitufn. Of the former fort are
Hieroglyphicks and Geftures 5 of the later are thofe which we call Chd'
racier f Heal. The ufe of Hieroglyphicks is very ancient , and had in a
kind of Veneration 5 efpecially amongft the Egyptians, one of the raoft
Ancient Nations : So thdLt Hieroglyfhicks feem to have been ?l firfi-born
writing, and elder than the Elements of Letters ^ unlefs, it may be, the
Letters of the Hebrews. As jor Gejiures,they are,as it were,Tranfitory
Hicroglyphickj. For as words pronounced vzm^^irritings remain , fb H/e-
roglyfhicks expreflcd by Geftures,zre tranfient,but/)4/«/^<r73permanent. As'wherxPeriander being confulted with, how toprefcrve a Tyranny, bid
the
DE NOTIS
L I B. VJ. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 1 6j
the Meffen^er ftand (till, and he vp.tlking in ^Garden^ topt all the higheji Herodot;
I' lowers j fignifyingthe cutting off, and the keeping low ofthe Nobl-^*^*'^"
lity 5 did as well make ufe of a Hicroglyphick,^ as i|- he had drawn the
lame upon Paper. This in the mean is plain, xh^x. Hieroglyphicks andGejinres ever have fome fimiluude with the thing IigniHed, and arc kindoi Ef/ibkfHs •-, wherefore we have named them the l^otcs ofthingsfro/nCongruity. But Chctrdcters /ftv/have nothing of Emblem in them ; butjare plainly dumb and dead Figures, as the Elements oi Letters are 5 andonly deviled ad Pljcitiif», and conhrmed by Cuftom, as by a tacit a-
greement. And it is manifelt alio that there niuft needs be a va(t num-ber of them for writing j at leaft Co many as there are Radical words.Wherefore this portion of Knowledge concerning the Organ of Speech,
rvhich is of the Notes of Things, we report as Dejiciefit. Ai)d though it
may feem of no great ufe, confidering that ^'ords and writings by Let-
ters are the mod apt Organs o£Tradition 5 yet we thought good to makemention of it here, as of a knowledge not to be defpifed. For we here
handle, as it were, the Coyns of things IntellcQual 5 and it will not beamils to know, that as Money may be made of other matter befides
Gold and Silver 5 fo there may be ftaraped other Notes of things be-fides tP'ords and Letters.
II Let us proced to Grammar'-, this doth bear the office as it were, ofanVflnr to other Sciences •, a place not very honourable, yet very neceffa-
ry, efpecial/y feeing that in our age Sciences are chiefly drawnfrom LearnedLanguages, and not from Mother-tongues. Nor is the dignity thereoftobe efteeraed mean, feeing it fupplies theplaceof an Antidote, againft
that Alaledi^ion oC the Confufion oiTongues. Surely the Induftry ofman ftriveth to reftore, and redintegrate himfelf in thofe BencdiftJonSj
which by his guilt he forfeited 5 and by all other Arts.arms and ftrength-
ens himfelf againft that firt^general Curie of the^erz7/(;^///»t' ea*-th,and
the eating ofhis bread in the fweat of his brows. But againft that fecond Gen j.
Curfe, which was the Confu^on of Tongues, he calls in thealfijlance ofGrammar. The ufe hereofin fome Mother- tongues is indeed very fmall 5
in forreign tongues more large ^ but moft ample in fuch tongues^ as
have ceafed to be vulgar, and are perpetuated only in Books.
kj Ife will divide Grammar into two forts, whereof the one is Literary,
the other Philofophical. The one is merely applied to Languages, that
that they may be more fpeedily learned 5 or more correctedly and pure.
I'y fpoken. The other in a fort doth minifter, and is fubfervient to Phi-
lofophy. In this later part which is r/jz/(?/2)/7/j7^-t/, we find that defar writ Suetin
Bool{/ DcAnaljgia 3 and it is a queftion whether thofe Books handled i"i-
this Philofophical Grammar whereof we fpeak ? Our opinion is, that
not any high and fubtil matter in them, but only that they deliver'd *Preceptsof a pure and perfedt fpeech, not depraved by popular Cu- matici.
ftomi nor corrupted and polluted by over-curious affedation 5 in ph"^3^°"which kind C£far excell'd. Notwithjianding, admonifh'd by fuch a
work, we have conceiv'd and comprehended in our mind, a kind ofGrammar, that may diligently enquire, not the Analogy ofwords one
with another, but the y^Wi;»^/ between Words and Things, or Reafon 5
besides th:it Interpretation of Nature, which is fubordinatc to Logick.
Surely Words are the foot-Jieps ofReafon j and foot-fteps do give femeindications of the Body > wherefore we will give fome general defcri-'
ptioff
Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b, VI.
ption ofthis. And Hrlt we do not allow that curious enquiry whichinCratyl. f/4/0 an excellent man purfued, touching the z;;^/j(^^/zVw and original E-
tymology of names, conceiving it, <»x if words had not been impofed at
fi'rft^ ad Placitiofi'-) but tpereftgnificantly derived and deducedfrom a cer-
tain reafon and intendment. Certainly an elegant and pliant fpecula-
tion, which might be aptly fain'd and made fquare to the purpofe : and
by reafon it feemeth to fearch the fecfets of Antiquity,, in fome kind re-
verend. But yet fparingly raixt with truth, and without fruit. But
rvithoHt queftionthat would be a moft excellent kind oi Grammar (as
we fuppofe iffome man throughly inftruded in many Languages^ as well
Learned^ zs Mother-tongues^ Ihould write a Treatife of the divers Pro-
prieties o^ Languages'^ (hewing in what points every particular Lan-
guage did excel 5 and in what points it was Deficient. For (b
Tongues xnx^t be enricht and pcrfefted by mutual intertraffick one with
another ; and a moft fair Image of fpeech (like the Venm of ApeUes) 3
and a goodly pattern for the true expreliion of the inward fence of the
mind, might be drawn from every part which is excellent in every
Language. And withal no (light Conjedi-ures, but fuch as were well
worth the obfervaiion, might be taken (which a man perchance wouldlittle think) touching the natural difpofiiions and cultoms ofPeople^and
Nations, even from their Languages. For I willingly give ear to Cice-
r>eOrat. n> noting that the Grecians have not a word whichmay exprefs this La-lib.2. (juie vvord, Ineptunr-, hecaufe ((aithhe) this vice was fo familiar to the
Grecians^ that they did notfo much as acl{no%vlcdge the mj'c Ives guilty there^
of. Certainly a Cenfure worthy a Roman gravity. And what maythat infer, that the Grecians ufed fuch a Liberty in compofition of
words^ contrarywife the Romans were in this point ievere? Surelya
man may plainly colleft that the Grecians were more tit toftudy Arts ;
the Romans to manage affairs of ftate. Fordiftindions of Arts, for
moft part, require compofition ofwords 5 but matters and bufinels,
fimple words. But the Hebrewsfopun Compofitionjhat they mat{e choice
rather tojirain a Metaphor too far^ than to bring in a Compofition. Naythey ufe Ibfew words, and fo unmingled, that a man may plainly per-
ceive by their Tongue, that rhey were a Nazarite People, and feparate
from other Nations. And is not that worthy obfervation .>(though it maylerve to abate our high conceitof our own t'lmcsjthat ancient Languages
were morefull ofDecknjions j Cafes ^ Conjugations^ Tenfes, andthc li\ej
the modern commonly dejlitute of thefe, do loofely deliver themfelves in
many cxprejjions by frcpofitions, and auxiliary verbs. Certainly a manmay eafily conjefture (however we may pleafe our felvcs) that the wits
of former times were far more acute and fubtil than ours are. There
are an infinite number ofobfervations ofthis kind which might makeupa juit Volume. Wherefore it will not be amifs to diftinguifti Gram-mar Philifophical, from mere and literary Grammar^ and to (et it downas Deficient, Unto Grammar alfo belongs the confideration of all yff«-
^/t'»// of vvord s^i fuch as are Meajure -, Sound-, Accent:, but thofe firft
infancies offimple Letters (as, with what PercuiTion ofthe Tongue,with
what opening of the mouth 3 with what drawing ofthe lips, with what
ftrainingof the throat 3 the found of every Particular Letter is to be
made) belongs not unto Grammar 3 but is a Portion ofthe knowledge ofjounds, to be handhd under fcnfe zndjenfibi!;ty. Grammatical Joundi
whereof
L I B. VI. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 169
whereofwe fpeak, belongs only to fweetneft and har(hne(s of (bunds 5
of which fome are common 5 for there is no Tongue but in fome fort
fhuns the too much overture of concurrent Vowels, and the afperities
of concurrent Confonants. There are other refpedlive founds which
are pleafing, or unpleafing to the ear, according to the temper of di-
vers Nations. The Greeks Tongue is full of Diphthongs ^ the Latin is
far more fparing 5 the Spanifh Tongue hates fmall-founding Letters^
and prefently changeth them into Letters ofa middle tone i the Tonguesderived from the Goths delight in A(pirates , there are innumerable ofthis nature, but perchance thefe are more than enough.
lit. But the mcafnre of words hath brought us forth an iramenfe Bodyof Art, namely PocCie ; not inrefpe(3: of the Matter (of which we have
Ipoken before} but in refpeft of ftile, and the form of words, as Metre
oiVerfe^ touching which the Art is very fmall and brief, but the ac-
ceG of Examples large and infinite. Neither ought that Art fwhich the
Grammarians call Profodia) to be only reftrain'd to the kinds and mea-furesof I'erfe -, for their are Precepts to beannext, what kind of yerfe
beft fitteth every Matter or Subjeft. The Ancients applied Heroicd
Ferfe to Hijiorics and Landatories j Elegies to Lamentations •-, Jambick^
to InveBives 5 Lyrickj to Songs and Hymns. And this Wifdom of the
Ancients is not wanting in the Poet's of later Ages, in Mother-tongues 5
only this is to be reprehended, that fome of them too ftudious of Anti-
quity have endeavoured to draw Modern Languages to Ancient Mea-fures ("as Fleroic^, Elegiac^^ Saphick^ and the reft ) which the Fabrick
and compofition of thofe Languages, will not bear; and withal is nolefs harfh unto the ear. In the Matters of this Nature the Judgementof Senfe is to be preferr'd before Precepts of Art, as he faith,
,
—
C(efi£ Fercula nojirs
Mallem Convivis quant placuijfe Coquis.
Nor is this ArtJbut the abufe of Art, feeing it doth not perfeft, but per-
verts Nature. As for Poefie (whether wefpea^ofFables, or Metre) it is^
as we havefaid before^ as a LnxHriant Herb brought forth without feedy
andfirings up from thejlrength and ranknefs of the foyl. Wherefore it
runs along every where, and isfo amplyfpread, as it were a fuperfluous la-
hour to be curious of any Deficients therein 5 the care therefore for this
is taken already.
(j Asfor the Accents of IVords, there is no need, that we fpeak of fo
finall a matter , unlels, perchance, fome may think it worth the noting,
that there hath been exaft obfervations made of the Accents of iVords^
but not of the Accents of Sentences 5 yet this, for moft part, is the gene-
ral Cuftom of all men, that in the clofe of a Period they let fall their
voice, in a demand they raife it, and many iuch like ufages.
§ As for Writing, that is perform'd either by the vulgar Alphabet,
which is every where receiv'd 5 or by a fecret and private Alphabet,
which men agree upon between therafelves, which they call Cyphers,
Bot the Vulgar Orthography hath brought forth unto us a Controverfie,
and Queftion, namely. Whether words fioutd be written as they are fpo-
ken, or rather after the ufual manner. But this kind of writing, v.'hich
feems to be reformed, which is, that writingjjjould be confonant tofpea^
ing, is a branch of unprofitable fubtilties 3 for Pronnnnciation it felf
Y eterjr
Mart:
Ep.?.
lyo Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VI.
every day encreafes and alters the fafhion , and the derivation of
words, efpecially from forreign Languages, are utterly defac'd and ex-
tinguilht. In brief, feeing irri^/»^, according to the receiv'd Cuftom,
doth no way prejudice the manner of/peaking, to what end fhould this
innovation be brought in?,^
^ wherefore let us come to Cyphers. Their kinds are many, as Cypheri
fimple 5 Cyphers intermixt with ml/oes, or noti-fighificant Charafters 5
Cyphers of double Letters under one Chara&er 5 IVheel-Cyphers , Kay*
Cyphers ; Cyphers of words 3 Others. But the virtues ofthem,whefeDy;
they are to be preferr'd, are Three j That they be ready , and not labori'
ous to writer That they befure, and lie not open to Decyphering: AndlaUly., ifit bepojjible, that they may be managed without fufpition. For \£
Letters Miffive fall into their hands, that have fomc command and au-
thority over thofe that write 5 or over thofe to whom they were writ-
ten 3 though the Cypher it felf be fure and impoffibleto be derypher^d
yet the Matter is liable to ex'amination and queftion 5 unlefi the Cyphef
be fuch, as may be void of all fufpition, or may elude all examination;
As for the JJnfting off examination, there is ready prepared a new and
profitable invention to this purpofe 5 which, feeing it is calily procured,
to what end (hould we report it, as. Deficient. The invention is this
:
That you have two forts oC Alphabets, one of true Letters, the other of
Non-Jignificants ; and that you likewifc fold up two Letters 5 one
which may carry the fecret , another fuch as is probable the Writer
might fend, yet without peril. Now if the Meflenger be ftriftly exa-
mined concerning the Cypher, let him prefent the Alphabet ofNon-figni-
cants for true Letters , but the Alphabet of true Letters for tioH-figniji'
cants : by this Art the Examiner falling upon the exterior Letter, and
finding it probable, (hall fufpeft nothing of the interior Letter. But
that jealoufies may betaken away , we will annex another inventioa ,
whichjintruthjWe devifed in our youth, when we were at Paris : and is
a thing that yet feemeth to us not worthy to be loft. It containeth the
higheji degree of Cypher, which is to fignifie omnia per omnia, yet fo, as
the writing infolding, may bear a quintuple proportion to the writing
infolded 5 no other condition or reftriftion whatfoever is required. It
fhall be performed thus : Firft, let all the Letters of the Alphabet, bytran(pofition, be refolvcd into two Letters only ; for the tranfpofition
of two Letters by five placings will be fufficient for thirty two Diffe-
rences, much more for twenty four, which is the number of the Al-
phabet. The example offuch an Alphabet is on this wife.
An
L I B. V I. Of the Advaitcement of Learning. 171
An Example of a Bi-literate AJj^habet.
I ^ c ^ 4 %Jli
({Apha . (\cihLk aLci<s^ abcidb, a^af>d\ a^a£S
sc V w t& y ^
Neither is it a fmall matter thcfe Cyphcr-Characiers hzve, and mayperform ; For by this Art a way is openedj whereby a man may exprels
and fignifie the intentions of his mind, at any diftanceof place, by ob-
jecis which may be prefented to the eye, and 'accommodated to the
ear: provided thofeobjsds be capable of a two-fold difference only
;
as by Bells, by Trumpets, by Lights and Torches, by the Reports ofMuskets, and any Inftruments of like nature.^ Bat to purfue our en-
terprife, when you addrefs your felf to write, refblve your inward-
infolded Letter into this Bi-litcrarji Alphabet. Say the hitcrioMr Let"
tcf be
Fude.
Ex4f;fp!e of Sohitioti.
Together with this, yon muO: have ready at hand a Bi-fortJicd aUpLikt, which may reprefent all the Letters of the Common Alphabet^
Y 2 as
x-ji Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. VLas Weil Capital Letters as the fmaller Charafters in a double form, as
may fit every mans occafion.
An Example of a Bi-formed Alphabet.
Now
L I B. VI. Of the Advancement ofLc.irmng. iji
Now to the interiour Letter, which is Bi-literate, you (liallfitaBi-
formed exteriour Letter, which fhall anfwer the other. Letter for Let-ter, and afterwards fet it down. Let the exteriour example be.
Manere te 'volo, donee 'venen:).
An Example of Accommodation.
aajpdpp (lap m(Lh^aAci p^d^^
We have annext likewife a more ample Example of the Cypherof Writing omnia per omnia : An interiour Letter, which to exprefs,
we have made choice of a Spartan Letter fent once in a Scjtale or roundCypher'd-ftaffi
r /^ '-^ ^
An exteriour Letter, taken out of the firft Epiftle of Cicero, where-
in a Spartan Letter is involved.
E^c
17:. Of the Advancement of Leaniing. Lib. VI.
cddcris.'SdMsfido cmMmsiJmhijj?^zim\v^
{iidoduommemm mtniopv.mMjmm
=
4miiif nuiftrfzctdre,a€in-&tion cmjmes-
//V eo'o^ 6UJ4 Hon- imm inwa causa zyicw,
ptmi inini c^sz (icemmhltva • J%cm -
j^eveosoMi cmiUore^Aerjuos,cm fiiom
im fern ^mvolimfc Smaiiw
Innmaco
cff.f?'la/r.
The
I
Lib. VI. Of the Advancement ofLeuniing, 175
The ktiorcledge of C)pherinc[, hath drawn on with it a knowledge re-
lative unto it, which is the knowledge of Difcyphcrhrg^ox of Difcreting
Cyphers though a man were utterly ignorant of the Alphabet of the
Cypher, and the Capitulations of fecrecy paft between the Parties. Cer-
tainly it is an Art which requires great pains and a good wit, and is (as
tihe other was) confecrate to the Counfels of Princes: yet notwith-
ftandingby diligent previfion it may be made unprofitable, though, as
things are, it be of great u(e. For if^good and faithful Cyphers were
invenfed and -praftifed, many of them would delude and foreftal all
tnecunningof the Dccyphcrcr, which yet are very apt and eafie to be
read or written : but the rawnels and unskilfulnelsof Secretaries, and
Clerks in the Courts ofPrinces, is fuch, that many times the greateft
Matters arc cortimitted to futile and weak Cyphers. But it may be, that
in the enumeration, and, as it wercj taxations of Arts, fome may think
th«t We-gd iabout to make a great Murter-fowl of Sciences,, that the
ftiultipliCStion of them may be more admired 5 when their numberpetchance may be difpiayed , but their forces in fo fhort a Treatile
can hArdly be tried. But for our parts we do faithfully purlue our
purpof^, afiditi making this Globe of Sciences, we would not omit the
lefler and remoter Ifllands. Ntv/^cr have we ("in our opinion) touch-
ed thefe Arts perfunftorily , though curlorily 5 but with a piercing
flile extraifbed the Marrow and Pith of them out of a Ma(s of Matter.
The judgement hereof we refer to thofe who are moft able to judge of
tbefe Arts. For feeing it is the fafjiott of many rvho would he thought
to k»on> fnti-ch, that evay where, making ojicntation of words and oHt'
tPard tervts of Arts, tkey become a. wonder to the ignorant , bnt a deri(ion
fv thofe thai are Mafiert of thofe Arts; we hope that onr Labourt ffiall
have a tontrary fuccefs, which is, that they may arrefi the judgement of
every one who is bejl vers'd in every particular Art 5 and be undervalued
by the reft. As For thofe Arts which may leem to be of inferiouf
fank and order , if any man think we Attribute too much unto
them 5 let him look about him , and he fhall fee that there be ma-
ny of fpecial note and great account in their own Country, whowhen they come to the chief City or Seat of the Eftate, are but
of mean rank , and fcarcely regarded : fo it is no marvail if thefe
fleighter Arts, placed by the Principal and Supreme Sciences, leem
petty things 5 yet to thofe that have chofen to fpend their Labours
and Studies in them , they (eem great and excellent Matters. Andthus much of the Organ of speech.
Chap,
176 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib.VL
Chap. II.
i. The Y^odixmetoVichvagthe Method of S^eechis ejjigned a fHbjlanfU-
al and fri»cipalpart of Traditive kpoxokdge: It isentituled, The
Tpifedom of Delivery. 2. The divers kinds of Methods are enH»
merated: their Vrofts and Difprofits are Annexed, ^ilheparttofMethod two. -
I.T Et us now come to the do&rine concerning the Method of Speech i
J_^This hath been handled as a part oiLogick^ fo it hath found a place
in Rhetoric/i by the name oiDifpofition. But the placing oUt as a part
ofthe Train ofother Arts^ hath been the caufe that many things which
refer unto />5 and areufefulcobekauwu, are pretermils'd ; wherefore
we thought goodjto conftitute afubjiantial andprincipal Do&rine^touch*
ing Method, which by a general name we call the tpifdom of Tradition,,
The kinds ofMethod, feeing they are divers, we will rather reckon
them up, than divide them. But for one onelj/ Method, and continued
Dichotomies we need notfpeak, much ofthem ; for it was a little Cloud ofknowledge which was focn dijperfed. Certainly a trivial invention, andan infiniteprejudice to Sciences iy yi)r//je/e Dichotomifts, when they would
TPreji all things to the Laws cf their Method, andwhatjoever doth not apt-
ly fall within thofe Dichotomies they would either omit or how contrary
to their natural inclination 5 they bring it To to pafs, that the Kernels
and Grains of Sciences leap out, and they clajp and incloje only the dry
and empty husk.s : So this kindoj Method bringsforth fruitlef Compends^
dejiroys thefubflancc of Sciences.
II. Wherefore let the firft difference of Method be (et down, to beeither Magijiral, or Initiative : neither do we (b underftand the wordInitiative, zs'xithis fhould lay the ground-work, the <>^Acr raife the
perfeft building of Sciences ; but in a far different fence, (borrowing
the word from facred Ceremonies^ we call that Initiative Method^
which difclofeth andunvails the Myfteries of Knowledges: For Magi^
Jiral teacheth. Initiative infinuateth : Magijiral requires our beliefto whatis delivered, but Initiative that it may rather befubmitted to examinati*
on. The one delivers popular Sciences fit for Learners 5 the other. Set"
Tio encesas to the Sons ofScience: In fura, the one is referred to the ufeLamp A- ofsciences as they now are 5 the other to their continuation, andfur-
s,yg ther propagation. The later of thefe, feeras to be a deferred and anMETHO- inclofed path. For Knowledges are now delivered, as if both Teacher
rmos^ and Schollar fought to lay claim to error, as upon contract. For he
that teacheth, teacheth injuch a manner as may beji be believed, not as
may be beji examined : and he that learneth, dejires rather prefentfatis-
faSion, than to expeCt ajuji andjiayed enquiry , and rather not to doubt^
than not to err : So as both the Mafler, out of a dejire ofglory, is watchfuly
that he betray not the weaknefofhis l{nowledge'-, and the Scholar, out ofan averfe difpofit ion to labour, will not trv his ownjlrength. But Know-ledge, which is delivered as a thread to be fpun on, ought to be intima-
ted
L I B . V I. Of the Advancement of Learning, ijj
ted (if it were poflTlble) into the mind (f another, in the fame Methodwherein it rcasatfirji invented. And furely this may be done in know-ledge acquired by Indu&ion : But in this fame anticipated and preven-ted knowledge, which we u(e, a man cannot ealily fay, by wbit courfe
of ftudy he cameto.the knowledge he hath obtained. But yet cer-
tainly more or le(s a man may revilit his own Knowledge, and meafure o-ver again the footfteps of his Knowledge, and of his confenti and bythis means fo tranfplant Science mto the mind of another, as it grew in
his own. For it is in j4rtf, as it is in r/<«»/j 5 if you mean to u(e theriant, it is no matter (or the Roots ^ butif you would remove into a-
nother (byl, than it is more aflured to reft upon roots than flips. Sothe Delivery of Knowledge, as it is now ufed, doth prefentunto us f.iir
Bodies indeed of Sciences, but without the Roots 5 gooci, doubtlefs for
the Carpenter, but not for the Planter. But if you will have Sciences
grow, you need not be lb follicitous for the Bodies 5 apply all yourcare that the K<7<?// may be taken up found, and entire, with fome little
earth cleaving to them. Ofwhich kind of Delivery, the Method oftheA/jthe/naticl{s in that fubjeft> hath fome (hadow, but generally I fee it
neither put inure, nov put inln^fuifiiionj and therefore number it a-
mongft Defcicnts, and we will call it Traditionem Lampadis, the
Delivery of the Lamp, or the Jllethod bequeathed to the fons of Sapi-
ence.
§ Another diver(ity of Method follovveth, in the intention like the
former, but for moft part contrary in the ifliie. In this both thefe Me-thods agree, that they feparate the vulgar Auditors from the Sekcl j hereihey differ, that the former introduceth a more open way of Delivery
than is ufual 5 the other (of which we fhall now (peak ) a more referved
andlecret. Let therefore the diftindion of them be this, that the one
is an Exoterical or revealed •, the other an Acroamatical, or conce.ded Me-thod. For the (ame difference the Ancients Tpecially obferved ui pub-liChing Books, the fame we will transfer to the manner itfelfofDiZ/z^er/.
So the Acroamatick^ Method was in ufe with the Writers of former Ages,
and wifely, and with judgement applied •, but that Acroamatick and^nigmatick kind ofexpreffion is difgraced in thefe later times, by ma-ny who have made it as a dubious andfalfe light, for the vent of their
counterfeit merchandife. But the pretence thereof feemeth to be this,
that by the intricate envelopings of De//z;er)', the Prophane Vulgar maybe removed from the fecrets ofSciences j and they only admitted,whichhad either acquired the interpretation of Parables by Tradition fromtheir Teachers •, or by the fharpncls and fubtihy of their own wit,
could pierce theveil.
(j Another diverfity of Method follows, ofgreat confcquence to Sci-
ences, which is, when Sciences are delivered by way of Aphorifm, or
Methods. For it is a thing worthy to be precifely noted, that it hathbeen often taken into Cuftom, that men out of a few Axioms and Ob-fervations upon any Subject, have made a compleat and folemn Art,
filling it withforaedifcourfesofwit, illuftrating it with examples, andknitting it together by fome Method. But that other way of Delivery
hy Aphorifms, brings with it many advantages, whereto Delivery by
Method doth not approach. For nr(r it tryes the Writer whether hebe fuperticial or folid in knowledge, ^cr /?//6m/i'// except they Ihould
Z be
I yS Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. VI.
be altogether ridiculous, cannot be made but out of the pythand
heart ofSciences : For lUuftration and Excuffiou are cut off'; variety of
examples is cut off; Deduftion and Connection are cut off", Defcrip»
tion ofPraftice is cut off; fo there remaineth nothing to fill the Apho-
rifras, but a good quantity' of obfervations. And therefore no mancanfuffice, nor inreafon will attempt to write Aphorifms^ who is not
copioufly furnifti'd and folidly grounded. But in Methods^
Horat.de Tantnmferies^ JuH&uraqHepol/et y^"'^*'
Tantum de mediojuntptis accedit Honoris.
As oftentimes they make a great (hew of (I know not what) fingular Art,
which if they were disjoynted, feparated, and laid open, would cometo little or nothing. Secondly, Methodical Deliver)/ is more fit to winconfent or belief, but lefs fit to point to Aftion , for they carry a (hew
oi^Dcmottjirationin Orb or Circle, one part illuminating another^ andtherefore do more latisfiethe underftanding; but being that Ai^ions
in common courfe of life are difperft, and not orderly digefted.they
do beft agree with difperfed Direftions. LzMy,Aphorijhs reprefenting
certain Portions only, and as it were fragments of Sciences, invite o-
thers to contribute, and add fomething; whereas Methodical Delivery^
carrying (hew of a total and perfeft Knowledge, forthwith fecureth menas if they were at the furthcft.
§ Another diverfity ofMethod follows, which is likewi(e of great
weight, which is when i'ciewce/ are delivered either by Ajfertions with
their Proofs annext , or by ^ejiions together with their Determitiati»
ons. The later kind whereof,ifit be immoderately followed, is as pre-
judicious to the progreffion of Sciences, as it is to the fortunes andproceedings ofan Army, to go about to befiege every little Fort or
Hold. For if the field be kept, and the fum of the enterprize with di-
ligence purfued, thofe fmaller places will come in of themlelves. Yetthis I cannot deny, that it is not alway fafeto leave any great andfortified town at his back. In like manner the nfe of Confutations in the
Delivery of Sciences ought to be very fparing, and to ferve only to re-
move and break ftrong Preoccupations and Prejudgements of mensminds, and not to excite and provokeftnal/er Doubts.
§ Another diverjity of Method followeth, which is, that the Methodbeaccommodated to the purpofed matter rvhich is to be handled^ For there
is a great difference in Delivery ofthe Mathematicks^whXch. are ofknow-ledges the moft abftrafted and moft firaple 5 and the Politicksy whichare the moft iramerfed and compounded ; Neither can an uniformity ofMethod (as we have obferv'd already) be fitly Ibrted with multi-formity
of Mutter 5 and therefore as we have allowed Particular Topickj for Z«-
vention ; (b we would likewile in fbme meafure have Particular Methodsfor Tradition.
^ Another diver^ty of Alethod followeth, with judgement to be pra-
ftis'd in the Delivery ofSciences ; and it 7/ dire&cd according to the light
of Informations, and anticipations, ofthe Knowledge to be delivered, in-'
fufed, andimpreffcd in the minds of the Learners. For that Knowledgewhich is new and foreign to mens minds, is to be delivered in another
form than that which by long receiv'd, and imbibed opinions is natu-
ralized
Lib. VI. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 179
ralized and made f.imiliar ; And therefore Arjjlotle when he thinks to
tax Dcmocritus doth in truth commend him, where he faith, Ij trejliall
indeed dijpnti', and notfoilotp ajter [imililndes, &€. Charging it as a de«
feet upon Dcmocritus that he was too copious in Comparisons. But thoje
ivhofe conceits arcJeated in popular opinions^ htvc nothing eljc to do bid
to di/pHte and prove. Whereas on the contrary thofc vphoje conceits are be-
jiondpopular opinions,have a double labour^firji^that what they produce maybe conceived
--^ then, that they be proved. So that it is of ncccffity with
them to have recourfe to similitudes 3.nA Tranjlations, whereby they
may infinuate themfelves into mens capacities, "therefore we fee in the
infancy of Learning, in rude times, whenthofe Comprehenfions whichare now Vulgar and Trivial, were then new and unheard of, the world
was full o^ParaUes and Similitudesj for othcrwife men would have palT-
ed over without mark or due attention, or elfe rejcd-ed for Para-
doxeSjthat which was propounded. For it is a rule of Traditive Art,
That vphatjoever Science k not conjonant to Anticipations or rrefuppofiti'
ens, muji praj/ in aid of Similitudes and Comparifons. And thus much ofthe divers forts ofMethods, namely fuch as have not heretofore been
noted by others. As for thofe other Methods, Analytick') Syjlaticl^j
Dieritick^j Cryptick^j Homerical, and the like j they have been well in-
vented and diftributed ; nor do we fee any caufe why we Ihould dwell
upon them.
Ill But thefe are the kinds of Method •) the Parts are two j the one ofthe Difpofttionofa whole work^^ or of the Argument offomc Booi{_-, the o-
ther of the Limitations of Propofitions. For there belongs to Archite-
Sure not only the frame of the whole Building j but likewife the formand figure of the Columns , Beams, and the like •-, and Method is as it
ivere the Architecture of Sciences. And herein i?rf///«/ merited better a Rin\ur.
great deal in reviving thofe excellent Rules Ka,^' oX^s-u^Z-nv^Tnlv-nc, xaS'
cu>TT, than in obtruding one only Method and Dichotomic. But it falls out
I know not by what fate, that ofhumane things (according c/s the Poets
oftenfeign) the moji precious have the mojl pernicious Keepers. Certainly
diligent endeavours about the rank and file of Propofitions, caft himUpon thofe Epitomes andpal/ows ofSciences •) for he had need fet out in
a lucky hour, and to go on by the conduiltofa happy Genius, that at-
tempts to make Axioms of Sciences Co/tvertible •-, and yet withal notmake them Circular, or returning into themfelves 5 notwithftaiiding
wedenynot, but that i?j«/«/'s intention in this kind is profitable. 7/jfre
remains yet two Limitations of Propofitions, befides that they may beimde Convertible^ theone touching the Extenfion:, the other touchingthe Produdion of them. Surely Knowledges haVe, if a man mark it
welljtwo other dimenfions befides Profundity 5 namely Latitude and Lok-gititde. For Profundity is referr'd to the Truth and Reality ofthem j
and thefe make them (olid. As for the other two. Latitude may be ta-
ken and reckoned of Science i-nto Science 5 Longitude may be acceptedand underftood from the highefl: general Propofition, to the lovveft par«
ticular in the fame Science. The one comprehends the bounds andtrue liriiitsofSciences, that Propofitions may be properly, not promif^
cuouOy handled 5 and that all Repetition , Excurfiori, and Confufion
may be avoided : the other gives rule how far, and to what degree ofParticularity, Propofitions of fciences may be deduced. Certainly
Z 2 there
i§o Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. VI.
there is no doubt but fomewhat muft be left to ufe and Praftice j for
Dlon.in for we ought to avoid the precife error o^Antonitts Pius^ that we be notAnton. J*. CnmJKi feSores in Scientits^ Mincers of Commiti in fciences i, nor that
we multiply divifions to the loweft Particularity. Wherefore how wefliould moderate our (elves in this point is well worth the enquiry. For
we fee too remote GeneralitieSj unlels they be drawn down, do little
inform, nay rather expole Knowledge to the fcorn of Praftical men 5
and are no more ayding to Pradlice, than an Ortelins's Vniverfal A^app is
to dired the way between London and Torl{. Surely the better fort of
Rules have not unfitly been compared to GlaflTes of fteel, wherein youmay fee the Images oifthings, but firft they mufl: be filed and burnilht
:
fo Rules and Precepts do then help, after they have been laboured and
polilht by Practice, but if thofe Rules may be made clearand Chry-
ftalline aforehand, it would be the more excellent, becaufe they would
left ftand in need of diligence, labour and exercife after. And thus
much of the Knowledge of method, which we have named the IVifdom of
Delivery. Nor can we here pretermit that many more vain-glorious,,
than learned have laboured about a Method, which is not worthy the
name ofa lawful Method, feeing it is rather a Method oflwpojiurej which
yet to fome vaporous, and vain-boafting natures, without doubt hath
been raoft acceptable. This Method doth (b fprinkle drops of anyKnowledge, that any half-learned Clerk may with a little fuperficiary
Knowledge make a glorious (hew. Such was the Art of LuUius-^ fuch
Luliius. the Typocojmie drawn by many 5 which were nothing elle but a heap andmafs of words of all Arts, to give men countenance; that thofe whichhave the terms of Art, might bethought tounderftand theArtsthera-
felves. Which kind ofColleftions are likea Fripper's or Broker's lljop,
that hath ends of every thing, but nothing of worth.
Chap. III.
I The Grounds and Duty of Rhetorickj. II. Three Appendices of Rhe-
torickjvhich appertain only to the Preparatory Part. The Colours ofGood and Evil^as veellfimple as Compared.llL The Antitheta ofthings,
IV. Lejferjiiles, or ufualforms offpecch.
NOtP come we to the Knowledge which concemeth the lUnflration ofSpeech 'j it is that which is caWeA Rhetorick,, or Art of Eloquence^
a Science certainly both excellent initfelf^ and by Authors excellent-
ly well laboured. Eut Eloquence, if a man value things truly, is with-out doubt inferior to Wifdom. For we (ee how far this leaves that be-
Exod.7. hind, in thofe words ofG^^ to yW^yer, when he difabled himfelffor that
ferviceimpofed upon him, forwant of this F^ck//;'; There is Aaron, he
fdalJ be thy Speal{er, thoufhalt be to him as God. Yet in profit and po-pular efteem, IVifdom gives place to Eloquence j for fo Solomon, Sapiens
cordeappeUatHrprudens'-)fed dulcis eloquio majora reperiet i fignifying
^'y'"' not obicurely thatprcfotwdncf?ofWifdom will help a man to fame and ad»
miraiion'-i but that it is Eloquence which prevails in bufinef and aQivs
Life.
Lib. VI. Ofthe Adviincement of L eaniing. i S i
Life. And as to the labouring and culture of this Art, the Emulationof Arijiotle with the RheioriciuNs oihXs time, and the earnelt and ve-
hement diligence of C/Verc^Jabouring with all might to raife and enno-ble that /^r/, joyned with long Experience, hath made rhem in their
Books written ofthis Art to exceed themfclvcs. Again, the excellent
example of E/tJf^-.'tv/a- in xhc Orations of Detftnjlhcrrcs^ ^d Cicero^ .added.
to the fubtilty and diligence of Precepts , have doubled the Progrel-
fion in this Art. Wherefore the Deficients which we hnd in this Art,
will be rather in fome Colleftions , which may as Handmaids attendthe Art 5 than in the Rules and the ufe of the Art it fdf. For eventhen when we made mention of ^.Fromptuary Knotvledge in Lu^ic^^ weengaged our felves by Proraile, to exhibit Examples at large thereof ia
Rhetoricl{.
Kotrvithjlanding that we may ftir up and fubdue the earth a little,
about the Roots of this Science ^ as our manner is to do in the relt j
furely Rhetoric/^^is fnh-fervient to the imagination, as Logick^ is to the
Vnderliancling. And the office and duty of Rhctorick^ ( if a man well
weigh the matter) is no other, than to applj/ and command the Di&ates
of Reafon to the Imagination, for the better moving of the Appetite and
Will. For we fee the government of Reafon isdilquieted, and afTailed
three ways 5 either by lUaqueatiott oi'Sophifws, which pertains to Lo-
gick^j or by the deceits of words, which pertains to Rhetorick,-j orbythe violence of PaJJions, which pertains to Aiorality: And as in nego-ciation with others.a man may be wrought and overcome either by C*«-
»7«^, or by Importunity, or by Vehemency^ fo in that inward negociation
which we praftife within our felves, either we are undermined Ay rAe
Fallacies of Arguments j orfollicited and difqnieted by the >iffidnity ofjmprejfions and ob/ervatioMs j or fhaken and tranfported by the affault ofaffections andpajfions. But yet the ftate of man's nature is not lb un-
fortunate, as that thole Powers and Arts fhould have force to difturb
Reafon, and not toeftablifh and advance it 5 nay, rather much more dothey conduce to this effeft, than to the contrary. For the end of Lo-
gic^, is to teach a form of Arguments, to fecure Realbn, and not to en-
trap it ; fo the end of Morality is to compofe the Affe^ions, that they
may fight for Reafon, and not that they may invade it ; the end like-
wife of Rhetorick^, is to fill the Imagination with obfervations and re-
semblances, which may fecond Reafon , and not opprefs and betray
it ; for thefeabufes of Arts come in but ex obliquo for prevention, not
for practice. And therefore it was great injuftice in P/.?/^ ('though'j^^g
fpringiiig out of a juft Imred to the Rhetoricians of his timej to place
i?Ae/^'-/;4arapngft Arts voluptuary, refembling it to Cookery, that did
marr wholefbrae meats, and help unvvholcfome by the the abufe ofof variety of fawces and feafbnings, to the plealure of the tafte. But
be it far away, that fpeech fhould not be much raoreconverfant in a-
doringthat which is fair and honeft , than in colouring that which is
foul and evil : for this is every where at hand -, and there is no man but
fpeaks more honeftly than he can do or think. Indeed it was excel-
lently noted by Thucydidet , that (bme fuch thing as this , ufed to be
objected to Clcon, that becaufe he ufed to hold the bad fide in caufes
he pleaded , therefore he was ever inveighing againfV Eloquence, and
good fpeech, for he knew no man could fpeak fair of things fordid andbafe
i82 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VL
bafe, but in things honeft it was an eafie matter to be eloquent. Plato
inMenon. ^^'^h elegantly (though the faying be now popular) That z/ertiie, ifJJie
could hefeen^ reould move great love and ajj'e&Jon : but Rhetorick paints
our vertueand goodnefs to the life, and makes them in a fore confpicu-
ous; For feeing they cannot be (hewed to fenfe in corporal Ihape, the
next degree is b^' the fair attire of words, to fhew them to the Imagina-
tion, (b faras may beinalively reprelentation; for the cuftom of the
Stoicks was defervedly derided by Cicero^ who labour'd to thruft ver-
lib/* tue upon men, by concile and (harp lentences and conclufions , whichhavenofympathy with the Imagination and Will. Againjif the /^/e^/-
ons theralelves were brought into order, and fo reciakn'd from exor-
bitant courles, as to be pliant and obedient to Reafon, it were true ,
there ftiould be no great ufe of perfwafions and infinuations, which
might give accels to the mind 5 but it would be enough if things werenakedly and limply propofed and proved : but on the contrary, the
Affe&ionsmzkQ fuch revolts , and raife up fuch mutinies and fedition»
(according to that
Q^jjvideo fneliora Troboque
Met,7. Deteriorafequor')
Thit Reafon would be forcibly led away into fervitude and captivity,
if the perfwafion of Eloquence did not prsLCiiCe^ and win the Imaginati-
on from the Affeftions part, and contract a league between Reajon andImagination againft AffeCiions. For it 4tiuft be noted that the AffeHiotts
themfelves art ever carried to a good Apparent, and, in this refpedt,
have fomewhat common with Reafon : but herein they differ , that the
affeHions behold principallygood in prefent j Reafon beholds a far off^ even
that which isfuture, and in jumm. And therefore feeing things in pre-
fent fight do more (trongly fill the Imagination j Reafon commonlyyields and i« vanquifht : but after that by Eloquence , and the force ofperfwafion, things /«f«re and remote are propofed, and beheld , as if
they were aftually prefent •, then upon the falling off of the Imaginati'
flw, to take part with Reafon^ Reafon prevails. Let us conclude there-
fore, that Rhetorick-, can no more be charged with the colouring andadorning ofthe worfe part,than Logick^Wnh the fetting out and fuborn-
ing of Sophifms; for who knows not that the doftrine of contraries
are the fame, though they be oppofite in ufe. Again, Lc^i^r^ differs
from Rhetoric/^j not only in this, that the one (as commonly is (aid) if
like the Fitji, the other like the Talm 5 that is, o(^ handleth things clofe-
ly, the other at large ; but much more in this, that Logick, confidereth
Reafon in its Naturals 5 Rhetorick.:, as it is planted in vufgar opinion.
Therefore AriUotle doth wifely place Rhetorick, between Logu^ on the
one (ide,and Ethick. wxth Civil Knowledge on the other: as participating
of both. For the Proofs and Demonftrations of Logick,:, are to all menindifferent and the fame^ but the Proofs and Perfwafions of Rhe-
torick^ niuft be varied according to the Auditors, that a man,like a skilful Mufician accommodating himfelf to different ears, maybecome
Orpheus infjlvis, inter Delphinas Arion.
Which
Lib. VI. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 185
Which Application and variance offpccch (if a man defire indeed the *
rators many times may want tkir politick and a&ivcpart of Eloquence in
private Speech j whilll by the obferving the Grace, and Elegant forms
of Exprelfion ^ they loofe that voluble application ; and charachrs offpecch, which in dilcretion they (hould have u(ed towards particulat
perfons. Surely it will not be amifs to recommend this whereofwenow fpeak, to a new Ifhpdvji, and to call it by name, T/je WJfdom ofprivate Speech , and to refer it to Deficients 5 a xhiyig certainly whichthe more ferioully a man fhall think on , the more highly he tliall va-
Jue 5 and whether this kind of Vrudmce fhould be placed be-
tween Rhetorical and the Politicks 3 is a matter of no great confe-
quence. ,.<^ ..
§ Now let us defcead to the Deficients in this Ar^which (as we havelaid before) are of fuch nature as may be eftecmed rather Appendices,
than portions ef the Art it felf 3 andpgjrtaiia 9II tg^tlie ?ro.mmary part
01 Rhetanck, .»:• , \ ,';,, V , .
II. Firft, we do not find that any man hath vvell jpurfue^ or fupplied ; ,,^, r-i
the wifdomand the diligence alfoof Arifiotle : for he began to make coionn?
a collection of the Popular Signs and Colours of G^od 'VnL Evil in appca- m°u.^^rance^ bothfitttpk and comparative^ which are, indeed, iht- S-ophifms pf
'^^'^^°?'
Rhetorick^: they are of excellent u(e, fpecially referred to bulinefs,
2,n6.t\\G vpifdom of private fpeecb. But the labours of Arishtlc con-cerning thefe Colours, is three ways defeUive j Firji^ that there be-ing many, he recites very few. Secondly, becaufe their Eleachs or Re-prehenftons zte not annext. Thirdly^t\\^x. he cpnceiv'd but in, part the
ufe of them, for their ufe is not more for Probation, than for impreffi-
on and railing theafFeftions. For many Forms offpeakitig are equal in
ftgntfication, which are different in //«/Jc^yyzf?».- for that which is (harp
pierceth more forcibly, than that which is flat, though the ftrength ofthe percuffion be the fame. Surely there is no man but will be alittle more raifed by hearing it faid. Tour enemies will triumph in
thisj
Hoc Ithacus velit^ maguo mcrccntur Atrida^ Virg.t/£n.
i.
Then if it fhould be merely thus rendredjTA// will be toyour difadvantage^
wherefore thefiarp-edged, and quick^pointed Jpeeches are not to be de-fpifed. And being we report this part as Deficient, we wilI,according
to our cuftom,confirm it by Examples, for Precepts have not fufficiently
illuftrated the Point.
,xampies
184 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b .V I.
T'
Examples of the Colours of Good and Evil, both
Simple and Comparative.
The Colour.
5 . What men Praife and Celebrate, is Good ; what they
Difpraifej and Reprehend is Evil,
The Reprehenjioft.
*His Colour deceives four ways ; either through Ignorance^ o(through Fraud, or out of Partialities and FaQion ; or out ofthe
natural clifpojitioft of fuch as Praife or Difpraife. Out of Ignorance 5 for
what's the judgement of the common People to fhe trial and definiti-
on ofGWand £7^//.«? Phocion difcern'd betterJwho when the People
Piutar. in gave him an unufual applaufe, demanded vphether he had not perchance
fomc veay or other done dmifs .<' Out of Fraud and Circumventive c««-
ning^ for Praifers and Difpraifers many times do but aim at their owii
ends, and do not think all they fay
Horar.iib. Laudat venaleis qui vnlt extrudere merces,
a. Epl.
Prov. 2«. So, It is naughty it is naught faith the Buyer, andvphen he isgone hi
vaunteth. Through Fa&ions 3 for it is plain that men are wont to
extol their own fide, beyond the modeft bounds of defert, but to de-
jprefs thofe ofthe contrary part below their demerit. Through an inbred
difpofitien '-, forfome men are by nature made and moulded to fervile
Flattery j others on the other fide are by nature Sowre and Cenfori-
ous^ fo as in their commendations, or vituperations they are only in-
dulgent to their own humours, little or nothing follicitous oftruth.
The Colour,
2, what drawls Commendation even from an Enemy , is a great Good^
IVhat moves Reprehenjion evenfrom a Friend, is a great Evil.
TheC^/(?«r feeras to be built upon this foundation , that whatfocver
we fpeak againft our will, and contrary to the affedtion andpropenfion
of our own mind, it is eafily believed, that the force of truth wrefted
she lame from us.
The Reprehenfion.
^^Wh Colour deceives x\\xou^ the Art and Subtilty both of Enemies"*• and Friends : for Enemies do fometiraes alcribe Praifcs , not un-
willingly, nor as urg'd from the force of Truth ; but yet felefting fuch
points
Lib. VI. Ofthe Advancement of Learning- 185
points of Praife, as may create envie and danger to their Enemies,wherefore a fuperftitious conceit ivent currant amongft the Grecians asthey believed, that he rrho rvas fraifcd by another maliciojijly^afjct to hishurt, poitld have a pitjl? rife upon hit nofc. Again it cieceiveT^btcauCe e-
nemies (bmetimes attribute rr<i//e/,as certain brief Prefaces, that (btheymay more freely and Ipitefully traduce afterwards. On the other (idethis Colour deceives through the flight and cunning ofFriends 5 for theircuftom is (bmetimes to acknowledge and lay open the infirmities oftheir Friends, not out of a tender Confcience from the irapreflion ofTruth, but making choice of fuch iroperfeftions , as may leaft pre-judice the reputation, or provoke the indignation of their Friends •
asif in all other points they were excellent men. Jgain it deceives be-caufe Friends ufc their Reprehcnfions (as we have obferved Enemiesdo their Prailcs) as certain fhort Introdudions,that they may expatiatemore amply in their commendations aftevvards.
The Colour.
3 Whofe Privation is Good, that fame is Eiiil^ IVkofe Privation jsEvil J thatfame is Good.
The Reprehehjlon
^TPHis Colour deceives two ways , either by rcafon of the Compari^•• fon of Good andfw/, or by re^fbn of the- SucceJJion of Good td
Good, or of Evil to Evil. By reafon of Comparifon ^ if it Were G^Wfor mankind to be deprived of the eating of Acorns, it follows not thatfuch food was Evil, but that Maft was Good, Corn Better. Neither ifit were Evilfot the State of Sictly to be deprived of Dionyfius the Elder-doth it follow that the fame Oionyftus was a Good Prince 5 but ^hat hewas lefs Evil than Dionyfiits the younger. By reafbn of Srtcceffion - forthe Privation of fottie Good, doth not always give place to Evil- butfometimes to a greater Good 5 as when the Flower falleth. Fruit ftlcceed-
ttb. Nor doth the Pr/7/<?f7(7« of fbme£z^77 always yield place to Goodbut fometimes to a greater Evil'-^ foi Clodius an enemy being taken a-,way, Milo withal forfeited a fair harveft of Glory.
The Colour.
4 That which draws neer to Good or Evil, the fame is Ul^ewife Good orEvil: But that which is removdfrom Good is Evil
'^ from Evil isGood,
Such commonly is the internal condition of«^hings^ that things of likeQyality, and confenting in Nature, confent Hkewife in place, and are,as it vyere, qnartered together, but fuch things as are contrary and di-ftant in Nature, are alfo fevered and disjoyned inplace ^ in regard thatall things defireto approach things fymbolizing with them ; to exter-minate and chafe away their contraries.
i86 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b. VI.
The Re^rehe»jion,
BUt the Ctf/^«r deceives three ways; Firft, in refpeft ofDe/?//«//(?« .-
Secondly, \ni&^^tdi oi ohfcuration : Thirdly, in refpeft of Pr^-
ie&ion. In regard of DefiitHtion^ it comes to pafs that thofe things
,
which in their kind are moft ample, and do moft excel, do (as much as
may be) ingrofs all to themfelves, and leave that which is next thein^
deititute and pined j wherefore you (hail never find thriving Shoots or
Under-wood near great (pread Trees: fo he faid well
DJvitisfervi maximefervi j-
and the derifion was pleafant of him that compared the lower Train ofAttendants in the Courts of Princes, to Fafiing-days which were next
to Holy-days, but otherways were the leaned: days in all the week. In
regard of Obfcuration^ for this is the quality of things in their nature
excellent and predominant, that though they do not extenuate and im-
poverifti the fubftance of things adjoyning to them, yet they darken
and fhadow them : And this the Aftronomers obferve of the the Sun,
that it is good by Afpeft, but evil by Conjunftion and Approximation.
In regard of Prote^ion 5 for things approach and congregate not only
for confortand fimilitude of Nature , but even that which is evil (e-
fpecially in Civil Matters) approacheth to good for Concealment and
TroteSion , (6 wicked perfons betake themfelves to the fanftuary ofthe Gods, and Vice it felfaffumes the Ihape and (hadow of Virtue.
]
S£pe latet vitium proxmitate honi.
So on the other fide, Good draws near to Evil , not for fbciety, but for
converfion and reformation of it into C?W 5 and therefore Phylicians
are more conversant with the fick than the found , and it was objefted
Mat.pi ^° *?Vir Saviour that he converfed with rublicans and Sinners,
The Colour.
5 That fide^to which all other Parties and Se&s unanimonjly conferfecond
voices^ after every particular hath ajferted a Primacy to it felfy feems to
bejufily preferr''d before the reji : for every Se& may beprejnm'd to ujurp
the firji place ^ out of Pajjion and Partiality-, but toyield the fecondplace, out of Truth and Merit.
So Cicero went about to prove the Se^ ofAcademick/i which fufpend-
ed all aflreveration,for to be the beftof all Phifofophies 5 for (faith he)CIc«r©. as^ a Stoic^which Se& if better than other, he mil prefer his oivn before
QiA. the reJi : Then ask^ him which approacheth next in dignity, he will confeft
the Academick^, fo deal with an Epicure that willfcant endure the Stoic^
to be in thefight of him, fofoon as he hath placed himfelfin the chiefroom^
he will place the Academic^ next him. So if a place were void, and aPrince ftiould examine Competitors feverally, whom next themfelves
they
L I B. VI. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, i §j
they would Tpecially commend, it were like that the moll ftcond voices
would concurr upon the ableft men.
The Reprchenjion,
'T'He fallax of this Colour is in refpedl o£Envy : for men are accuftoffl-
ed after themfelves, and their own fadion, to incline and bendunto thera, which of all the rclt are the fofteft and weakefl:, and are
Jeaft in their way in defpight and derogation of them who have moft
'infulted over thera, and have held thera hardefttoit.
The Colour.
6 That vpbofe excelkncyy and fiiperemitieticy is betttcr^ the/ante is cverjf
TPajr better.
Appertaining to this are the \i{niL\ forms 5 Let us not vpander in gene-
raliticij let us compareparticular ipith particular.
The Reprchcnfion.
HTHis /ipparcnceCcems to be of ftrength, and rather Logical^ than Rhe-
torical: yctis it very oiiea a fallax. Firft, becaufe many things
are cafual, which if they efcape, prove excellent 5 fo that in kind they
are inferiour, becaufe they are fo fubjeft to peril, and to periQi before
they come to perfeftion j but in the individual more noble. Of this
fort is the BloJJom of March^ whereofthe French Proverb goes
Burgeon de Mars , Enfans de Paris,
Si un cfchappc bien vant dixi
So that the Bloffom of May generally is better than the Blojfom ofMarch,and yet in particular the beft Blojjom of lilarch, is better than the beft
Blojfom ofMay. Secondly it deceives, becaufe the nature of things,
injonic kinds, orfpecies,\s to be more equal, in fome kinds more inequali
as it hath been obferved that warmer climates produce generally mor6acute wits; but in Northern climates the wits ofchief far-pa(s the acuteft
wits of hotter Regions. So in many Armies,if the Matter fhould be tried
by Duel between particular champions fingled outjperchance the viftcJ-
ry fhould go on the one fide •, if it be tried by the grofs, it would go onthe other fiderfor exccllencies,znd eminencics go,as it were^by chance.butkinds are governed by Nature and Art. So likewife generally Metal is
more precious than Stone3and yet a Diamond is more precious than Gold*
The Colour.
*] That which l{ceps the A/atter entire in our oton hands, is Good'-, thai
TPhich leaves no paffage open for retrait, is Evil: for not to be able to
come ofj is ^ kjnd of impotency, but the Power of difengaging oUrfclves
isgood.
A a 2 Hereof
:88 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VL
Herfeof JSfop framed the Fable of the two Froggs, that confulted
together in the time of drouth ( when many plafhes, they had repaired
to, vveredry^ what was now at laft to be done, the firft faid let us go
^, doron into a deep rvell, for it is not like the water rponld fail there, to^^' whom the other replied, yea, btit if it do fail 5 howfiall we get up again ^
The ground of this colour is, that humane aftions are fo uncertain andexpoled to perils, as that fccvieth to be the befi cmrfe, which hath moji
parages out of it. Appertaining to this perfwafion the Forms are j yott
pall wholly engage and obligeyourfelf, non tantum, quantum voles, fumes
exfortuna, youfl)aU not be yoitr own carver, nor l^eep the matter inyoHV
own hand, 8cc.
The Reprehenjfon.
THe Fal/ax of this Colour is firft, becaufe in Humane Aclions Fortuneurgeth us at length to decree, and to refolve upon fomewhat ; for
as he faith elegantly, not to refolve, is to refolve 5 fo that many times sL
fufpenfion of a final decifion engageth and implicates us in more ne-
ceffities, than if we had determin'd of fomewhat. And this difeafe
of the mind is like that of covetous men tranflated from the defireof
retaining wealth, to thedefire of retaining Free-will and Power: for
the covetous man will enjoy nothing, left he ftiould fubftraft from thetotal 5 and this kind ofsccpticl^ will execute nothing, that all things
may be entire and indifferent to him. Secondly, it deceives becaufe ne-
ceffity, and this Cameja&a eji alea , awakens the powers of the Mindandputs thefpursto any enterprife^ as he faith, C^eteris pares, necefft-
tate eerie fuperiores ejiis.
The Colour.
8 IFhat a man hath contracted through his own Default, is a greater £•
vil 5 what is impofed from without, is a. lefs Evil,
Therealbn htxeo^^iiJ)ccaufe thefling andremorfe ofthe Mind accufing
itfelf, doubles all adverfity 5 contrariwife the recording inwardly that a.
man is clear andfreefrom fault, andjuji imputation, doth much attemper
outward calamities. Wherefore the Foets do exceedingly aggravate
thofe pafiionate Lamentations, as fore-runners to delperation , when a
man accufeth and tortures himfelf.
Virg. ffn. «5"^ caufam clamat, crimenq-, caputq^ malorum.
Contrariwife the confcience of Innocence and good defcrving, do molli-
fieand mitigate the calamities of worthy perfons. Befidet when the
evil comes from without, caft upon us by others, a man hath whereofhe may )uftly and freely complain, whereby his griefs may evaporate
and not ftifle the heart.-for v/hat comes from the injuries ofmen, we are
wont to take indignation at, and meditate revenge ; or el(e to implore,
or expeft, that the divine Nemefis, and Retribution, may take hold
on the Authors of our hurt ; or if it be inflicled from Fortune,yet
their is left a kind of expoftulation againft the Divine Powers,
At^^
12.
Lib. VI. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 189
Atque Deos atque Ajlra vocat Cntdelia Mater. &.i- »
But on the other fide, where the evil is derived from a man's own faultj
there the grief ftrikes inward, and does more deeply wound and pierce
the heart.
The Reprehcfijion,
THe FdUax o^xlnsColonr is, firft in refpeft o^ Hope, which is a great
Antidote againft Evils : for the reformation of a fault is many times
in our own power, but the amendment of fortune is not, Wherefori;
in many ofhis Orations Deraojihenes faith thus to the People of Athem : Demoft.
That which having regard to the time paji, is the tvorji Point atid Circn/n- ^"^'
JiaKce of all the reji •, that as to the time to come^ is the beji : tvhat is that ?
Even this, that by your Jloth, irrejoUttion, and fmjgovernment, your af-
fairs are grown to this declination and Decay 5 for hadyon ufedanU orde'
redyater means andforces to the beif, and done your parts every way to
the full, and notrvithjianding your Matters JJjould have gone hae^rvard in
this point as they do, there had been no hope left of recovery or reputation
for hereafter 5 hut fincc it hath been only by your own errors chiefly, yoic
tftity havegood ajfurance, that thofe errors amended, you may again recover
the honour ofyour former Jiate. So Epi&etus fpeaking of the Degrees of Ep"5lct,'
the Tranquillity of mind, faith the worstJiate of man is to accufe extern
things'-) better then that^ to acatjc amansfelf'-, andbeU of all to accufe
?ieither. Secondly this colour deceivs in refpefl: of t\\zt pride which is
implanted in the minds of men, whereby they are with much ado in-
duced to an acknowledgement of their own perfonal errors^ but that
they may fhift offthis acknowledgement, they can fuffer with fir great-
er patience fuch evils, as they have by their own overfights drawn uponthcmfelves. For as we fee it comes to pais that when a fault is commit-
ted, and it is not yet known who is the delinquent, men make muchado, grow hot and impatient above meafure upon the matter : but af-
ter, if it appear to be done by a fbn^ or by a wife, or by a near friend,
then it is light made of, and prefently all is quiet : fo it is when any
thing falls out ill, the blame whereofmuft needs lite upon our fclves.
And this is commonly feen to come to pafs in women, who if they have
done any thing unfortunately againft their Parents or Friends confentSj
,
what ill foever betide them upon it,yet you fhall fee them feldom com»
plainj but fet a good face on it.
The Colour.
9 The Degree ofPrivationfecms greater than the Degree of Diminution 5
1««^ again, the Degree ofInception, fecms greater than the Degree ofIn'
creafe.
It is a pofition in the Matheraaticks j that there is noproportion between
Jomewkat and nothing : therefore the Degrees of Nullity and ^idd/(}',feem
larger, than the Degrees of Increafe and Decreafe. As to a Monoculus, it
is
I ^o Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. VL
T!
is moretoloofe one eye, than to a man that hath two eyes: (b if one
have divers children, it is more griefto him to loofe the laft furviying
fon, than all the relL And therefore Sibylla, when (he had burnt her
two firft Books ^ doubled the price of the Ti^zW, becaufe the lots ofthatAgeii lib. jjad been eradus Trivationis, and not DJMhiHtionis.1 No.At,
^
The Reprehenjio».
"He Fallax of this Colour is reprehended > firjl in thofe things^ the
fife andfervice Tvhereof reJiethiHfhffckncy, or competency, that is
in a determinate ^antity. As if a map be bound upon penalty to pay
a fum ofmoney at an appointed day, it would be more to him to wantone Noble^ than if, (fuppofing he could not tell where to be firniftit
with this one Noble) ten Nobles more were wanting. So in the decay
of a man's eftate, the degree of Debt which firfk breaks the ftock, andcafts him behind, feems a greater damage, than the laft Degree, whenhe proves nothing worth. And hereof the common Forms are. Sera, itt
Htfiod. fundo Parjimonia: and asgood never a whit^ as never the better^ ^c. Se-
condly this Colour deceives in refpeB of that Principle in 'Nature 5 Corru-
Aritt. i.de ptiounius^ Generatio alterius : (b that the degree of ultimate Privation^
Gen.& doth many times lejS difadvantage^ becaufe it gives the caufe^ andfctsthe
vpits a-work^ tofome nerv courfe. Which is the canfe that DemoHhenet
Orat.i.in often complains before the people of Athens. That the conditions im-Phihp.
pofcd by Philip, and accepted by thcM, being neither profitable, nor honou-
rable^ were but aliments oftheir floth andvpeal{nef, that it rvere much bet-
ter they were tal{en away -, far by this means their indufiries might be a-
waked to find out better remedies and (Wronger refoluticns. We knew a
Phyfician was wont to fay plealantly and yet ftiarply to delicate Dames,when they complained they were they could not tell how^ but yet they
could not endure to take any Phyfick; he would tell them, your only
way is to be (Ick^indeed, for then you will be glad to take any medicine. Sofurther, this Degree of Privation, or of the higheft period ofwant, fer-
veth not only to ftir up induftry, but alfo to command patience. Asjf<?r//'e/ec^»^ branch of this C(?/<?Kr, it depends upon the fame reafbn,
which is the degrees oi§luiddity and Nullity , hence grew the commoaPlace of extolling the beginning of every thing
Dimidium faUi qui bene c£pit habet.
This made the Aftrologers fo idle as to make a judgement npon a man's
nature and Deftiny, from the moment or point of conftellation in his
Nativity, or Conception.
The Reprehcnjion.
T His Colour firfl deceives, becaufe in many things, the firfl inceptions
are nothing elfe than what Epicurus terms them in his Philofo^hy,
Tentamenta, that is imperfeS Offers, and Efiays, which vanifij and cometo nofub^ance without iteration and improvement. Wherefore in this
cafe ihefecond degree feems the worthierjand more potent than the Firji .-
as the Body-horfein the Cart that draws more than the formofl^ Andit
L I B. VI. Of the Advancement ofLearning, loi
it is a common faying, and not without good fence, The fccond hlovp is
that which miktt th<- fray : for the firft, it may be, would have vaniflit
without Eirthcr harm : and therefore Vrius Jllalo Principmrn dedit, fedfoiierins t/todnm uuiiulit. Secondly this colour deceives in refpc& of the
dignity of Perfcvcratfcc^ which conftfis in the ProgreJ/ion, and not in the
^ggrejfton. For chance, or inftinft of Nature, may caufe inception;but fetled afFcClion and judgement makes the continuance. Thirdly:^
this Colour deceives in fitch things which have a natural conrfe and inclina-
tion contrary to an Inception 5 fo that thefirli Inception is perpetually eva-cuated, unleftheforce andfaculty be continued. As in thole commonforms it is faid ^V» progredi eft Regredi'j and ^i non proficit deficit^ as
in running agaidt the hill ^ rowing againfl: thellreams for ifit be withthe hill or with the ftream , then the degree of Inception is more thanall the reft. Again this Colour is not only extended to the Degree ofin-ception^ which isfrom Power to AH, compared with the Degree^ which is
front aU to increment 5 hut alfo is to be underwood of the degree which is
from Impotency to power^ compared with the Degree which isfrompower to
AS : for the Degree.from Impotency to Potency^ feems greater^ thanfromPower to ACt.
The Colour.
lo That which is referred toTrtitk, is more than that which is referred to
opinion. The manner and Proof of that which pertains to Opinion^ is
this 5 that a man would never have done it^ if he thought itJljould befcpulchred infecrecy and oblivion.
So the Epicures fgy to the Stoicks^Felicityplaced in virtue, that it is
like the Fe//f;// of a Player, who ifhe were left of his Auditt)rs, andtheir applaufe, he would ftreight be out of heart and countenance 5
therefore they call virtue, out of a fpiteful emulation, Bonum Theatrde,But it is otherwife of Riches, whereofthe Poet faith
.I .Populus mefibilat : at mihiplau4o 'BouU
Likewife ofPleaJure ;
-Grata fub imoOaudia Corde premens, vultufimilante pudorem.
The Reprehenfloti.
t
THe Fallax of this Colour is foraewhat fubtil 3 though the anfwer
to the exemple alledged be ready 5 for neither is virtue cho(eapropter Auram Popularem 5 feeing that al(b is given in Precept, That a.
manJfjould above alt things, andperfons, revere himfelf^ lb that a Goodman is thefame \nfolitude which he is in the Theatre 5 though perchancevirtue will be more ftrougby glory and fame, as heat is encrealed byrefleftion : But this denyes the fuppofition, but doth not redargue the
Fallax. The Reprehenfion is this, be it granted that virtue Cefpeci-
ally fuch as is joyned with labour and conflid) would not be chofen
but for her concomitants. Fame and Opinion j yet it follows not that
an appetite and chiefMotive to virtue, fliould not beje^il, and for it
felfj
192 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . VL
felf^ for Fame may be only caufa impnljlva^ or fine qua non^ and not 4
ciuie CoKjiitiient or Efficient. For example, if there were two Horfo,
whereof the one would perform with good (peed, without the fpur 5
but the other with the fpur would far exceed the performance of the
former^ this latter (I fupppofe) will bear away the prize, and bejudg'd
to be the better Horfe j and it will not move any man of found judge-
ment to fay. Tup the life of this Horfe, is but in thefpur : for feeing the
ordinary inftrument of Horfemanlhip is thefpur^, and that it is no mat-
ter of impediment or burden ; the Horje is not to be lefs accounted of^
which will not do well without the fpur : nor is that other which with-
out the fpur will do great matters, therefore to be reckoned the better,
but the more delicate. So in like manner. Glory and Honour are the
Goads andfpurs fo virtue ; and though virtue would fomewhat languifh
without them, yet fincethey be always at hand to attend virtue, evenwhen they are not invited , there is no impeachment but that virtue
may be defired for it felf5 and therefore the Pofition, That the note ofa thing chofenfor Opinion and notfor Truth, is this ^ That if a man thought
ihat what he doth, flwuld never come to light, he iPonld never have done
it 5 is reprehended.
The Colour.
1 1 what ispurchafcd by our own indujiry and virtue, is a greater Good >
what is derived upon us, from the benefit of others^ or from the indul'
gence ofFortune^ is a kffer Good,
The reafons are thefe? Firfi in refpe& of future'Hope t, becaufe in the
favour ofothers, or thegood ivinds offortune, ree hahe nofiate orcertairi'
tyi, in our oxen endeavours or abilities we have. So when they have pro-
-cured us one good fortune, we have the fame inflruments ready for
anewpurchafe^ nay bycfeftom and'fuctefs, ftronger than before. St'
condly becaufe thefe Properties which we enjoy by the benefit of others, weare debtors to others for thex>/ j whereas what we derivefrom our felves^
brings ^0 burden with it, nor draws upon Us an obligation to another. A»gain, if the Divine Providence confer a favour upon us, it impor-
tunes a kind of Retribution towards the goodnefs ofGod, which flings
ungracious and wicked men 3 whereas in that other kind of happineis,
that of the Prophet commonly falls out. They rejoyce and triumph^ they
Jacrifce unto their net, and burn incenje unto their drag. Thirdly becaufe^
that which cometh unto us without our own abilities,yieldeth not that
commendation and reputation. For Aftions of great Felicity draw
pro.M. Wonder, not praife 5 as Cicero faid to C^far. ^£ miremur labemur,qu£Marcel.
^laudemus expe&amus. Fourthly, becaufe the purchafes of our own in-
-duftry are joyned commonly with labour and ftrife, which makes the
fruition of our defires more pleafant, as faith ^S" 0/0//;£>», Suavis cibus a
venatu.
Hab.i.
B
The Reprehenjion.
lit there are four Contre-Colours which encline the cafe to the con-
trary Partj and may be as Reprehenfions to the former Cohurs^
Firji
In Tiraai;
L I B. VI. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. ic)^
Firji becdttfc FelicityJccms to be a feal and charafter of Divine favour 4
and accordingly begets both conjidcnee and alacrity in our /elves ,* and re-
fpeS and authority from others : And this Felicity comprehends manycafualties, whereunto the power and providence of a man cannot a-
fpire. As when C£far encouraging the Sayler, faid C^farem portas & Suct.jE
forthnam ejus --y but if he had faid, Ctefarem portas d^ virtntem ejns^ it
had been a cold comfort againft a tempeft. Secondly hccaufe thatpichthings as proceedfrom virtue and indujiry^ are imitable, andfcafdble by
others to he pra&ifed 5 irhereas Felicity is a thing inimitabk,and a Preroga^
tive offomefewfingidarperfons. Wherefore we generally feCjthat things
ofNature are preferr'd before things ofArt, becaufe they be inimitable;
for what is iraitable is in effed Proftitute and common. Thirdly the Re-venues of Felicity^ fcem to be no purchafe ofourown^ but a Donativefromethers : hut vohat is acquired by our own proper virtue is^ as it were, bought
at a price. Whereupon Plutarch faith elegantly of the Arts of liV/We-e», a man of all men moft fortunate, compared with the Afts oi Agefi-
laus and Epaminondas who lived in the (arae Age, That they were lil{e
Homer's verfes, which as they excell'd in other points^ fo they feem'd to
have an eafte nativeJlide in them and to be condu&ed by a happy Genius,Fourthly becaufe whatfalls out beyond hope and txpeffation, injinuatcs it
felf more fweetly, and with greater delight, r»to tfie minds of men 5 butthis cannot be incident to thofe things, which proceed from pur owncareand compafs. k,-
^ ^
'
Y
The Golour.
1 5 " what confijis ofmany and dividedparts, z^gre^fer than that which'' confijis offew Tarts, and is more entire j for all things confideredby
parts feem greater: wherefore both plurality of parts hathafJjew ofMagnitude •) and thefame Plurality vporkj moreJirongly^ if it be pre-
. ^'^Jented unto us without order 3 foy it inducetha refembUnce of Infinity,*' and hinders Comprehcnfioni
This Colour (eems a Yallax, at firft fight very palpable ; for not th^Plurality of Parts aloae, but the Majonty^may make the total Greater 3
yet neverthelefs the C(?/(7«r many times carrycs the imagination away 3
yea, it deceives fenfe. For it (eems to the eye, alhorterdiftanceofway»if it beall dead and continued, fo as nothing intercurr which may brealc-
the fight 5 than in fuch a coaft or quarter, where there are Trees andBuildings, and other marks, which may meafure and Divide the fpace.
So when a great Monied-man hath divided and diftributed his cherts'
and bags into feveral and diftindt rooms, he feeriieth to himfelf richer
than he was. Therefore a way to /Amplify any thing, is to break^it in-
to many Parts, and to handle every part feverally by it felf. And this
again will more fill the imagination, if it be done promifcti'oufly andwithout order 5 for co»/«/;o« raifeth an opinion of multitude 3 fb whatare prefented and propounded in order, both feem to be more finitc,and
deflionftrate that nothing is left out, but all is there : whereas on thecontrary, whatlbever things are reprefented confufedly, are not onlythought to be more numerous in themfelves , but they leave a fufpiciot*
that more might be faid than is expreffed.
B b th«-
cc,
cc
194 Ofthe Advancement of Learning, L i b. VI.
The Repre/jenJiOfi.
HTHe Fallax of this Colour is. Firji vehen a man doth over'conceive^ or* prejndicate of the greatneji of any thing, comprehending it beyond the
true limtf of Magnitude •-, for then the breaking of it willmake it feem Ufi\
audre&ijie thatfalfe opinion, and prefent the objell in its native verity^
and not with amplification. Wherefore ifa man be in ficknefs or in pain^
the time will feem longer to him without a Clock or an Hour-glafs^than
if it were meafured with them : for ifthe wearyfomenels, and vexation
ofa difeafe, make the time feem longer than in truth it is ; yet the com-
putation oftime reforms that miftake, and makes it ftiorter than that
erroneous opinion conceived it to be. So in a dead Plain (whereof e-
ven now we gave a contrary inftance) it fometimes falls out 5 for though
at firft the eye preconceiv'd the way (horter, becaufe it was undivided,
yet if upon this fuppofition, an opinion poffefi the imagination of a far
(horter fpace ofground than it proves to be, thefruftrating ofthat vain
conceit, makes it feem longer than the truth. Therefore ifany mandefire to humour and fecond thfc fallfe opinion ofanother, touching the
preii^«e/fofany thing, let him beware of diftributions, and breaking it
infeveral confiderations, but }6t him out ofhand extol the matter en-
tire and in the grols. Secondly this Cotour dec'eives when the Dijiribtiti-
on is dilfra&edorfcattered, or is not prefented entire, or doth not at once
object itfelfto thefight. Therefore ifflowers in a Garden be divided
into feveralbeds, they will (hewi^Bore than ifthey were all growing in
one bed j fo the Beds be within a plot that they be the objeft ofview
at once 5 otherwifej union is of more force in this cafe than fcattered
diftribution. Therefore theJr Revenues feem greater, whofe Lands and
Livingi lie together in one fhire 5^ for *ifthey were difperfed, they would
not fall fo eafily within notice and eomprehenfion. Thirdly this Colour
deceives in refpeii ofthe digkiiy oftinitj above multitnde j for all compofiti-
on is afure marl{_of deficiency, in particularitiesJeverally confidered,whicb
thuspieces out one thing with the addition of another.
iir.f( V f-^.
'>".: :*I'
-
Et (jiji£ nonprofnntfingula,multajuvant.
Luk.io. And therefore i'I/4r;' had chofen the better part, Ai^rtha^ Martha^ of;
offop. tendis adplurima, unumfufficit. Hereupon ^fop, framed the fable of
the Fox and the Cat. The Fox bragged what a number ofjhifts anddevi"
ces he had togetfrom,th^ Hounds y th^Catfaidfije had but one only way t<f
trujl to, which ivas, this y fie, had a poor fienderfaculty in dimbingup^
tree: which yet in proofwas a furer gui^rd then all Vulpone's policies an<^
,
ftratagems: whereof the proverb grew, mnltanovit Vulpes, fed Felisur-
num magnum, the Fox knows many pradlices, but the Cat. one fpecial
;
one that will help at a dead lift. And in the Moral of this, Fable it
it comes likewife to pals , that a. potent and faithful Friend, is
a- fnrer Card at a pinch than all the Plots and Policies of a mamsown wit.
And thefe Qiall fuffice for example : we have an infinite nnraber more
of Colours, of this nature, which w^ colleftcd in our youths but
without
Lib. VI. Of the Aclv.wcenient ofLearning. Jc)^
without their lllujir^itions and KcpreheMfions , which at this time \ve
have now leifure to perfed and digcft j wherefore we thought it in-
congruous to expofe thofe Colours naked, without their iHnjiratiotit^
leeiag thefc other come abroad attired. Yet thns much in the mcari
time we admoniQi, that this branch of knowledge, in our judgement,
whatfoevcr it may feem, is of no contemptible confequence, but a
matter of high price and u(e, as that which participates both ofPrimi-
tive, rhifi'fophj'j of Policy^ and of Rhcthorick. Thus much of popular
marks, or of the Colours of Good >i/id Evil in apparence^ as well (iv/fle as
comparative.
III. A fecond collection,which appertains to a ready provifio/r^or pre- *
faratoryjlorL\ is that which C/Vero intimates (as we have noted before ^^^\\vaLogicki) where he gives it in Precept, that we have Comffion-pUces rerhv?,
in ready preparation argued and handled Pro and Contra ^ fuch as are, '"'"-
Tor the rvords and letters of Law , for the fence dnd mind of Law ^ and
the like. And we extend this Precept to other things aUb^ as that
it raiy be applied , not only to Judicial Forms j but to Delibera-
tive and Demonstrative alfo. Generally this is it we would have done 5
namely, that we have all places, whereof there is more frequent ufd
(whether we refpcU Probations and Confutations^ er Pcrfvcajions and Dif-
fwafions, orPraifes .i«^/'/7«/)c'r(«//(?»/ j}' ftadied andftieditated before-
hand , and the fame extoU'd and deprelled by the higheft (trains cff
Wit and Invention ^ and perverfely wrefted, as it were, of purpofe ut-
terly beyond Truth. And in our opinion the manner of this CoUe-
Qion , as well for ufe as for brevity, would be the beft, if fuch common-places, and feeds of (everal Arguments were abridg'd and cafl: up into
ibme brief and acute fentences, as into Skains ur bottoms of Thread
to be drawn out, and unwinded into larger Difcourfes as occafion
Diould be prefented. A CoUe&ion in this nature we find in Seneca^ but Sen.Con-
Jn fuppofitions only,or Cafes. Of this fort(in regard we have many ready ^^°'-
preparedJ we thought good to fet down fome of them for example;
^hefeweeall Antitheta RerHf}t.
Examples'of the Antitheta.
NOBILITY. L
Pro. Contra.
THey whofe -vertueis altogether T^T Obility feldom fprirgs fromderivedfrom thejiock_-ithefe I^Wl ^'ertue j Vertue more fel-
not only have not a will:,but -*- ^ domfrom Nobility.
jeant a power t0 be wicked. Nobles by birth more often jife the
NobUity is a Garland of Bays ,intercejfion of their Ancejlors for
wherewith time Crowns men. Pardon^ than their fuffrage for Ho'
, Wt reverence Antiquity even in nonrs.
dead Monuments , how much more The indujlry ofnew rijing men ^ift livings ' oftentimesfuch^ as Nobles compar'd
ivith them are but Statues.
3b 2 ff
1 ()G Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. VI.
Ifyou regard not the Honour ofan Nobles by bloody look too often back,,
ancient Houfe : Then what difference in the conrfe •-, which is the qualitjf
will there be between the Race of ofan ill Racer,
Men, and the Race of Beajis <?
Nobility removes I'ertue from En-
vy 5 recommends it to Grace and
Favour,
BEAUTY. II.
Pro.
Deformed perfons commonly have
their revenge of Nature.
Vertue is nothing elfe but inward
Beauty 5 and Beauty nothing elfe but
an outward Vertue.
Deformed perfons feek. to refcue
themfelvesfromfcorn^~by malice andholdnefs.
Beauty mal{es Verges flnne^ vices
bhjlj.
YOXi
Pro,
Ourfirfl cogitations, and thu coun^
fels of Touthjiream more divinely.
Old men are more wife far. them-
felves, than they are for others a^the Repub.
If it could be made vifible. Oldage doth more deform the mind thanthe body.
Old men fear all things fave the
Gods.
Contra.
Vertut is like a, rich Stone, heji
plainfet.
what a fair vejimenf is to a de-
formed Body, thefame is a comely Bo-
dy to a deformed Mind,They nfuaUy are of no great partt^
whom Beauty commendeth or mo-
veth.
TH. iir.
Contra.
' ;youth ii thefeld of Repentance^
Tfiere is in Touth an inbred dif-
cjieem of the Authority of Age, thai
everyone maygrow wife at his ownperil.
Thofe Counfels to which Time wasnot call'd. Time will not ratifie.
In old men Venus /'/ changed in-^
to the Gracer.
HEALTH. IV.
Pro.
The regard of Health htak^s the
Mind humble, and obfequious to the
Body.
A found Body is the Souls Hoft,hut afickly her Jaylor.
Nothing fo promotes the ftimm ofBnfinefs, as a profperousfiate of BO'cly •-, but on the contrary, afickly con-
Jlitution makes too many Holy-days.
Contra.
Often to recover health, is often to
growyoung again.
Indilpofition of Health is a com-
mon excufe, hither we fly even whenwe are well.
Health unites the Soul and the
Body in toofiriB a league.
The Couch hath govern d mighty
Empires j and Litter mighty Armies
W\FE
B. VI. Of the Advancement ofLearning, iqj
WIFE and CHILDREN.
Pro. Contra.
charity to the Coffi^ion-rcealth , He th^t hath Wife and Childrcft^
begins at a private Famil/. hathgivcti Hoiiages to Fortune.
IFife and children arc a l^iftd of Generation and IJfue are HnmancDifcipline of Humanity 5 but un- A&s ; Creation and its Works are
married men are cruel and hard- A&s Divine,
hearted. Ijjne is the Eternity of Beajis^
Single life and d childlefsjiate^arc Fame , Merit , and wholefome Fre-
goodfor nothing but forflight. cepts, the Eternity of Aden.
He that procreates no Children,
Oeconomical refpecfs many times
facrificeth to Death. fupplant Political Duties.
They that arc happy in all other To fame Natures the Fortune ofthings, are commonly unfortunate in Pt'iimus is acceptable, tfhofurviv'dtheir Children : leji being men they his whole Pojierity.
Jhouldat^roach too near to a condi-
tion Dnine,
RICHES. Vf.
Pro.. , Cpntra.
They defpife Riches^that difpair of Of great Riches , there is either
them. a cufiody ^ or a difpenfation , or aAnenvy conceived Againfi Riches, famc'-y but no folid nfe.
hath extolled Vertue to a Deity. Doyou notfee rvhat feigned prifes
IVhiljl Philofopers call in doubt are fet upon little Stones, and fuchwhether all things are to be referrd kj»d of Rarities, that there may be
to Vertue or Pleafure 5 furvey the in- fame ufe made ofgreat Riches .<?
firuments of them both. Many, whiljl they have entertained
Vertue, by means of Riches^ is con- an opinion that all things might be
verted into A common good. bought vpith. their money-, have in
All other kjnds of Good have a this conceit, firiifold themfehes.
provincial command^ only Riches a I cannot call Riches better than
general*^ the Baggage of Vertue , for they are
both necefjary to Virtue, andyet com-berfome,hindringthe March.
Riches are agood Hand'Maid,bfit
thevporjl Mi^refs.
HONOURS. VII.
Pro. Contra.
Honours are 7iotfuffrages of Ty- whilji vee feel{_ Honours^ rve loofe
rants, but ofDivine Providence- liberty.
' Honours make both Vertues and Honours commonly give men d
Vices confpicnoHs 5 therefore thofe fovcer over thofe things , reherein'
they
1 98 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VL
they excite^ thefc they refrefs.
No man can tell what proficie nee
he hath made in the RaceofVertite^
unlef Honours afford him an open
Field.
The motion of Vertue as of other
things, is violent to its place, calm
in its place j and the place of Ver-
tue is Honour.
thehcU condition is, not to veil/-,
the next not to can.
Thejiairs to Honours are [hep,
the jiandingflippery, the regrefs a.
dovpnfal.
They that are in great place had
need to borrow other mens opinions^
to thinks themfehes happy»
EMPIRE. VIII.
Pro. Contra.
// is a great hlejjing to enjoy Hap-
pinefs 5 hut to have the power to
confer it on others, isfar greater.
Kings are rather like fiars than
men 5 for they have a povperful in^
flux upon all men, and upon times
themfehes.
To refiB God's vicegerents,is not
only the guilt of Treafon,hnt a kjnd
ofTheomachiti
what a, miferable Jiate is it, ta
have a fen> things to dejire, infinite
things to fear !
Princes are like heavenly bodies
Tvhich have much veneration, but
no rcji. ^ •
None ofHumane con^itWn is ad-
mitted to the Banquet of the Cods^
but to his reproach.
PRAISE, REPUTATION. iX.
Pro.'
Traifes are the refiexed Beams ofFertue.
That praife is an Honour which
comesfrom voices freely conferred.
Many States confer Honours 5 but
Traifes are every tphcre the Attri-
butes of Liberty.
The voice of the people hath fome
divinencfs in it j elfe howfliould fo
many men agree to be of one mind .«"
Ton need not wonder if the com-
munalty fpeah^ more truly than the
Nobility j for theyfpeak.morefafely.
Pro.
Fame is a better Nuncio than tt
"judge.
what hath a good man to do with
the dull approbation of the vulgar ^Fame like a River bears up things
light and fwoln 5 drottons things
weighty andfolid.
The loipeji vertues draw praife
from the common people 5 the mid-dle vertues work. ?'« them Aftonifh"
ment or Admiration 5 but of thg
higheji Vertues they have no fence
or perceiving at all.
Fraife proceeds more out ofa bra-
very than out ofmerit 5 and happens
rather to vain and windy perfons,
than toperfonsfubjiantial andfolid.
N A T U R E. X.
Pro. Contra.
The Frogrefs of Cuftom is Arilh- Mens thoughts are according to
metieal'-i of Nature Geometrical. Nature-, their words according iff
At
B. VI. Of the Advancement ofLeanwig, igg
As Laws are to Cufiom in Civil Precept 5 but their deeds accordingStates, fo is Nat/tre to Cufiom in to cujiom.
every particularper/on. Nature is a kind of Pedant , C«»Cujiom againji Nature is a kind fiom a Alagijirate,
ofTyranny, and is quickly and uponlight occafion opprefjcd.
FORTUNE. XI.
Pro.
Ouvert and apparent vertnes bring
forth praife ; fccrct and hidden
Virtues bringforthfortune.
Vsrtues ofduty bringforth praife'-,
vertues of ability bring forth for-
tune.
The way of Fortune is like the
Milken tray in the skje 3 rvhich is
it meeting or kpot of certain fmallobfcure veriues vpithout a name.
Fortune is to be honoured and re-
fpe3ed, and it be butfor her daugB-ters confidence and reputation.
Contra.
Thefolly cf one man, is the for»tune of another.
InFortune this Imay chiefly com-'
mend, that being flje makfi no e/e-
Uion, fie gives no prote&ion.
Men of place and quality while
they decline the envy of their ownvertues '1 have been found amongthe worjljifpers ofFortune,
LIFE. XII.
Pro.
// isafoohjh and prepojierous af-
ft&iottf io love the Acceff&ries oflife, more than life itfelf.
A full courfe is better than a
fijort i afairadvantage to all things,
yea even, to vertue.
IVithoHta goadfpacious compafs
Pfl^fe, ive can neitherfully perfe^
,
ftor learn,, nor repent.
Contra.
The rhilofophers, whilji they raife
fo great preparations againji Death^have made it bat appear more terri-^
ble.
Menfear Death becaufe they kn-ot»
it not 5 as Children fear the dark,.
Tou can find no pajflon in the
Mind of manfo weak, which if i%
be but a littlepreji, majiers not the
fear of death.
To be willing to die , not only avaliant man, or a niiferable manMay, or a wife 5 but even a falii-
dioHs man , and a coward may d(f
as much.
S«PER.
200 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b .VL
SUPERSTITION. XIII.
Pro.
They that err out of a well meavt
%eal^ may not be approved^ but yet
may be beloved.
Mediocrities are due to Moral
vertues , extretkities to divine.
Afuperjiitious man is a religious
formalifi.
Ijljouldfooner believe all the Fa-
buloHs wonders ofany Religon,than
that this univerjal Frame was built
without a Deity.
Contra.
As it adds deformity unto anApe^ to befo like a man , fo the (i-
militnde offupefiition to Religion^
makes it more deformed.
Look how odious Affe&ation is in
Matters Civil 3 fo hateful isfuper"
Jiition^ in matters Divine,
It were better to have no opinion
of God at all, thanfuch an opinion
as is reproachful unto him.
It is not the School of EpicuruSj
but the Porch of the Stoicks that
hathperturbed ancient States.
It cannot come into the mind ofman to be a mere Atheiji in Opini-
on ; but your great Hypocrites are
the true Atheijis , who are ever
handling holy things^ but never re-
vere them.
PRIDE. XIV.
Pro.
Tride is even with vices incom-
petible : And as poyfon is expelled
by poyfon , fo many vices are by
pride.
A /oft nature becomes guilty of
the crimes of others ; but a proud
fpirit only of his own.
Pride ifit afcend from contempt
of others to a contempt of itfelf, athji is chang d into Philofophy.
Contra.
Pride is the injinuating Ivie to
Vertues, and allgood ^alities.
All other vices are only contrary
to vertues,pride alone is ccntagious^
Pride wants the beji condition ofvice, that is, concealment.
A proud man while he defpifeth
others,prejudiceth himfelf.
INGRATITUDE. XV.
Pro.
the guilt of ingratitude is no-
thing elfe ibut a too precife conji'
deratiOffrAnd inquifitjon into the
caufe of a benefit conferred.
WhiIJi we endeavour to be grate-
ful to others, we neither perform
Contra.
The crime of Ingratitude is
not to be reprcjjed by punifl}-
ments, but to referred over to the
Furies.
The obligations of benefits are
more jlri£f than of Duties , where-
jnllice
f
L I B. VI. Of the Advancemejit ofLearning. 201
Jiijiice to others, vor reserve liber-
ty to our Jclves,
IVherethe valuation ofa Benefit
is uncertain, there the lejs thanks
is due.
fore he that is untha^ii^full is unjuj}^
and any thing.
Such is man's condition j no manis born tofo high afortune, hut that
he is a debtor to the retribution both
of Private thanks, and perfonalrcvcnge.
ENVY. XVI.
Pro.
It is naturalfor a //tan to hate the
reproach of his Fortune.
Envy in a flate is a vpholfome 0-
jiracij/ft.
Contra.
Envy never makes Holyday.
loathing but death reconciles En'vy to virtue.
Envy doth put vertue to it, as
Juno did Hercules.
INCONTINENCE. XVII.
Pro.
Chtjiity may thank.JealouJte that
Jbe is become a virtue.
He had need be endued with muchGravity, that makes the fports ofVenus any matter of Earneji.
why doyou place either afpare di-
et,or aJlHTP ofHonefiy^or the Daugh-
ter ofrride,amongji the virtues .<?
Ofloves, as of vpildfon'l,there is
»0 property ; but the right ispajio'
ver with the pojfej/ion.
Contra.
Incontinence is one of Circes her
vporji transformations.
Anunchaft liver hath utterly loji
a reverence to himfelf which is the
bridle of all vice.
They that with Paris, make beau'
ty their wiJI), lofe^ as he didy WiJ-clom and Honour.
AIexander/t7/ itpon no popular
truth, whenhefaid, thatflecp andluji were the earners ofDeath.
CRUELTY. XVIIL
Pro.
No virtue isfo often guilty as clc'
mency.
Cruelty if it proceedfrom revenge,
it isjujiice j iffrom Peril it is wif-
dom.
He thatfiews mercy to his enemy,
denyes it to himfelf.
phlebotomy is not more neceffary
in the Body Natural, than it is in
the body Politick'
Contra.
He that delights in blood, is ei-
ther a wild beaji or a Fury.
Cruelty to a Good ma»,J'eems to be
hut a Fable, andfeme TragicalfiUi--
on.
VAIN.
202 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. VI.
VAIN-GLORY. XIX.
Pro.
He that [eehj his ovptt praifc ,
ivtthalfeekj the profit of others.
He that is fo referv'd, as to re-
gard nothing that is forreign j it
may be fufpe&ed , that he will ac-
count public^ affairs^ forreign im-
pertinencies.
such Difpofitions as have a com»
mixture of Levity in them, more
tafily undertake apublick^charge.
Contra.
Vain-glorious perfons arealvpays
fit&ioHs , lyers, inconliant , over-
doing.
Thrafo // Gnatho's/^re;'.
It is apame for a Lover to makpfuit to the hand-maid > but Praife is
verttiei hand-maid.
JUSTICE. XX.
Pro.
KifJgdottts and 'States are only
the appendices of Jufiice: for if
Jnjiice otherivife could be executed,
there would be no need ofthem.
It is the effeS of fuliice , that
than is to man a Cod , and not a
WolfThough "jufiice cannot extirpate
Vice 3 yet it reprefieth it from do-
ing hurt.
Contra.
If this be to hejufi, not to do to
another what you would not havi
done to your felfj then is mercy
Jufiice.
If we mufi give every one his
due, then jurely pardon to Huma-vity.
what tell you me of equity whento a wife man all things are un-
equal .<?
Do but confider what the condi'
tion oftheguilty was in the RomanState 5 and then fay Jufiice is not
for the Republic^.
The common Jufiice of States is
as a Philofopher in Court 5 that if,
it makes only for a reverential re-
fped offuch as bear Rule,
FORTITUDE. XXI.
Pro. Contra.
Nothing but fear is terrible. That's a goodly vcrtue to be
There is nothing folid in plea- wiHing to dye, fo you may be fnrt
fure, nor afiur'd in vertue, where to kill.
fear difquicts.
He
L I B .V I. Of the Adzuincement of Learning.
-^i^
He th4t coMfroMts dangers with
open c)es , ilut he may receive
the charge ; marketh how to avoid
the fame.
All other vertues^ free us from
the Dominion of Vice 5 only For-
titnde from the Dor/Union of For-
tune,
That's a goodly veritie fnrc^which
even drnnl{i:nnefs may induce.
He that is prodigal of his ownlife^ rvill not fpare the life of ano-
ther.
Fortitude k a vertue of the Iron
TEMPERANCE. XXIL
Pro.
To abftain and to fuftain, arc
vertues proceeding commonly fromthefame habit.
"Uniformities , concords ., and
ftieafures ofjuotions, are things ce-
lejiial, and the characters of Eter-
nity.
.. Temperance as rpholcfome colds ,
concentrate and firengthen the
forces of the Jllind. ,. >•Too exquifite and ipandring
fenfes , had need of Narcoticl{Sj
and fo likcwije rvandring aj^Cfi-
fKS, V
Contra.
I like not thcfe negative vet'
tues j for they argue Innocence not
Merit.
That mind languifjeth tvhich is
notfometimesfpirited by exccj^.
I like thofc vertues which induce
the vivacity of A&ion, and not the
diilncf? of Pajfion.
IVhen youjct dorvn the equaltem-
pers of the mind, you fct down but
few j nam pauperis eft nuraerare
pecus.' Thefe Stoicifms ( not to ufe that
fo you may not dcfire 5 not to dejirs
thatfo you may not fear') are the re-
folutions of pufillanimoHs , and di»
firujiful natures.
CONSTANCY. XXIIL
Pro.
Confiancy is the foundation efvertue.
He is a miferahle man that hath
tioperception ofhisfuture (iate^what
it (fjall or may be.
Seeing maris judgement is foxt>eak,y as that he cannot be conjiant
to things 5 let him at leaji be true to
^imfelf and to his own defigns.
Coniiancj gives reputation even
to vice.
If to the Inconfiancy of Fortune
tPt add alfo the inconfiancy ofmind , in Tphat mazes of dark^ejT
do jpe live.
Contra.
Conflancy like a fullen-felf-wiird
Torterep, drives away manyfruitfulinformations.
There is good reafon that Con-
fiancy pould patiently endure
crojfes 3 for commonly JJje caufeth
them.
Thepjoriefl folly is the beji.
c 2 Fortune
204 Of the Advancement of Learning,Lib. VI.
Fortune is like Proteus, ifyon
pcrfji ,pe returns to her trtte
Jhape.
MAGNANIMITY. XXIY.
Contra.
Magnanimity is a vertue Voeticd,g Pro.
when once the mind hath pro-
pounded to itfelf honoitrabkendsj
then not only vertues , but even
the Divine powers are ready to fe-
cond.
Vertues[pringing from Habit or
Frecept^ are vulgar j but from the
end heroical.
KNOWLEDGE, CONTEMPLATION. XXV.
Pro.
That delight only is according
to Nature^ whereof there is no fa-
tiety. :
'
Jhe fjveetefi profpe& is that ,
whjch looks into the errors of o-
thers, in the vale below.
How pleafmg and profitable a
thing is it,' to have the orbs of the
mind concentrick.:> rvith the orbs of
the World.
All depraved affeHions are falfe
valuations •, but goodnefs and truth
are ever thefame.
Contra.
A contemplative life isafpeciotf»
jioth:
To think, mil is little better than;
to dream well.
The divine providence regardt
ther'iporldj thou thy country.
A right Politick procreates Cfffli
temptations.
LEARNING. XXVL
Pro.
Reading is a convcrfe with the
wife ; A&ioH, for the mojipart, a
commerce with fools.
Thofe Sciences are not to be re-
puted altogether unprofitable ,that
are of no ufe j if they fjarpen the
wits 3 and marpal our conceptions.
Contra,
To be wife from Precept snd,
from Experience, are two contrary
habits i fo as he that is accujiomed
to the one, is ineptfor the other.
There is many times a vain ufe of.
Art, lejl therefJjouldhe no ufe.
This commonly is the humour ofall Scholars, that they are wont to
acknowledge all they know j but not
to learn what tbey know not.
PROMP-
L I B. Vl- Of the Advancement ofLearning. 20=5
PROMPTITUDE. XXVIL
Pro.
That is not feafmahlc rvifclom,
which is not quicksand nimble.
He that qfiick}) errs^ quickj/ re-
forms his error.
He that is xvife upon Heliberation,
M)4 not upon fwfent occajion j per-
forms no great matter.
' •?s(.\\ A^v-'
\« ,'
Contra.
That rvifdom is not far fetcht ^
nor deeply grounded^ which is ready
at hartd.
Wifdom is as a Vefiment^that is
lightejl^ vphich is readiejl.
Age doth not ripen their wifdom^
rohoje counfels deliberation doth
not ripen.
PVhat isfuddenly invented, fud'denly vaniJJjeth j foon ripe foonrotten.
Silence b matters of Secrecy. XXVIII.
Pro.
From a. filent man , noticing if
coneeatd'-i for all is therefafely laid
up.
He that eafily talkj what he
kpon>s, will atfo tatkjphathe l^nowi
not. ... . .*
M/Jlertef are ane tojecreciet^
Contra.
Alteration of CuUoms placeth
the mind in the dar\j and makesmen go invifible.
Secrecy is the verttte ofa Confejfor,
From ajilent man all things are
Ironceal'd, becaufe all is repai'dtvith
jilcnce.
A clofe man is next to an »«-
known man.
FACILITY. XXIX.
Pro. Contra.
Ilikp the man that is pliant to facility is a, wea^ privation ofanother's inclination , but yet re- judgement.
ferves hisjudgementfromfattery. The good offices offacile natures
He that is flexible comes neareSi feem debts -^ their denials, injuries.
to the nature of Gold. He owes the thankj to himfelf
that obtains any thing of a facile-'
ttaturd man.
All difficulties pref upon a too
accejjible andyielding nature 3 forhe ingages himfelfin all.
Facile natures feldom come offwith credit.
popd^
2o6 Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib.VL
POPULARITY. XXX.
Pro.
Thefame things commonly pleafe
tvife men, hut it is alfo a. point of
rv/fdom 5 to humour the changeable
clifpofttion of fools.
To honour the people is to he ho-
noured.
Men in place ufually Uand in
arve , not of one man , hut the
multitude.
Contra.
He vphofe nature rightly forts
with fools ^ may himfelf be fu'fpc&ed.
He that hath the Art to pleafe the
people 5 commonly hath thepower to
raife the people.
No terms of moderation taksf
place with the -vulgar.
To fawn on the people^ is the lovf»
efi degree of Flattery,
LOQ_UAClTY. XXXr.
Pro.
silence argues a man to be
jealous, either of others, or of him-
Refiraint of liberty in what kind
foever is an unhappy cafe, but the
worfi of all is that ofjllence.
Silence is the vertue of fools'-,
where he faid truly to a ftlent
man. If you be wi(e you are a
Fool 5 if you be a Fool you arc
wife.
Silence lif^e night isfit for Trea-
cheries.
Cogitations are like waters ,
^ofi wholefome in the running
Siream.
Silence is a kind of folitude.
He that isftlent proHitutes him-
felfto cenfure.
Silence neither difchargeth it fetf
of Evil thoughts , nor contributes
any good.
Contra.
silence adds grace and authority
to a man's words.
Silence like a kindly fieep re*
frefheth wifdom^ and fettles tht
judgement.
Silence is the Fermentation ofour thoughts.
Silence is thefiile ofwifdem.Silence is a candidatefor Trufh,
DIS.
1
L I B. VI. Ofthe Advancement of Learnings doy
DISSIMULATION. XXXIf.
Pro.
DJlJimnlation is a competidioiis
VPifdof/:.
IVe are not tied tofay the fame ,
but to intend the[ante.
Na^cdaefs even in the Mind is
uncomely.
Diffitntilition is both a Grace
and a Guard.
Dijjin/itlation is the fence ofcoftnjels.
Some through their too apcrtfair
dealing become a prey.
He that carries all things with
an open frankncjS deceives , as he
that fomcTvhat diffembles : for ma-ny either do not comprehend him^
or do not believe him.
Open dealing is nothing elfe but
a weaknefS of mind.
Contra.
IVhen vpe cannot thinf^according
to the verity of things^ yet at leajt
let us fpeak according as we think.
IVhofefjallow capacities comprc-hend not the Arts of State:, inthem^ a habit ofdiffimuUtion goesfor Tvifdom.
He that Dijfembles^dcprivcs him-felfofone of the mofi principal in^jirnmentsfor A&ion^which is belief.
Dijftmtdation invites DijfimU"lation.
A dijfen/blcr is not exemptfrodbondage.
BOLDNESS XXXIIL
Pro.
A fliamcficel fnitor teaches the
way hoTP to be denied.
what A[tion is to an Orator.^ the
fame is boldnefs to a Politic^ ; the
Jirjiy thefecond, the third vertue,
Ilove him that confejfeth his mo-dejiy^ but I cannot endure him that
accufeth it.
A confidence in carriage fooneliunites affeSions.
I like a referved countenance,
and an openfpeech.
Contra.
Boldnefs is the Verger tofolly.
Impudence is good for nothing
but'for Impoflure.
Confidence is thefool's Emprefs.^
and the wife marHs buffoon.
Boldnefs is a kjnd of Dulnefs offenfe^together withaperverfenefs ofwill.
Ceremonies, PuntoeSjAffeftation. XXXIV.
Pro.
A comely moderation of Counte-
nance and GcfiUre . is the true fea-
fgning vertue.
Contra.
IVhat can be a more deformed fpe^
Sacle^than to transfer the fenfe in'
to our common courfe of life ^
'f
2o8 Ofthe Advancement of Learning, L I B. VI.
If tpe obferve the vulgar in the
ufc oflVords^ TPhy not in Habit and
Gejlure ?
He that keeps not a decorum in
[mailer matters , and in his daily
cnUoms^ though he be a great man,
yetfet it downfor truth ^ thai fuch
a pcrfonage is wife^ but at certain
Jeafons.
Vertue and tvifdom p without all
points of refpeB and complement,
are like forreign languages , they
are not undcrjiood by the common
people.
He that apprehends not the mean-
ing of the common people, neither
by a congruous application , nor
yet by obfervation, isofall menmoji
fenfeleff,
Puntocs and ceremonies are the
tranflation ofvertue into a mother-
tongue.
Fair ingenious behaviour wins'
grace and favour , but affectation
and art procures hatred.
Better a painted face and crifped
hair 5 than painted and cnjpecl
manners.
He cannot comprehendgreat mat-
ters, who breaks his mind tofmall
obfervations.
Aff'eBation is thejl)ining PHtrefa»
&ion ofingenuity.
JESTS. XXXV.
Pro.
A conceit is the altar of an 0-
raior.
He that mingles modeji mirth in
all his commerce with others j re-
ferves afreedom ofmind.
It is a matter more politick,than
a man would think,:, fmoothly to
pafs from jejl to earneji, andfront
earneji tojeji.
A witty conceit is oftentimes a
convoy of a Truth, whrch othcrwife
could not fo handfomely have been
ferried over.
Contra.
what man defpifeth not thofe
that hunt after ihefe deformities
and^toncinnities .<?
Toput off the importance of hu-
fmefs with ajeji, is a bafeflight ofwit.
Then judge' of ajejl , when yoH>have done laughing.
Merrily conceited men, feidom
penetratefarther than thefuperfigies
of things, which is the point wherethejeji lies.
To put a jejl, as a matter ofmo*ment upon ferious affairs, is a chiU
difl) Levity.
LOVE. XXXVI.
Pro. Contra.
Do you notfee hon> all menfeek. The Jiage is much beholding to
themfelves , but a lover onlyfinds love j Ihe life ofman nothing,
himfelf.
Thcr
Lib. VI. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 209
There is ko better government ofthe niincl^ thanfrom the commund
offotne pOTVcrfnl affe&ion.
He that is vpiJc, let him p/trfue
fome eleftre or other j for he that
cloth not affeCl fome one thing mchiefs unto him all things are di'
Jl^Jlfnl and tedious.
whyfwuld not that rvhich is one^
refi in unity .<?
There is nothing hcith fo manynames as Love 5 for it is a thing «•ther fo foolijh^ that it knows not it
felf or fo bafe that it muji needt
difguife it Jelf under a counterfeit
habit.
I like not fuch natures as are only
intent upon one thing.
Love is a poor narrovp cdntetft^,
plation.
FRIENDSHIP. XXXVIf.
Pro.
Ffiendpip accomplijljcih thefamethings that Fortitude doth , but
moreftveetly.
Friendfjip is a pleafant fauce to
any temporal happincj^.
The jporli Jolitude is fo be dejii-
tutc offtncerefriendpip.
It is a juji punifl^mtttt for falfc'
hearted dijpofit/ons^ to be deprived
offriendpip.
Contra.
IVho contra&s Jiri& leagues ofAmity^ dram upon himfelfnevp en-
gagementS4,_^^-^,^
It is a note of a n>eak,jpjrit ta
dividefortunci
FLATTERY. XXXVIIf,
Pro.
Flatteryproceeds more out of cu-
Jiom than out of Malice.
It vras ever a form of civility
due to Great Terfons , by praijing
them to inHrnli them*
Contra;
Flattery is the (iile of ServantuFlatt-ery is the cement of vice.
Flattery is that kind offovpliug,
Tphich deceives Birds^by refembUnc^
of voice.
The deformity of flattery is CO'ntical^ but the dammage Tragical.
To give rvholefome counfel^ is i,
taskjfiofl di^cult.
REVENGE. XXXIX.
Pro.
Private Revenge is a kjftd ofwild Jujiice.
He that returns wrongfor wrongsviolates the Law^ not the Perfon,
Contra.
He that does a wrong is the be->
ginner of a quarrel^ but he that re-
taliates^ takes away all means ofending it.
Revenge by how much the morsnatural^ byfo much the more to be*
reprejfedi
Da 7h9
2IO Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b.VL
The f^ar of Private revenge is a. He that is jt7clinab!e to retribute
profitable fefiraint:, for larvs are too a wrong', is^ behittd-hand ferchanca
often ajkep. '« ''»^3 ^»* «''^ "^ ^^^'
INNOVATION. XL:
Pro.
Every medicine is an innovati-
on.'
He that will not apply new remc"
dies, nmji expecf new difeafes.
Time IS the greateji innovator ywhy then may we not Imitate time.
Ancient prefidenfs- fre inconfor-
^able, recent, corrupt, and degene-
rate: ''' ^\'
'
. V'
'
" Let fi/^pW^n^^ contentious per-
fons, fqMa^e their. aBiom , accor-
iirng toxxantples. ^^^^^ ^ '-;.,
As thofe that firSh UrUt^honour^
into their Family , are commonly
more worthy than moji thatjucceed:
So the Innovation of things for the
ntojl part exceUs thofe things which
are done out of Imitation,
Afroward retention of Cujioms,
is as turbulent a thing us Innovati-
on.
Seeing that things, of their own
courfe alter to the worje, if they be
not ly counfel altered to the better^
TphatfluUbethe end of Evil.
Thefirvanti of cujiom, are the
fcorn ofTinte.
Contra.
New Births are deformed things,
Coauthor is accepted, until time
have authoriz'd him.
All novelty is with injury, for it
defaceththcrprefentjiate ofthings.
Thofe things which cujiom hath
confirmed, if they be not profitable^
yet they or^ conformable and piece
well together.
what Novator follows the exam-ple oftime, which in^nuates inno-
vationsfo quietly, as isfcarce per-
ceptible tojenfe.
Whatjoever comes unlooked for^
is the lefi acceptable to him whom ii
helps 5 and the more troublcfome ttf
him whom it hurts.
vwHcibV DELAY. XLI.
Pro. '--i -';.
Fortunefelleth mariyiiJiiings to the
hajiy-j whichfije gives to theflorv and
deliberate.
I Whilji we make too much haii to
furprize the beginnings and onfets of
things, we clafpfiiadows.' WhiM things are at d doubtful
jhand, we muji weigh t.hem ; when
t'hry incline eve mayfall aworJ{,
It isgoodto commit the beginning
ofA&ions to Argus, with his hun-
dred eyesi, the ends to Briareus^n?;/^
bis hundred hands.
Contra.
Occafion turns the handle of the
Bottlefirfi, to be. received j and af-
ter the belly.
Occafion, like Sybilla, diminifh-
eth the commodity,bHt enhanceth the
Trice.
Celerity is the helmet of Plufo.
Thoje things which arefeafonably
nndertaken ^ are performed with
judgement 5 but what are put off too
long, are compafs'dtfith trouble and
by ambages.
PRE-
L I B. V 1. Of the Advancement ofLeamino. 111
PREPARATION. XLIL
Pro.
Vie that attempts a great Matter
tPJth fmall means ; fancies to him'
felf the advantage of opportunrty,
that he may not defpair.
Withflenderprovifion vee buy wit
t30t fortune.
Contra.
Thejirji occafton ofa&ion^ is theheB point ofpreparation.
Let no man thinks to fetterfor"tune, with the chains of his prepa-ratiott.
The alteration of preparation ,
and a&ion, are politic^ ^rts ^ hutthefeperation of them is a vaporousconceit, A?id unprofperous.
Great preparation is a prodigalboth oftime and hujinef. ,
To Encounter firft Aflaults. XLIIL
Pro.
More dangers deceive us by
fraud, than overcome us hyforce.
It is lej? trouble to meet danger
hy early remedies, than to watch
and ward the approaches and pro-
gre^ thereof.
A danger is no more light, if it
oncefecm light.
Contra,
He teacheth danger to come on^who over.early addrejfeth himfelfa^gainfi danger 5 andfixeth it by ap-plication of a remedy.
Intheredrepof dangers, lighter
dangersfall offof themfelves
It is better to deal with a fewauthentic^ and approved remedies ^
than to venture upon a world oftin--
experiencd particular receipts.
VIOLENT COUNSELS. XLIV.
Contra.Pro.
Thofe that affeB a mild andgen'tie ^ind of Prudence 5 to them the
aiigmentation ofan evil isawhole-
fome remedy.
That necefjity which rcfolves upondefperate courfes j commonly goes
through with them.
Every violent remedy is preg»
nant of a new evil.
No man gives violent advice ^hut out of fury orfear.
Dd 2 SUSPi-
212 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L I B. VL
SUSPICION. XLV.
Pro.
Diffidence is the nerves ofwif'
doM 5 but fufpcion a remedy for
thejoynts.
that fwcerity isjuBly fufpeiiedy
rphich fufpcion weakens or over-
throws.
Sufpicjon defeats an inconfiant
integrity ; hut confirms a. jirong
and refolute.
Contra.
Sufpition breads the bond offaith.
The difiemper offufpicion , it a
kjnd of Civil Mudnefs»
The words of Law. XLVI.
Pro.
tt is no expojition , btit a di-
vination 5 vphich departs from the
letter.
IVhen there is made a departure
from the Letter ofLaw ; the Judge,
of an Interpreter :^becomes a Law-
Contra.
Out of all the words in the gene^
rality, Jhch afence muji be extra^-
edy as may expound the mind of
every particular pafjage.
The worji tyranny , is taw vpen
the rncJ^,
giver.
For Witnefles againft Arguments. XLVII.
Pro.
He that relies upon Arguments,
defines according to the pleader^not
according to the caufe.
He that gives credit rather to
Arguments than IVitnefs^muft with'
alltruji more to Wit thanfenfe.
It were afafe way to believe Ar-
guments ef Reafon , if men were
not guilty of Abfurdities againfi
Reafon.
Arguments brought againfi Te-
ftimonies accompUJh thus much 5
that the cafe feemijirange, but not
that itfeems true.
Contra,-
Ifproofs by witnefs , are to be
prejerr'd before Proofsfrom Reafon,
then there needs no more ado^.but
that the Judge be not deaf.
Arguments arc an Antidote a*
gainji the Poyfon ofTeJiimonies.
Thofc kind of Proofs are moji
fafcly believed^ which do mofl jel*
dom lye.
Now
L I B. VI. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 2
1
5
Now thefc Ai:titkci.i which we have propounded, are not perchance
fo much worth ^ but being they were prepared and collefted by us
long ago, we were loatli the diligence of our youth fliould perifh ; fpe-
cially feeing they are (if one exactly confider them) Secds^ and not
Flowers. But herein they do plainly breath a youthly heatjin that theyare fo plentiful in the iT/r.'rj/ or Demonjirative kind, lb thin and (paring
in the Deliberative and Judicial.
IV. A third Colleftion which pertains to frcparatoryjiore or Provijion^*
and is Dcjjcicnt^ is that which we think fit to call Formula Minorcs, Lef- t^m-'fer Forms or Stiles of Speech. And thefe are ("as it were} the Portals,
'^°'^^--
Poftern-doors, outer-Rooms, back-Rooms, Paflages of Speech, andthe like j which indifferently may ferve for all Subjects. Such are Prefuces^ Coftclujions, Digrejfions, TranfitioKs^ Promifcs^ ExcufatioKs,and ma-ny of like nature. For as in Building there is great pleafure and ufe in
the well-cafting of the Frontifpieces, Stair-cafes, Doors, Windows, En-tries, PalTages, and the like ; fo in fpeech if the acceflbry conveyancesand interpofures be decently and skilfully contrived and placed , theyare of fpecial ornament and effed, to the whole Itrufture ofthe fpeech.
Of thefe FormuU^WQ will propofe an example or two,and day no longerupon them. For although they be Matters ofno finall ufe, yet becaufe
we add nothing here of our own, but defcribe the naked Forms only,
out of Demolihenes or Cicero, or fome other feledt Author, they mayfeem a more trivial and common obfervation , than that we fliould
wafte much time therein.
Examples of Minor Forms.
A Conclufion of a Speech Deliberative.
" So nee may both redeem the fault vohich ispafed^andvptththefame di-
" ligence provide againJifutHre inconveniences.
The Corollary of an accurate Partition.
*' that every one may nnderUand that Ifee^ not to bal^ any thing by
^^(ilence^ or to cloud any thing by words.
A Tranfition with a Caveat.
But let usfo pafs by thefe, thatrefle&ing upon them, and keeping them
ve'ithin vien>j we may leave them.
A preoccupation againft an inveterate opinion.
Ifjailfo open the matter as you may underjiand in the whole manage
of the bujinefs, what the cafe itfelf hath broughtforth 5 what error hath
fajined upon it , what envy hath rats'd. And let thefe fuffiee for exam-
ple, wherewith (annexing two Rhetorical Appendices) which refpefS
the Vromptuary Part we conclude,
CHAR
214 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VL
Chap. IV.
I. Tn>o General Appendices of the Art of Delivery^ Art Critical,
And Pedantical.
THere remains two Appendices in general , touching the Tradition
of Knowledge i, the one Critical'-, the other Pedantical. For as the
principal part o{ Tradition ofKnowledge conGfteth in writing of Books 5
fb the relative part thereof confifts in reading of Books : but reading
is governed and direfted, either by the help of Preceptors and Tutors j
or perfcfted by every man's particular and proper endeavour and in-
duftry : and to this purpofe conduce thole two knowledges, whereof
we have (poken. To the Criticalpart appertains jfirji, an ittimaculate cor-
re&ion and amended edition of approved Authors : Whereby both the
honour of Authors themlelves is vindicated, and a light given to the
ftudious Readers. Wherein neverthelels, the ra(h diligence of fome
Writers hath done great prejudice to Studies, for it is the manner of
many Criticks, when they fall upon a paflage which they do not under-
ftand,
pfelently to prefiime a fault in the Copy. As in that place in
Tacitus^ when a certain Colony in the open Senate , claimed the pri-
viIedgeofan-^j()'/««/, Tacitus reports that the reafons they pfeferr'd
were not much favour'd by the Emperour and the Lords of the Senate ;
wherefore the ErabafTadors miftruftingthe ililie otthe bufinels, gave a
round fumm of mony to Titus Vinius , that he would mediate their
caufe, and take upon him the proteftion of their liberties, by this
means their petition was heard and granted •-, Turn digniths& antiquitas-
Colonic valuit, faith Tacitus , as if the arguments that feemed light be-
fore , were now made weighty through bribes and corruption. But
one of the Criticks, a man of no obfcure note, hath expunged the wordTufa^ and in (lead thereof^ put in Tantum. And by this perverle cu-
ftom of Critickj^ it comes to pafs (as one wifely notethj that the moji
correUed copies are commonly the leaji cerre&. Nay, (to fpeak truth) un-
lefs the Criticks be well skill'd in the knowledges handled in the Books
which they (et forth, their diligence is with peril and prejudice. Se^
condly, their appertains to the Critic^, Art^ the Expofttion^ and Explication
of Authors^ by Commentaries, Scholies, Notes, Spici/egies, and the like. In
labours of this kind, that worfl: difeafe oi Criticks hath feis'd on many ;
that they blanch and wave many obfcurer paflages j and fuch as are
plain and perfpicuous, thofe they dwell and expatiate upon, even to a
faftidioustedioufnefs ; and it is not fo much intended, that the Author
maybe illunainated^as that the CritickjnAj take occallon hereby to glo-
rifie him(elf;,in his multiplicious and various learning. It could be efpe-
cially wi(hed ("although this point belongs to Tradition in chief, and
not to Appendices') that the Writer which handles obfcure and noble
Arguments, (hoiild annex his own explications , that neither the Text
it felf may be broken off, by Digrejfjons and Explications '-, and
that the Annotations may not depart from the mind and intention of
the Wxiter. Some fuch thing we conceive Oi'Tbcon upon Euclid.
Thirdly
L I E. VI. ^ Ofthe Advanceincut of Leanwig, 2 i 5
Thirdly it belongs to Critick^Art (from whence it derives the nariie)/^ 7«-
icrpofea briefconjure jfidjitdgemCKt of the A/ithcrs rchich they publip^andto compare and vilue them with other Authors upon theJumefubJcCl : Thatby fuch a cenfure the Learned and Studious, may be both advertis'd ofthe choice ofBooks j and come better provided to the perudng ofthem'.This Ufk duty isj as it were, the Chair of the Critickj^ which manygreat an4 t^raous men in our age have ennobled , greater lurcJy in ourjudgement, than for the model o^Cntukj.
II. For.Pedantic.il kjJOTvledge, it Were fbon faid, conjult the Schools ofthe Jcjiikfesfor there is nothingfor the tfe andpr^ffice better than their Pre'
fepts: l^ut we will according to our manner, as it were, gleaning afew ears, give fome few advertifements. fFe do by all means approve kCoUegidt education and injlilntion of Childhood and Touth 5 not in privatehoutesj nor only under Schoolmafters. There is in Colledges a great-
er emulation of Youth towards their equals 5 befides, there is the fight
and countenance of Grave men, which feems to command modefty 5
and falhions and moulds tender minds, even from their firft growth tothe fame Pattern : in fome there are many other utilities ofCol/egiat £-dncatioft.
^ F<>r /-60 «^r^/t'r and manner of Difcipline, this I would principally
advife:, that Touth beware of compends and abridgements^ and too for-'^ard maturation of l{Kowledge, rchich makes men bold and confident j andrather jvaffts great proceeding, than caufeth it.
fj Further there is an indulgence to be given to the liberty and vent ofvaturc in particulars:, as if there be any which performs (uch tasks as the
difcipline of the place requires ^ and yet withal fteals fome hours to be-
ftow on other ftudies, to which he hath a natural propenfity j Cuch adifpoliuon by no means fliould be checkt or reftrain'd.
\ /.gain^ it will be v/orth the pains diligently to obferye (whichperchance hitherto hath not been noted) that there are two ways, andthey, as it werCjreflexively oppofite, oi^ training up of wits, and oiexer-
ciflng and prepairng them. The one begins with the more eafie precepts,
a)id by degrees leads us to the more difficult -, the other at frji commandsand prejjeth more difficult practices, which when they are conquered, the 0-
iherfvceetlyyield and are won with eafe. For it is one Method to pra-
ftjfe fwimraingby bladders which lift up, and another Method to pra-
ftile dancing with heavy fliooes, which prefs down the Body j and it
is not ealie to express, how much a wife intcrmixtion of thefe Methods,
conducethto the advancing of the faculties, both ofthe Mind and of theBody.
kj So the Application and EleUion ofjlitdies according to the propriety
of wits, which are inJiruSed, is a matter offngular uje andJudgement ^
a true and perfe{i dijcovcry whereof, Schoolmaiicrs andTutors owe to the
Tarents oj Children, from whom they may expecl Juch informations, that
fo they may the better advife upon the particular courje of life, linto whichthey would design and dedicate theirfons.2>ut this alfo is to be exaftly obler-
ved that not only exceeding great progreflion may be made in thole ftu-
dies,to which a man is fvvayed by a natural proclivity shut alfo that there^
may be found, in^/W/i"/ properly felefted for that purpofe, cures andremedies to promote fuch kind ofknowledge, to the irapreffions where-of, a man may, by fome imperfeiftion of nature, bemoft unapt and in-
fjfBcient
:
2i6 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. Lib. VL
fufficient. y^s for example, id vasiU may be Bird-Tvittal^ that is.quick-
ly carried away, and hath not the patient faculty ofattention ; the Ma-
thcmaticks g^^^^ remedy thereunto, wherein, if the wit be caught a.
way but for a moment, the demonftration is new to begin.
& So ofexercises in courfe of teachings there is matter ofgreat confc'
auence : Imt there is\a point here that h.tth hcen voted of jew ^ that there
pouldbe ofexercifes^ not only a wife injittution, but aljo a wife intermijfion.
It hath been excellently obferved by Cicero, That in exercifes it often
falls out, that men fraSife at well theirfaults, as their faculties^ (b that
an /// habit is foraetimes gotten, and infinuates it felf" together with a
Cood-^ wherefore it is a fafer way to break exercifes, and after to fall
to them again, than inceffantly to purfue and prefs them. But ofthefe
enough. Certainly thefe things at firft view feem no fuch folemn and
grave matters, yet are they in the ilTue found efficacious-and ufeful.For
as in riants, the wronging or cherifhing of them while they are Young,
is that, that is mofl: important to their thriving or mifcarrying : or as
theimmenfegreatnefs of the ftate of Rome, is by fome defervcdiy
attributed to the virtue and wifdom ofthofe //x Kings, which were as
Tutors and Fofter-fathers of that ftate in the Infancy thereof: fo furely
the culture and manurance ofminds in young and tender years, hath
fuch a forcible operation (though unfeen and not obvious to every mans
oblervation) which neither length of time, oraffiduity and contention
of Labour in riper age afterwards, can any way countervail. Audit
is notamifs to obferve how fraall and mean faculties, if they fall into
Great men. ot upon Great matters, do fometimes work Great and im-
portant efFefts. Hereofwe will fet down a memorable example, which
we the rather note, becaufe the Je(uites themfelves fecm not to defpifc
this kind ofDifcipline 5 in our opinion upon found judgement, audit
is a matter, whichifit bemade profcffory, is ignominious, ifdifcipli-
nary, one of the beft qualities : We mean A&ion upon thejlage , as that
whichfirengthens memory, moderates the tone and emphafis of voice, andPronunciation 5 compofes the countenance andgefture to a Decorum, pro-
cures agood affurance, and likewife inureth Touth to thefaces ofmen. Theexamplelball betaken out of 7 ,if;7«r, ofone Vibulenus, who had been
fbmetimes an Aftor upon theftage, but at that time a common fouldi-
er in the Pannonian Garrifons. This fellow upon the death ofAugu^us
had rais'd a mutiny, fo that BUfus theLievtcnant, committed fbme ofthe routiners to Prifon i but the (buldiers by violent impreffion brake
open the Prilbns, and fet them at liberty j and ^/ />«/?»;// about to makea Tribunitial fpeech before the Souldicrs, began in this manner. " You
Annal I"have given light and life to thefe poor innocent wretches 5 but who" reftores my brother to me, or hfc unto my brother, that was fent hi-
" ther in meffage from the Legions of Germany, to treat of the com-*'= mon caufe, and he hath murthered him this laft night by fame of his
" Fencers, that he hath about him for his executioners upon fbuldiers.
" Anfwer S/<f/«j-, wherehaft thou thrown his body? the moft mortal" enemies, do not deny burial : when I have performed my laft duties
"^ unto the corps with kifles, with tears, command me to beflain be-^' fides him, fo that thefe my fellows for our good meaning, and our*' true hearts to the Legions, may have leave to bury us. With which
fpeech he put the Army into fuch an infinite fury and amaze, that ifit
had
L I B. VI. Of tbe Advancement ofLearn/nor, o i y
had not incontinently appeared, that there was no fuch matter, andthat he never had any brother j the Soldiers would hardly havefparedthe Lieutenant's life; for he played it merely, as if it had been Ibmeinterlude upon the Stage.
§ Now wearecorae to a period of our Treatife concerning R.itio'
nal kpoivlcdgesj wherein it we have ibmetimes departed from there-
ceiv'd partitions, yet let no man think that we difallow all thoCe partt-
lions which we have not ufed: for there is a double neceflity impofed up-
on us, of altering the Diviftons -^ The one bccaufc thefe tivo ^ namely to
fort together tbofe things rvhich are next in nature, and to c.tjl into one pile
thofe things which are nextinitfc^ are in their end and purpofc altogether
differing. For example ; A Secretary of a Prince, or of Eftate, fo di-
gefts his Papers, without doubt, in his Study , as he may fort together
things of like nature , as Treaties apart, Inftruftions apart, ForreignLetters, Domeftick letters, all apart by themlelves ^ on the contrary
in fome particular Cabinet, he forts together thole that he were like
to ufe together, though of fcveral nature: foin this general Cabinet
of ICnorvledge, we were to fetdown partitions according to the nature
of things themfelves : whereas, if any particular Science were to behandled, we fhould have refpefted the divifions fittefl: for ufe and pra-
ftice. The other reafonfor changing the Divijlon is^becanfe the adje&ioK
of Deficients to Sciences ; and the redn&ion of them into an intire Body
did by confequence alter the partition of the Sciences themfelves. For fay,
the Arts which are extant (for demonftration (ake) be in number 15,and the Deficients fuperadded make up the number 20 : I (ay that the
parts of 15 ar^not the parts of 20, for the parts of 15 are g and 5,
out the parts of20, are 2, 4, 5 and 10, fo is it plain thele could not o-
thervvile be. And lb much oi Logical Sciences.
I
THE
219
THE
Seventh BookO F
FRANCIS L. V E RV L A MVicountS^- ALBAN,
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
LEARNING.iT;.
To the KING.
L
Chap. L
I. The Pan'mon of Moral Knorvlecige, into the Do&rine of Exefftplar^
or platform j and into the Georgickj or Culture of the Afind. §. TheDivifion of the Platform of Good , into Good Simple, and Good ^
compard. II. The Divifion of Good Simple, into Individual Goo^l^
and Good of Communion,
E are now come (Excellent K?»^) unto Moral Knowledge
^
Tphich refpeð and handleth the veil! of Man : Right
Reafon governs the Will, Good Apparentfeduceth it •, the In'
centives of the Will are the Affections, the Organs and vo-
luntary Motions are her Minifiers ^ of this faculty Salomon
(aith, Above all keepings, keep thy Heart j for out of it iffke pro7.4.
the affeUions of life. In handling of this Science, thofe which have
written thereof, feem to me to have done, as if a man that profefled
the Art of writing, (hould only exhibit fair Copies of Alphabets andLetters joyned, without giving any precepts for the carriage of the
hand, and framing of the Characters : fo have they propounded unto
VJs good and fair examples and draughts, or accurate protraitures ofEe 2 CoocL
220 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VIL
Good^ VertH?^ Dutiey, Felicit), as the true oh)tdis and fcopes oi man's
Will and Defircs : but how to take a juft level at thefe markj Cexcellent
indeed, and by them well fet down) that is, by what precepts and
directions, the Mind may be fubdued and framed , to purfue and at-
tain them-J
either they pafs it over altogether, or perform it flightly
and unprofitably. It is not the difputing that Moral Vertucs are in the
mind of Man by habit, and not by Nature j or formally diftinguiOiing
between generous fpirits, and the obfcure vulgar ; that thoje are won by
Ariflpt. the rveight ofReafons ^ thefe by revpard andpunifiment 5 or the witty Pre-Et.Iib.a. cept, that to retiifie the mind ofman, it mufi like ajiaff be bowed the con-
trary way to its inclination 5 and the like glances fcattered here and
there. Thefe and the like are far fliort of being a juft excufe of the
deficiencc of that thing, which now we feek : The reafon of this neg'
k&, Ifuppofetobe, that hidden Rocl{_, whereuponfo many Barl{s ofKnow-
ledges have run and been caB away , which is,that writers defpife to becon-
verfant in ordinary and common matters j which are neither fubtile enough
for Difputation, nor flouriJJnng enough for Ornament. Verily it cannot
eafily be expreffed, what calamity this thing we now fpeak of hath
brought upon Sciences 5 that out ofan inbredpride and vain-glory^ menhave made choice offuch fubje&s of Difcourfe, and offuch a manner andmethod of handlings as may commend rather their own wit, than confult
fnEpift, the Readers profit. 6'e«ec4 faith excellently, Nocet illis eloqueutia, qui-
' bus non rerumfacit cupiditatem, fedfui j For Writings fliould be fuch
as fliould make men in love with the Lejfons , and not with the Tea-
chers. Therefore they take a right courle, which can openly avouch
the fame of their Counfels, which Demofihenes once did, and can con-
Demoft. elude with this claufe, which if you put in execution, youJhall not only
commend the Oratorfor the infiant, but yourfelves li^ewife, not long af-
ter, in a more profperoHs Jiate ofyour affairs. As for myfeIf (Excelleat
King) to fpeak. the truth ofmy felf, I have often wittingly and willingly
negUBed the glory of mine own Name, and Learning Qf any fuch thing
he) both in 4he work/ Inow publip, and in thofe I contrive for hereafter ^
whrlli ifiudy to advance the good and proft of mankind. And I, that
have defervd, perchance, to be an ArchiteU in Philofophy and Sciences, ammade a Work:^man and a Labourer , and at length any thing elfe whatfo^m
ever , feeing ifufiain and work. o"t myfelf many things that muff needs
be done , and others out of a natural dijdainfnft ofand refufe to do. But,
(to return to the matter) which we were about to fay , Thilofophers in
Moral Science, have chofen to themfelves a refplendent and lulirout mafs
of mattery wherein they may mofiglorijie themfelves, forfjjarpnefs oflVity
orjirength of Eloquence : butfuch precepts asfpecially conduce topra&ice^
becaufe they cannot be fofet out, and invetied with the ornaments offpeech 5
they have in a manner pafs''d over in filence. Neither needed men of Co
excellent parts, to have defpaired of a Fortune like that, which the
Poet Virgil, had the confidence to promiie to himfelf, and indeed ob-
tain'd 5 who got as much glory of Eloquence, Wit and Learning, in
the expreffingof theobfervations of husbandry , as in defcribing the
Heroical Afts of Mneas*
Nee
L I B. VII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 221
Kccfum anjmi dnhfui, verbis ea vincere^ magnunt Geor.j.
^avfjit^ C^ angujiis his addere rebus honorem.
And furely if the purpofe be good in earneft, not to write at leifure, w'that which men may read at leifure j but really to inftruft and be a Tub- ^^fidiary to Active life^ thefe Georgicks of Man's M/nd, ought to be hadin as great efteem with men, as thofe heroical portraitures of Virtue,
Goodnefs, and Felicity, wherein fo much labour and coft hath beenbeftowed.
I. We will therefore divide A-foral rhilofophj, into two main andPrincipal Knoveledgcs ^ the one concerning the Exemplar or Image ofGood 5
the other concerning^ the Regiment and Culture of the Mind, which wearc wont to call the Georgieksof the Mind: that delcribes the Nature
ofGood --ithis prelcribes rules, how tofubdue and accommodate the
miad of Man thereunto.
§ The Dccli-ine touching the Platfornt, which relpedls and defcribea
the Nature ofGood, coniiders Good either Simple or Compared, I lay ei-
ther the l(inds of Good, or the Degrees ofGood. In the later of thefcy
thofe infinite Difputations and Speculations touching the fupreme degree
of Good, which they term Felicitj, Beatitude, the higheji good, (theDoiirines of which were the Heathens Divinity) are by the Chriftian
Faith, taken away and difcharged. For as Arifiotle faith. That Xoung V^^'^^'^
men may be happy, but not otherwife but by hope 5 Co muft we all, beinglb taught by Chriftian Faith, acknowledge our (elves to be but chil-
dren and in our Minority j and think of no otlki felicity, than that
which is in hope of the future world. Freed therefore by happy fate
from this doftrine, which was the Heathens Heaven (wherein withoutdoubt, they attributed a higher elevation of man's Nature, than it wascapable of j for we fee in what a height of ftile i'ewefrf writes, vere Mag- ^^^^^^'
num habere fragiiitatem hominis, fecuritatem Dei) we may certainly
with left lofs ofSobriety and Truth, receive for moft part the reft oftheir enquiries concerning the dodtrine of the Platform. As concern-ing the Nature ofGood Pofitive and Simple, furely they have fet it outin beautiful colours and drawn it to the life, upon excellent Tables 5
representing with exact diligence to the eye, the Forms, Poliures, Kinds^
Affinities, Parts, SubjeSs, Provinces, Actions, Adminijirations oflir-
tues and Duties. Nor do they fo leave the purfuit ; for they have com-mended and infinuated all thefe into the fpirit of man, with great
quicknefs and vivacity of Arguments, and fweetnels, and beauty ofPerfvvafionsj yea and fortified and intrenched the fame fas much as
difcourfe can do) againft corrupt and popular opinions and invafions.
As touching the nature of comparative good, they have alfo well hand-led that,in fetting down that triplicite Order of Good, in comparing con-
templative life with A&ive 5 in dijiinguijljingbetrveen virtue xvith reluCta^
tiott,and virtuefetlcd by fecuritj and confrmednn the confiiH and encounter
between honefij' andprofit 5 in the ballancing ofvirtue with virtue, tofeewhich preponderates other , and the like. So as this part touching the
Platform ^ I find excellently laboured, and that the ancients herein havethewed themfelvef admirable men: yet lb as the pious and painful di-
ligence
222 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. Vil.
ligence of Divines, being pradiis'd in Diitjes, Moral virtues^ Cafes of
Cotifciefice^ dud circnrnfcriptions offin^ have far outgone the Philofo-
phers. l:^otTt>ithfiatjdiKg (to return to the Philofophers) if before they
had addreft themfelvesto the popular and received notions of Virtue^
Vice. Paiftj rleafure^ andthereft, they had ftaid a ]i^^lc longer and
had fearched the Roots of Good and Evil, and thcfirtftgs of thoje Roots t,
they had given in my judgement a great light uutoall ^vhich might fall
into encfuiry afterwards : efpecially if they had confulitd as well with
the Nature of thiffgSi as with the Axioms of Morality^ they had madetheir Doftrines lefs prolix, and more profound : which being by ihem
either altogether omitted, or very confufedly handled, we wil! brief-
ly re-examine and endeavour to open and clear the fprings of Muralhwhits, before we come unto the dodrine of the Culture or Mannrance ofthe Mind, which we fet down as Deficient.
II. There is inbred and imprinted in every thing an appetite to a dwfie Nature of Good J the One as every thivgis aTotalor Subfiantive in it
felf'-y the other as it is a ^art or Member offome greater Total: and this
latter is more excellent and poferit than the othet : becaufe it tendeth
to the confervation of a more ample form. Thefirfi may be called In-
dividual orfelf-Good'-y the latter the Good of Communion-. Iron in a par-
ticulat Sympathy moves to the Loadfione, but yet if it exceed a certain
Quantity it forfakes thofe afFeftidns, and like a good Citizen and a true
Patriot moves to the Earth, which is the Region and Country of its
connaturals. To proceed a little further 5 Denfe and M.ijfie Bodies
move to the Earth, \'^ the great Congregation ofclofe-compa&ed Bodies 5
yet rather than to fuher a divnlfion in the continuance of nature, and
that there (hould be, as they call it, a Vacuum, thefe Bodies will moreupwards, forfaking their duty to the E^rf/j that they may perform the
general duty they owe unto the IVorld : (b it is ever leen that the Confer-
vation of the moregeneral and publick^ form, commtnds and governs the
leffer and moreparticular Appetites and Inclinations. But this Preroga-
tive oilthe Good of Communion, is efpecially engraven upon Man, ifhe
degenerate not, according to that memorable fpeech o^Pompeius Mag-
nus, who being inCommillion for purveyance for a Famine at Rome,'
and being diflwaded with great vehemence and inftance by his friends
that he would not hazard himfelfto Sea in an extremity of weather, he"^ anfwered only this, Ncceffe eB itt earn, non ut vivam. So as the love
oflife which in every Individual Creature is fo predominant an affedi"
on, could not out-ballance his love and loyalty to the ftate. But whydo we dwell upon this Point ? There was never extant in any age of
the world, either Philofophy, or Sed, or Religion, or Law, or Di(^
cipline, which hathfo highly exalted the Good of Communion and de-
^reCs'd Good private and particular, as the Holy Chriflian Faith, where-
by it clearly appears, that it was one and the fame God that gave the
Chriftian Law to Men, who gave thofe Laws of Nature to Creatures
of inferior order. Wherefore we read that many of the eled: Saints ofSt Paul. God have rather wifhed themfelves anathematiz'd and raz'doutof theRom. IX.
j^^^ ^^£jf^f_^ than that their brethren fhould not attain falvation 5 pro-
voked through an extafie of Charity and an infinite feeling ouheC^j^»*^
ofCommunion. This being fet down and itrongly planted, doth judge
and
L I B. Vil. Of the AdvMcement of Lcarmng. 223
and determine many of theprofoundeft Controverfies in Moral rhilajo-
^hy. Forfirft, it decideth the Q^ieftion touching the preferment oj the
Contet>i[Utive or Aciive life j and that againfl: the opinion o'i Ariliotle :
for all the rcafons which he brings for the Contemplative, refped: a /?/-/-
ijate Good^zwA. the pleafure and dignity ofan Individual only 3 in whichrefpefts (no qucltion) a Contemplative life hath the preheminence. Forthe Contemplative life is not much unlike to that comparifon whichPythagoras made for the gracing and magnifying ofrhilojophy and Con-
templation', who being askt by H/frtJ what he was, anfwered, '^' That" if Hiero were ever at the Olympian Games, he k*iew the manner thatfame jj^j, :„"•'• came to try their fortunesfor theprizes j andfome came as Merchants to vita,
'- Htter their commodities j andfome came to make good cheer, to be merry,'^ andiotneet with their friends -^ andJome came to look^on-, and that he*' was one ofthem that came to look^ on. But men muft know that in this -:=Theatreof Man's life, it is referved only for God and Angels, to beLookers on.Neither furely could it have been that any doubt, touch-
ing this point, fhould ever have been rais'd in the Church (notwith-
ftanding that faying was frequent in many mens mouths, Fretiojain o-
culis Domini morsfanBorum ejus : by which place they u(e to exalt their
Civil Death and the Laws of a Monaftick and Regular courfe oflife j) (Cyj
but upon this defence, that the Mona^ical life is not ftmply Contempla-
tive', but is altogether converfant in fff/t^i^/^/r^Dw^/f/, fuchasarein-ceflant Prayer; Sacrifices ofVows performed to God; the writing al-
io, in fuch great leifure, Theological Books for the propagation oftheknowledge of the Divine Law, as Mofes did when he abode fo many ^^''^•
days in the rctir'dfecrccy ofthe Mount. And fo we fee Enoch the feventh^^"^"
from Adar,t^ who feemsto be the firft founder of a Contemplative life,
(for he is faid to have walked with God) yet endowed the Church with Gen.V.
aBookofProphecie, which is alfo cited by St. jfWf. But asfora «»ere . _ .„ v^Contemplative life, and terminated in it felf, which cafteth no Beams of
^' '
heat or light upon humane fociety; afluredly Divinity knows it not.
It decides alfo the Queftion controverted with fuch heat between theSchooh o^ Zeno znd Socrates, on the one fide, who placed Felicity in
Virtue fimple or attended, which hath a great (hare in the Duties oflife: and on the other fide other Seftsand Profeflions, as the Schools
oixhQCyrcnaicks ?lv\A Epicureans, who placed it in pleafure; and madeVirtue, (as it is ufed in fome Comedies, where the Miftrefs and the Maidchange habits) to be but as a hand-maid, without which Pleafure can-
not be well waited and attended upon ; as alio that other, as it were,reformed School of £/>;V«r«/, which aflerted Fe//c/7>' to be nothing elfe
than a Tranquillity and Serenity of Mind free and void of all Pertur- fa!^"*
^*'
bations ; as if they would have depofed Jupiter from his Throne andreftored Saturn with the Golden Age, when there was no Summernor Winter, nor Spring nor Autumn, but all after one Air and Seafon.
Laftly, the exploded School of Pyrrho znd Herillus, which placed Fe-licity in the utter exftindtionand extirpation of all thefcruplesanddifi
putesofthemind, making no fixt and conftant nature ofGood, andE-vil, but efteeming Adiions Good or Evil, as they proceed from theMind in a clear and refolute motion; or contrary- wife with averfation
and reluftance. Which opinion notvvithftanding hath revived in the
Herefy
OOH Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b.Vli.
Herefy ofthe A»al>aptijis^ who meafur'd all things according to the Motions
andhfjiin&softhefpirit^ and the conjiancy^ or wavering ofBelief. But
it is manifeft that all this we have recited, tends to private repofe and
complacency of Mind, and no way to the Point o^ Societj^ and the
Epia. En Qgg^i ^y Communion. Again, it cenfures alfo the Philofophy of Epiffe-
ria'n iTb t"^3 ^^^ '^Y^^ down this prefuppolltion j That Felicitji muji be placed in
>.'
thofe things which arc in oitr power, Icjl we be liable to fortune and di-
^ fli'.rbance : as if it were not a thing much more happy, to be difturbed
^ and fruftlrated of a good fuccefs ia worthy and generous intentions
and ends, which concern the rublick^Cood, than to obtain all that wecan wiQi to our felves, in thofe things which refer to our Private For-
tune. As Cofffaho- (hewing his Souldiers Naples, bravely protefted,r/j4^
he had rather run himfelfupon certain ruine with onefootforward^ than to
hatie his lifefecur dfor long, by onefoot ofretreat. Whereunto the wif-
dom of that heavenly leader and commander haih fign'd, who affirm'd,
Ihat a good eenfcience is a continual Fea^j by which words is plainly'
figjlified, that a Mind Cowfcious ofgood Intentions, howeverfuccceding,
affords morefolid andfncerejoy, and U) nature more agreeable^ than all
that provi^on wherewith man may be furniflit eitherfor the fruition of his
dcfires, or the repofeoj his A4ind. It cenfureth likewife that abufe of
Philofophy, which grew general about the txxn^ oi EpiSietus., which
was, that Philofophy was converted into,a profefTory kind of life, and,as
it were^into an Occupation or Art 3 as ifthe purpofe ofPhilo(bphy,was
not to reprefs and extinguifh pertjUrbation?, ,but to fly and avoid the
caufes and oecafionsofthem ; and therefore to (tape a particular kind
and courfe of life to that end j introducing indeed fuch a kind ofhealth
ofmiad^as was that o^Hcrodicus in body, whereof^>v"/?(?//e makes men-
tion, which was, that he did nothing all his life long but intend his healthy
and therefore abftain'd from infinite number of things, being amerc'd
by the fruition ofhis body : whereas if men refer themfelvea to duties
offociety, thatheahhofBod} is principally to be defired, which maybeft endure and overcome all alterations and extremities ; fo hkewife
that mind is properly found and ftrong, which can break through the
mofl: and greatelt temptations and perturbations. So as Diogenes (eems
to havefpoken well, who commends thole powers of the Mind, which
A./5.8 rsere able not warily to abfiuin but valiantly tofn^ain, and which could
sTirami refrain the violent encounter of the Mind, even in the fteepeft Preci-
stoic." pices, and which could give unto the Mind (which is commended inFhilof. vvell-brokenhorfes^ the (horteft flop and turn. Laftly, it cenfures the
tendernefs and the want of Morigerous application, noted m fome of
themoft ancient and reverend Philofbphers, that did retire too eafily
from Civil bufinels, that they might difcharge themfelves of all indig-
nities and perturbations, and fo might live, in their opinion, moreun-
(tained, and, as it were, fanftified perfonss whereas the relblution of
a man truly moral, ought to be fuch, as the fame Confaho required in
afouldier, which is that his Honour (hould be woven eTela Crajfiore,
and not fo fine as that every thing fliould catch in it, and tear it.
CHAPi
L I R. V 11. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 2 ^. 5
Chap. II.
I. TheV^axiinono^ p>trticHUr or private Good, i}iio Good Active^andCood Pajfivc. II. The Divifion of Good Pajjive, into Con-fervative Good, and rerfc&ive Good. III. The Divifion <?//;&(?
Good of Commumon^into General and iRefpe&ivc Duties.
I. T .T THerefore let us now refume and profecute, firft private orVV particular Good, we will divide it intoGo^j^ ASive and
Good Pajjive, for this difference o^Good (not unlike furely to tholeAppellations, which, amongft the Romans, were familiar in their
Houfhold Terms of Promus and Condus^ is found imprels'd in thewhole courfe of Nature ; but chiefly dilcloleih it felf in the twofe-veral Appetites of Creatures •, the one of conferving and fortifying
themfelves ; the other of multiplying and dilating themfelves j andthis latter which is Active, andas it were, the Promuf, feems to be themore powerful, and the more worthy 3 but the former which is Paf-
Jive, andj as it were, the Condui, may be taken as inferiour and lefs
worthy. For in the univerlal frame of Nature, the Heavenly Natureis chiefly the Agent j the Terreftial Nature the Patient : fo in the
pleafures of living Creatures, the pleafure of Generation is greater
than that ofNutritionrand in the divine Oracles it is pronounced, Ec^- ^a ^ v
tixs effe dare qiiam accipere. Nay farther,in the common courfe of life,"
there is no mans fpiritfb foft and efFeminate,but efteems theefFcding,and bringing to fome ifliie that which he hath fixt in his defire , morethan any fenfuality or pleafure.And certainly this preheminence of^-3ivc Good,\s infinitely exalted from the confideration ofour humane,condition,thatit is mortal,and alfbexpofed to the ftroak of Fortune:for ifthere could be obtained a licenfe of perpetuity and certainty inhumane Pleafures, their price would be advanced, for their fecurity
and continuance. And in as much as we feCjthat the fumm ofall comesto this 5 Magni <f:flimar/ius mori tardus 5 Et ne glorieris de crallino,
nejcispartUf» Did: it is no wonder, if with all contention of fpirit ^
wepurfue thofe things , which arefecur'd and exempt from the in-
juries and affronts oftime : and thefe things can be nothing elfe butonly our deeds, zs it isfaid, opera eorumfequuntitr eos. Apoc.xi?*;
§ There is likewife another preheminence of Good Active of im-port, implanted in, and fupported by that afleftion, which cleaves
elofe to man's nature, as an individuate companion, which is the
love of Novelty and Variety. And this Affection in the pleafures offenfes (which are the very principal part of PaJJive Good) is exceed-ing narrow, and hath no great latitude : Do hut thinks (faith Seneca)
hovp oftenyOH have a&ed over the fame things. Meat, Sleep, Mirth j ivc
run round in this circle, to be voiUing to dye , not only a valiant, or a
wretched, or a rvije man may , but even a fastidious and nice nature
may. But in the Enterprifes, Purpofesand Purfuitsof our life,therc
is much variety, whereof we are fenfible in our inceptions, progref^
F f fions
S«n alicubii
iiG Ofthe Advancement of Learning, L i b. VIL
fions, refts, recoils, to redintegrate our forces, approaches, attainings,
Sen.inEp. and the like 5 To as it was very well faid, vita Jim Fropofito luKgnida
& vaga efi : which indifferently befals both to the wife and unwife,
Pfov, \ zs(a\t\i Solomon^ Alight-brain d manfeeki tofatisfie his fatjcy^ and in-
\ termixeth himfelfin all things. Nay, we fee likewife,that many great
Princes , who may have at command vvhatfoever can delight the
Senfes, notwithftanding many times, have procured to themfelves
poor defires, and fet their hearts upon toys ^ (as Nero, inflaying up-
on the Harp ; Commodus in playing at Fence j Antomnus in driving
Chariots, and others taken up with other delights) which to them
were more acceptable than all the affluence of fenfual pleafures : Jo
much greater refrejinng and contentment it is^ to go forward in A[}ion^
than tojiandat ajiay iu fruition. This, in the mean time, is to be
fomewhat more diligently noted j that this A£five individual Good^
altogether differs from the^Wtff ^me/; 3 though oftentimes they
are coincident j {oi2\thovi^xh2LX.particular a&ive Good doth many-
times breed, and bring forth A&s of Beneficence^ which is a Fertueof
Commwion-j yet here's the difference, that thofe Afts are by moft
men performed, not with intention to benefit and make happy o-
thers, but merely in a private refpeft to themfelvesj and their owapower and amplification. This beft appears when Go^^i ^^^/«^e lites
upon a fubjed which is contrary to the Good of Communion : for
that Gigantive State of mind which poffeffeth the troublers of the
world ( fuch as was t. Sylla , and infinite others , though in a far
fmaller Model) who feem to endeavour this, to have all men happyor unhappy, as they were their Friends or Enemies , and that the
world might bear their ftamp,and be formed to their huraoursfwhich
h the true Theomachie') this, I fay, afpires to adiveparticular Good at
leaft in appearancCjalthough it doth mott of all recede from the Gt'iJf/
of Society.
II. But we will divide Vajjive Good into Good Confervative andGood Perfe&ive : For there is implanted in every thing a triple Ap-petite in vefpei^o{ private or particular Good j the firfi of preferving
or continuing itfelfj thefecond of advancing andperfelfing itfelf^ the
fbird ofMultiplying and extending itfelf: but this lafl Appetite is re-
ferr'd to ACfive Good^wheveoC we fpeak even now. There remain
therefore the two other kinds of Goo6^ , of which the FerfeClive ex-
cels j for it is lefs to conferve a thing in its natural ftate, but greater
to advance the fatne thing to a higher nature j for there are found
through all EfTences fome nobler natures to the dignity and excel-
lency whereof inferiour natures do afpire, as to their Origi-
nals and Springs. So concerning Men, the Poet doth not imperti^
nently defcribe,
Yirg.cfn.^. Tgneus eji OUis vigor C^ Ccekjiis Origo ,
Man's afTumption or approach to a Divine or Angelical Nature is
theperfedlion of his Form^ a depraved and prepofterous imitation
of which Perfv&ive Good is the deftruftion of humane life, and a
violent tempeft which bears down and mines all, that is, while meninftead
L I B . V 1 1. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 227
iaftead of a formal and eiTential advancement are carried in a blinde
ambition to an advancement only Local. For as thofe which are
fick and find no Remedy, do tumble up and down^and change place,
as if by a remove Local, they could obtain a remove Internal, andIhift of their difeafe : fo it is in Ambition that men being polfels'd
and led away witli afalfe refemblance of exalting their nature, pur-
chafe nothing elfe but an eminence and cellitudc of Place.
ij. But Good Confervative is no other than the reception aad fruiti-
on ofthings agreeable to our Nature^ and this Good though it be moft
limple and native j yet feems it to be of all other kinds of Good the
fofteft and loweft. And this Good alfo admits a difference , whichhath neither been welljudg'd of, nor well inquired , for the Good
(f Fruition, or (as it is commonly call'dj the dignity and commen-dation of delightful Good, IS placed either in the Sincerity of the Frui-
tion, or in the quiclinejs and vigor of it ; whereof the one is fuper-
induced by Equality ^ the other by Variety and Vicijfttudc : the onehaving a lefs mixture of Evil --^ the other a more ftrong and lively
impreifion of Good. But of thefe, whether is the greater Good , is a
queftion controverted ; But rchether a man's nature may be capable ofboth at once, is a queBion not inquired.
§ As touching rhat whereofa Queftion is rais'd.'a Controverfie be-
gan to be debated between Socrates and a Sophifi 5 Socrates affirm'd,
That Felicity rvas placed in a constant Peace aud Tranquility ofmind j pj^j^ ^^
but the Sophiji in this, That a mandefire much and enjoy much. And Gorg.
fo they fell from Arguments to ill words 5 the Sophili faying that
Socrates 's Felicity iras the Felicity of a blocks orfione : Socrates on the
Other fide , That the Sophift's Felicity was the Felicity of one that hadthe Itch, who did nothing but itch andfcratch. And both thefe opini-
ons do not want theirfupports^for to Socrates's opinion affents eventhe School of Epirurus,\vh\ch deems not but that Vertue beareth a
great part in Felicity ^ and if fo, Certain it is, that Vertue hath more
nfe in clearing Perturbations, than in compajjzng defires. The Sophiji'
s
opinion is much favour'd by the allertion we laft' fpake of ; namelythat Good Perfectwe is greater than Good Prefervative, becaufc the ob'
taining ofthings de(ired,Jeems by degrees to perfeB nature '> which though
it do not do it indeed, yet the very motion itfelfin circle hath a pew ofProgreljive Motion.
But the fecond Queftion, (whether humane nature may not at once
retaine, both the tranquility ofmind, andthe a^ive vigor of fruition")
decided, the true way makes the former idle and fuperfluous. For dowe not often fee that fbme men are fo fram'd and compofed by Na-ture, as they are extremely affefted with pleafures while they are
prefent j and yet are not greatly troubled at the leaving or lols ofthem. So as the Philofophical confequence, Hon uti, ut non appetas,
«on appctere,7(t non metuas, Ceems to be the refolution of a poor anddiffident fpirit. Surely moft of the Doctrines of Philofophers feera tobe fomewhat more fearful and cautionary, than the nature of things
requireth j as when they encreafe the fear of death by curing it r for
when they would have a man's whole life to be but a difcipline or
preparation to dye, how can it be, that that enemy Qiould not fecm
F f 2 wonderful
»28 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VII.
wonderful terrible, againft whom there is no end of preparing ? bet-
ter faith the Poet though a Heathen,
jiiven.Satyr. ^j fpaciiim 'vii<£ cxtremitm^ infer ffttmeraponat^°'
Nature.-
So have the Philofophers fought to make the Mind in all things uni-
form and Harraonical s by not breaking them to contrary Motions
and Extremes. The reafon whereof I fuppofe to have been, becaufe
they dedicated themfelves to a private courfe oflife j exempt and free
from adive imployments and obfervances to others. But let menrather imitate the wifdom of Jewellers, who, if perchance, there be
in the Gemra a Cloud or an Ice, which may fo be grownd forth, as
it abate not the ftone too much, they help it, otherwife they will"^
not meddle with it : fo ought men fo to procure Serenity of mind as
they deftroy not Magnanimity. Thus much of Particular Good.
III. Now therefore after we have fpoken oi Self-good (which alfo
we ufe to call Good rartiadar. Private^ Individual^ let us refume
xhtGood ofCommunion^ which refpefteth Society^ this is commonlytermed by the name of Duty^ becaufe the term oiDuty, is more pro-
per to a mind well fram'd and difpos'd towards others ^ the term of
Virtue^ to a mind well form'd and compos'd in it felf. But this part
at firft fight may feera to pertain to Science Civile, or Folitic^^ but
not if it be well obferved, for it concerns the Regiment and Go-vernment of every man over himfelf, and not over others.
And as in Architcdnre^ it is one thing , to to frame the Pofts,
Beams , and other parts of an Edifice, and to prepare them
for the ufe of building 3 and another thing, to fit and joyn the fame
parts together : and as in Mechanicals, the direftion how to frame,
and make an infi:rument or engine, is not the fame with the manner
of eredting, moving, and fetting it on work : So thedoftrineof the
conjugation of men, in a City or Society^ differs from that which
makes them conformed, and well afFefted to the weal of fuch a SO'
ciety.
& This Part of Duties is likewife diflributed into two portions,
whereof the one refpefts the common duty ofevery man^ the other^Ae
fpccialand rcfpc&ivc Duties of every man in his profeflion, vocati-
on flate, perfon, and place. The firft of thefe, hath been well la-
boured, and diligently explicated by the Ancients and others, as
hath been faid : the other we find to have been fparfedly handled, al-
though not digefted into an entire body of a Science j which man-
ner ofdifperfed kind of writing, we do not diflike j howbeit in our
judgement, to have written of this Argument by parts, were far bet-
V icr. For who is endewed with fo much perfpicacity and confidence,
y as that he can take upon him to difcourfe, and make a judgement
skilfully, and to the life, o( the peculiar and refpeSive duties of eve-
ry particular order, condition and Profefiion? And the treatifes vehich
arc notjcafon'd rrith experience, hut are drawn onh from a general and
SchoUfiical notion of things, arc touchingfuch matt\ s, for mojipart^i-
die attd frttitkf difcowjes. For although fometitncs a looker onmay
I
L I E. VII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 229_^ — — — %
may fee more than a Gamerteri and there be a common proverb,
more arrogant than found, proceeding from the cenfure of the vul-
gar, touching the aftions of Princes, 'ihut the vale beji dtfcovereth the
Hillr--, yet it could be efpecially wilhed, that none would intermed-
dle or engage themlelves in fubjeftsof this nature, but only fuch as
are well experienced and and pradlis'd in the particular cuftoms of ^. ,-, tII, ; •; cr i ^ CiC.Lib.2. 08men. ¥or the labours and vigiUncies ojjpcculutwc tnen^tn Aaivc M.it~ Oratore.
ters^ dojcem to men of experience, little better^ than the clijcoitrjes of \'
rhormio of the irurs, fecmed to H.innib.tl, ivhich ejleemcd thetn but
dreamy and dotage. Only there is one vice which accompanies thcffl,
which write books of matters pertaining to their own profeffionjand
Art, which is, that they magnifie and extol them in excels.
§ /« ivhich kjnd of Books ^ it were a crime riacidar, not to mention^
Honoris caufa,3"^»>' Illijefiic's excellent work, touching the duty of a i^Jron"'King ; for this writing bath accumulated and congcfted within it many Basil.
treajures as well open <«jyefrff<?/ Divinity, Morality, and Policy,with
great afperfion of all other Arts ; and it is in my opinion one ofthe tncji
found and healthful writings that I have read. It doth not float with
the heat of Invention •) nor freez, and jlcep with the coldncf of negli-
gence : it is not now and then taken with a wheeling dizz^incfi, fo'to con-
found and lofe it felf in its order , nor is it dijlracted and difcontinn-
ed by digrejJioMS, as thofe difcourfes are j which by a winding expatia-
tion, fetch in and encloje matter thatfpeakj nothingto the purpofej nor
is it corrupted^ with the cheating Arts of Rhetoricalperfumes and paint'
ings, who chuji rather to pleafe the Reader^ than tofatisfie the nature
of the Argument. Bnt chiefy that work. f-^'fff-> I'fi andfpirit, as Body
and Bulk,) at excellently agreeing with truth, and moU apt for uje andaction : and likswije clearly exempt from that vice noted even now,
(which if it were tolerable in any, certainly, it werefo in Kings, andin a writing concerning Regal Majefiy) namely, that it doth not excef-
fively and invidioufly exalt the Crown and Dignity ofKings. For YourMajefty hath not defcribed a King ^^ Perfia or Ailyria, radiant, andfiinittg in extreme romp and Glory 3 but really, a Mofes or a David,Pditors of the People. Neither can I ever lofe out of my remembrance,
a Speech, w/j/ir/j Your Majefty, in thefacred Spirit, wherewithyon are
endowed to govern Tour people, delivered in a great caitfc of Iiidicatitrc.^
which was. That Kings rul'd by the Laws of their Kingdoms, as God /aCob. r;
did by the Laws of Nature j and ought as rarely to put in u(e that^"^^''™™'^°.
their prerogative, which iranfcends Laws, as we fee God put in ufe
his power of working Miracles. And yet notwithjiandinginthato-HEUB.
iherbook,-, writtenby Yom Majefty, ofa free Monarchy, r^tf^^/'z/e^/^ ^*^^'^^?
men to understand, that Your Majefty, k»ows and comprehends the
VlenitJtdc ofthe Power of Kings, and the Vltimities (as the Schoolsfpeaf^
of Regal Rights , as well m the circle and bounds of their Office, andRoyal Duty. Wherefore I have prefumed, to allcdge //'.?/ book, writ-
ten by T.mr MdjeBy, as a prime and moft eminent example of Tra-
ftat^s, concerning fpecial and refpe&ive Duties. Of which Book,
what I have now laid, I (hould in truth have faid as much, if it had
been written by any King a thoufand years fince. Neither doth that
kind of nice Decency move me, whereby commonly it is prcfcribed
nei
Cicero.
Plin.Jun.
SATYRASERIA,fivedelnteri-
oribus rerum,
Prov.XIY.
Prov.18.
:i^b Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. ViL
not toprajfein prefence^ fo thofe Prai(es exceed not meafurej or be
attributed unfeafonably or upon no occafion prefented. Surely CicerOy
in that excellent oration Pro M. /I/^jve//*?, ftudies nothing elfe, but to
exhibit a fair Table drawn by Angular Art, ofCafar's virtues, though
that Oration was made to his face j which likewife Plinius fecnndus
did to Trajan. Now let us refume our intended purpole.
§ There belongs farther to this part, touching the RefpeSive Du-ties of vocations and farticular ProfeJJions, and other kjiorvledge, as
it were. Relative and oppolite unto the former, concerning the
, Frauds^ Cautels^ ImpoJiureSj and trices ofevery Profejfion : For Cor-
ruptions and Vices, are oppoled to Duties and Virtues. Nor are
thefe Depravations altogether filenced in many Writings and Tra-
ftates5 but for moft part, thefe are noted only upon the by, and that
by way ofDigreffion : but how ? rather in a Satyr and Cynically af^
ter Lucian's manner, than ferioufly and gravely, for men have ra-
ther (ought by wit to traduce, and to expofe to (corn that which is
ufeful and found, in Arts and Profeffions 5 than to fever that whichis good and wholfome, from that which is corrupt and vitious. ButSolomon (aith excellently 5 Afcornerjeekj wifdom andfinds it nof^ but
ktzowledge is eafie tinto him that underjiands : for he that comes to
feek after knowledge, with a mind to fcorn, and cen(ure 3 fhall befure to (ind matter for his humour, but no matter for his inftruftion.
And certainly a grave and wife Treatife of this argument, whereofwe now fpeak, and that with fincetity and integrity, feemeth wor-thy to be reckoned one of the beft fortifications ofvirtue and hone-
fty, that can be planted. For as the Fablegoes of the Balilisk, that
if he (ee a man firit, the man-dyes 5 but ifa man fee him (irft, the Ba-
filisk dyes, fo it is with Frauds, Impoftures, and evil Arts j ifa
man difcover them firft, they lofe their power of doing hurt 5 but
if they prevent, then, and not otherwife they endanger. So that
we are much beholding to Machiavil, and fuch writers, whodi(co-ver apertly and plainly, what men u(e to do, not what men ought
to do: for it isnot poffibleto joyn the »//^0«/ <?/^Ae Serpent, tpttb
the Innocency of the Dove, except a man know exadly the nature
of evil it felf, for without this skill, virtue lyes open and unfenc'd 5
nay a (incere and honeft man can do no good upon thofe that are
wicked, to reclaim them, unlefs he know all the coverts and pro»
fundities of Malice. For men ofcorrupt minds and deprav'd judge-
ments prefuppofe, that honefty grows out ofthe weaknels of Nature,
and (implicity of Manners, and only out ofa belief given to Preach-
ers and School-Ma(ters 5 as likewife to Books j Moral Precepts ; andpopular opinions : (b that unlefs you can make them plainly to per-
ceive, that their deprav'd and corrupt Principles, and crooked Rules,
are as deeply founded, and as plainly difcovered by tho(e who ex-
hort and admonilh them, as they are to themfelves, they defpi(e all
the integrity of Moral Praftices or Precepts 3 according to that ad-
mirable Oracle ofSobmon^Non rec/pitJittltHs verba prndentite^nifieadi'
xeris, qme verfantur in cords ejus. But this part concerning Rejpe-
&iv6 Cautelsandvices, we place in the number of Deficients, and will
call it by the name ofSatyra Seria, or of a Trcatiic De interioribus
Rerum. So
L I B. VII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 23
1
So to this kind ofknowledge, touching Refpeclive Duties, do alio
appertain the Natural Duties between Husband and Wife^ Parents andChildren, Maflcr and Servant : fo likewile the laws of Friendlliip
and Gratitude ; as alfo the Civil bonds of Corporations, Compa-nies, Colledgos, Neighbour-hood and the like. But it muft everbe prefuppofed, that they are here handled^ not as parts o^ CivilJo-«>/)- (for that is referred to the Politicks) but as to the framing andpredifpofing of the minds of Particular perfons, to the maintaining
of thofe Bonds of Society.
§ But the Knowledge concerning the Good of Contmnnion or of Sock'
tj, even as that oiCood Individual, doth handle Good notJim^le a»
lone, but alfo comparatively-, vvhereunto belongs the weighing ofDuties between Perfon and Perfon 5 Cafe and Cafe ; Private andPublick^ between time Prefent and Future: as we may fee in the
(evere and cruel proceeding of L.Brutus againft his own Sons, whichby the moft was extoli'd to the heavens j yet aaother (aid
htfelix utcunque ferent ea fata Minorcs\ iivHift.
Florus Hif!.
The fame v;e may fee in that fupper unto which M. Brutus, and C. I'b.i.
Cajfvis were invited, for there, when there was a qneftion fhrewdlyfa^^i^Brutc'
caft forth, IFhether it was lavpful to kjU a Tyrant .<? on purpofe to feel
the minds of the company, touching a confpiracy intended againft
C£Urs life 5 the guefts were divided in opinion , fome faid it wasdiredly lawful, for that Jerviiude voas the extreme of Evils 5 others
were of a contrary mind, for that Tyranny was not fogreat a ntifery at
Civil war\ a third (brt, as ifthey had iffiied out of the School ofEpicurus, avouched j That it was an unworthy thing, that wife men(hould hazard their lives andJiatcs for Fools. But there are many Ca-
fes touching comparative Duties, araongft which, that of all other is
the moft frequent 5 Whether a man ou^t tofwervefrom the rule ofJwfiice, for the fafety of his Country, orfomefuch notable Good to enfue
afterward .<? Touching which cafe Jafon of Thefaly was wont to (ay^
Aliqua funt injujiefacienda ut multa jufiefieri fojfint, but the Reply is Plut.Mcral.
ready, Authoremprefentis jufiiti£ habes, fponforemfutur£ non habes : Pr^c.geread,
Men muft purfue things which are juft in prelent, and leave the fu-*'^'
ture to the Divine Providence. And thus touching the Exemplar^ot
of the defcription oiCood.
Chap,"
2^2 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i b . VIL
N'
Chap. IIL
I. The Partition of the Do&rine of the Culture of the Mind, into the
Knowledge of the Chara&ers of the Mind. 11. Of the Jf'ellionsor
rajfions. III.And of the Remedies or Cures. IV.An Append of the
fame Do^rine , touching the Congrujty hetrveen the Good of the
Mind, and the Good of the Eody.
[Ow that wc have (poken in a PhiIo(bphical fence ofthe fruit of
Life, itremainsthat we rpeak ofthe C«/^«rc tf/z^e/JZ/W, which
is due unto it, without which the former part leems nothing elle,
than an Image or Statue, beautiful to' contemplate, but deftitute: of
Life and Motion 3 to which opinion, Arijiotle himfelf fubfcribes in
libfi.' thefe plain words, IVherefore it is necejfary tofpeak^of virtue, both what
it if, andfrom what it proceeds : for it would be to little purpofe, to
know virtue, and to he ignorant of the manner and means how to com-
pafs it. Concerning virtue therefore inquiry muii be made, nat only of
what kind it is but by what ways it may be acquired : for we defire both
thefe,the knowledge of the thing itfelfand thefruition thereofj but this
cannot be ejfeBed, unlej^ we k/iow of what materials it is compounded,
and how to procure thejame : In fuch full words, and with fuch itera-
tion doth he inculcate this Part, which yet notwithftanding himfelf
purfues not. This likewife is the very fame which Cicero attributes
to Cato the Younger,, as a great commendation, which was, that he
Pro.L.Mu- had applyed himfelf to Philofbphy, Non difputandi caufa, ut magnarxn. pars, fed ita Vivendi. And although, through the negligence of the
times wherein we live, few hold any confultation diligently, to ma-nure and till the Mind^ and,frame their courfe of life (according to
De Brev.vit». fonie Rule 5 according to that o( Seneca, De partibus vri£ ^«{/^"^ <^^-
liberat, defumma nemo ; fo as this part may feem riiperfluous,) yet this
moves us not, fo as to leave it untouched, but rather we conclude
with that Aphorifm oi Hippocrates, They who arefick^ofa dangerous di-Aphor.La.
feafe, and feel no pain, are difHemperedin their underfianding : Such
men need medicine, not only to allwage the difeafe, but to awakethe Cehk. And if it be faid that the Cure ofmens minds, belongs to
facred Divinity, it is moft truly faid , but yet why may not Moral
Philofophy be accepted into the train of Theology, as a w'lCe fervant
and a faithful handmaid, ready at all commands to do her fervice?
Pfal.ua; Forasit is inthe Pfalm, That the eyes of the Handmaid, lool^perpetu-
ally towards the MiUre^'-, and yet no doubt many things are left to.
the difcretion and care of the Hand-maid ^ fb ought Moral rhilofophy
to give all due obfervance to Divinity, and to beobfequious to her
Precepts i yet fo, as it may yield of it ielf, within its own limits^ma-
tiy found and profitable direftions. This Part therefore, when Iferi-
oufly confider, the excellency thereof^ I cannot but find exceeding
flrange, that it is not yet reduced into a Body of Knowledge. Where-
fore feeing we have reported it as Deficient, we will after our manner
give fome Adumbrations thereof. I. Firji
B. Vll. OftbeAckjancementofLcarntm. 2^-^
I. Fhji therefore, in this as in all things which are Prat1:icaJ, vve *
ought to caft up our account, rvhut is ;« our foivcr, undjfh.tt not : georgicaA'
for the one may be dealt with by way of Altfruiiaa^ the other by rvay of fiv'ed'e cultu-
Jpplication otily. The Husband-man cannot .command either the na- " Momm.
ture of the Earth, or the fcafons of the vreathers no more can thePhyfician the natural temper or conftitutiou pfthe Patient or the va-
riety ofAccidents. Now in the Culture ofthe miKcl of Man^ and thecure of the Difeafes thereofj three things fall into confideration : Thedivers Chara&ers of Dijpofitions , the AffeBions ', and the Remedies,
As in curing the Body three things are propounded, the Compk&innor CofrjhtHtion of the Fat/eat ^ thcDifeafe ^ andthe Cure j and ofthefe
three, the laft only is in our power, the two former are not. Yeteven in thofe things which are not in our power, no le(s diligent in-
quiry is to be made thereof, than in thofe which are fubjeftto ourpower j for a diftinft and exaft knowledge ofthem is to be laid as
a ground-work to the ktzorvledge, of the Remedies-^ that they may bemore aptly and fuccefsfully applied 3 for neither can a garment be well
fitted to the Body, unlefs you firft take the meafure of the Body.
§ wherefore the firft article of this knowledge ofthe Culture oftheMind^ fhall be converfant about the divers Characters ofmens natures
or dijpofitions. Neither do we here fpeak of thofe common Proclivi-
ties to virtues and vices, or Perturbations and Paffions ; but oftholewhich are more intrinfick and radical. Surely for this part ofknow-ledge, I do much wonder that it fhould be, for moft part, {o negle-
cted or Qightly paft over, by writers Moral and Political 5 c.onfide-
riog it cafts fuch refplcndent Beams upon both thofe kinds ofknowledges. In the Traditions oiAjirology, the natures aqd difpo-
fitions of men, are not without fome colour of truth, diftinguifht
from the Predominancies ofPlanets 5 as that forae are by nature madeand pioponioncd fov contemplation^ others for matters Civil •^ others
for War , others for Advancement ^ others for Flcafnre 3 others for
Arts •) others for changeable courfe of life. So among the Poets,
Heroical, Satyrical, Tragedians, Comedians, you fliall find everywhere, the Images of wits, although commonly with excefs and be-
yond the bounds of Truth. Nay this fime Argument ofthe divers
characters of Nature^ is one of thofe Subjedis, wherein the commondifcourfcs of men, (which very feldom, yet fomctimes falls out) are
more wife than Books. But the beft provifion and colleftion for fuch
a treatife, ought to be fetcht from the obfervations ofthe wifeft fort
of Hiflorians ; not only from Elogiesand Panegyricks, which com-monly follow the death of a Perfon ^ but much more from the entire
body of a Hiftory, fo often as fuch a perfonage doth, as it were, en-
ter upon the flage. For this inter-woven Image, feems to be a morelively defcription, than the cenfure ofan Elogy^ fuch as is that in
T. Livius, of Afncanus, zndoiCato the Elder -, in Tacitus of Tiberius^
Claudius and Nero •; in Herodian, of Septimius Severusj in Philip dt
Cofimines^of Levpis the XI. King oi" France ^ in Fra. Guicciardine, ofFerdinand King ofSpain 5 Maximilian the Emperor ', Leo and Clemens^
Eifjops ofRome. For thofe writers fixing their eyes continually onthe Images of thefe Perfons, whom they made choice ofto decipher,
G g and
224 ^/ ^^^ Advancement of Learning, Lib. VII.
and pourtrait, feldom mention their Afts and Atchievements, but
withal, infert (bmething touching their nature and difpofitions 5 fo
likewile many Relations^ totichitJg the Conclaves of Topes, which wehave met withal, re^rekm good Chara&ers, and lively ImprcjJioKSj
ofthe natural difpofitions o^Cardinals 5 as the letters ofAmbafladors,
fet forth the nature and manners of Counfellors to Princes, Where-
fore let thefe be a full, and perfeft colleftion made ofthis argument,
whereofwe have fpoken, which certainly is fertil and copious. Nei-
ther vponld toe, that thofe Characters in the Ethtckj (as it is with Hifto-
rians. Poets, and in common (peech,) (hould be accepted as perfeft
politick Images; which compounded and commixt conftitute any
refemblances whatfoever, how many and ofwhatfort they may bej
and how they are connext and fubordinate one with another : that
there may be made, as it were, an artificial and accurate difleiSiod of
natures and difpofitions; and a difcovery of the lecret inclinations
of Individual tempers ; and that from a knowledge thereof^ precepts
ofcure may be more pertinently prefcribed.
§ And not only the CharaSfers ofdifpofitions^ imprefled by nature,
(hould be received into this Traftate , but tho(e alio which are impo-
fed upon the mind, from Sex, Age, Region, Health, Beauty, andthe like : as alfo thofe from extern fortune, as of Princes, Nobles,
obfcurePerfons; Rich, Poor, Private perfons, Profperous, Mi(era-
ble and the like. For we fee rlautus makes it a wonder to fee an old'
:
''•' man Beneficent, Benignitas quidem hujus, oppido ut adolefcentuli eji .*
Epimen."'^^ and St. F^w/, Commanding that the feverity of difcipline, ftiould be
ufed to the Cretans, (rebuke themfiarpl^) accufeth the nature of thatinjugurth. Nation from a Poet ; Cretenfesfemper mendaces, mal<e bejiia, ventres
pigri. Salu/i notes this in the nature of Kings, that it is ufual withHift.lib. 1. them to defire contradidtories , rleruntjj Regime voluntates ut vebemen-
, tesfunt j fie mobiles, ftppeq^ipfafibi adverfx, Tacitus obferves that
Honours and Advancements, oftner change mens natures to the vvorfe,
than to the htttex,Solus Vefpafianus ntutatm in melius. Vindarus makesan obfervation, that great and Sodoms fortune, for moft part, loofens
Pfal.52. and diflinews mens minds ; fnnt, qui ntagnamfelicitatem concoquere
uon poffunt : (bthePfalm (heweth, that it is more eafie to keep a
meafure and temperament, in a modeft confiftency, than in the in-
creafe of Fortune, If Riches incraafe, fet not your heart upon them.
Thefe obfervatioms and the like, I deny not, but are touched a lit-
tle by Ari^otle, as in paffage, in his Rhetoricks ; as likevvife in the
writings ofothers difperfedly by the way ; but they were never yet
incorporated into Moral Philofophy, to which they do principally ap-
pertain; no lels certainly, than the handling of the di verfity ofgroundsand moulds, doth to Agriculture ; or the handling of the diverfity ofcompletions and conftitutions of the body, doth to Medicine. Thefame muft be oblerved here, except we mean to follow the mdifcre-
tion ofEmpiricks, which minifter theiame medicines to all Patients,
of what conftitution (bever.
II. After the knoreledge ofChara&ers follows the ksjovpledge ofAffe-ctions and Paffions, which are as the Difeafes of the Mind, as hath
been faid. For as the Ancient Politicks in Popular States were wontto
Lib. VII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 235
to lay, 'rhat the peopk rrere lil{C the Sea^ and the Orators like the winds i
bccaufe as the Sea would of it (c]f be calm and quiet, ifthe wivds did
not move and trouble it i fo the People of their own nature would be
peaceable and tradtable, iCthe/editions Orators did not fct them in
working and agitation. So it may be truly affirmed, that mans mindin the nnture thereof, would be temperate and ftaid, if the ajfe&i-
ons^zs v'inds, did not put it into tumult and perturbation. And here
again I find it ftrange, that ArUiotle^ who writ (o many books ofF-thicks^ fliould never in them handle the Aff'e&ions.^ as an eilential
memberof £//j/r4f 3 and yet in the llhetoricks^ where they are confi-
dered but Collaterally, and in a (econd degree Cthat is, fo far as they
may be rais'd and moved by fpeechj he finds place for them, (\\i
which place notwithftanding, for fuch an abridgement, he difcourl-
eth acutely and well;) for his diiputations ahom plcafnre andpain^ noway latisfieth this inquiry 5 no more than he thatfhould write only
of hght and lightning, could be faid, to have written of the nature
ofparticular Colours j for Plcafure and Pain, are to the particular affc-
dions, as light is to Colours, Better travels the Stoicks have taken in
this argument, as far as may be conjectured from fuch Remains as are
extant j but yet fuch as confifted rather in curiofity of Definitions,
than any full and ample delcriptions. So likewifc I find fomc elegant
Books of Ibme j^eJ?/(?w/, as of^«^^r, of Tcndernejs] of Countenance,
and Come few other. But to fpeak the truth, the beft Doctors ofthis knowledge are the Poets, and writers ofHiftories, where we mayfind painted and difiecH^ed to the life, how affeftions are to be ftirred
up and kindled^ how ftill'dand laid afleep5 how again contaiia'd andrefrain'd, that they br^ak not forth into Aft 3 likewile how they dif-
clofe themfelves, though reprciled and fecreted •, what operations
they produce 5 what turns they take 5 how they are enu'rapt onewithin another ? how they fight and encounter one with another 5
and other the like Particularities. Amongft the which, this laft is
of fpecial ufe in Moral and Civil matters. How, Ifay, tofet Jffe&ion
againfi Affe&ion 5 and by the help of one to majlcr and reclaim another .<?
After the manner of Hunters and Fowlers, who hunt Beafl with Beaft 3
and fly Bird with Bird j which percafe oftherafeJves without the af-
fiftance of Bruit Creatures, a man could not fb eafily recover. Nayfarther, upon this foundation, is erefted, that excellent and univer-
(al ufe in matters Civil of Pr4r«?/««z and P^na, which are the Pillars
of Civil States '-, feeing thofe predominant Affc&ions of Fear and Hope
do bridle and fupprefs all other exorbitant Aff'c&ions. Again, as in
government of States, it isfometimes neceflary to confront and bri-
dle one Faftion with another 3 lb it is in the inward Government ofthe Mind.
IIF. Now come we to thofe Voxnts wKxchzxe within our own ccm^
mand^and have force and operation upon the mind,and alfbaffeft.dif-
pofe, and manage the IFill and Appetite 5 and therefore are of great
force to alter the manners. In which part the Philofbphers ought tor
have made a painful and diligent Inquiry touching the Power and E-
nergy of Cujiom, Exercife, Habit^ Education, Converfation , Friend-
P'ip, Praife, Rcprehenjion, Exhortation . Fame , Laws , Bool{s , StU'
G g 2 dies,
236 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i e,ViL
dies, and other points of like nature. Thefe are they which have the
fway and dominion in Alorality, from thefe Agents the mind fuffereth
and is difpofed 5 ofthefe, as of Ingredients^ receits are compounded,
which conduce to the confervation and recovery of the Heahh andgood''"Eftate ofthe Mind, as far as may be performed by Humane Re-medies. Ofwhich number we will feleft one or two whereupon wewill a little infift as an example to the reft. We will therefore infi-
nuate a few points touching Cu§iom and Habit.
vL raiN" m That Opinion o^ AriUotle feemeth to me to favour of negligence
ml.^'°
' and a narrow Contemplation, where he aflerts— that thofe AUions
•a>hich are natural cannot be changed by cufiom-^ ufing for example—
>
that if afione be thrown a tboufand times up, it will not learn to afeend
ofits own accord : Moreover^ that by oftenfeeing or hearing, vpe do not
learn to hear or fee the better : for though this principle be true in (omQ
things wherein Nature is Peremptory (the reafons whereofwe can-
. not now ftand to difcufs) yet it is otherwife in things wherein Nature,
according to a Latitude, admits intention and remijfion. He might
fee that a ftrait glove by often drawing on, is made wider 5 and
that a wand by ufe and continuance is bowed contrary to its natural
bent in the growth, and foon after ftays in the fame pofture j that
the voice by exercifing it becomes louder and ftronger 5 that heat and
cold are better endur'd by cuftom ; and many inftances of like kind.
Which two latter examples have a neerer refemblance and comeneerer to the point, than thofe he there alledgeth. But however
this cafe be determined, by how much the more true it isf that both
Virtues and Vices confijl in habit ; he ought, by fo much the more^ to
have endeavour'd, to have fo prefcrib'd rules how fuch habits might
be acquired, or rcniovd: for there may be rnany Precepts made of
the wife ordering of the Exercifes of the Mind, no left than of the
Exercifes of the Body 5 whereof we will recite a few.
§ Thefirft JJiall bej that we beware even at firji of higher orfmaller
taskj, than the nature ofthe bufmeJS requires, or our leafure or abilities
permit: For if too great a task be impos'd, in a mean diffident na-
ture, you blunt the edge ofchearfulnefs and blaft their hopes 5 in a
nature full of Confidence, you breed an opinion whereby a man pro-
raifeth to himfelf more than he is able to perform, which draws onfloth and fecurity , and in both thofe temperatures, it will come to
pafs that the experiment doth not fatisfie the expeftation 5 which e-
ver difcourageth and confounds the mind; but if the Task be too
weak and eafie, in the fumm of proceeding there is a lofs and preju-
dice.
§ A fecond Jfjall be-j that to the praciijing of anyfaculty, whereby ^
habit may befuperinduccd, two Seafons are chiefly to be obferved, the one
when the mind is beji difpofed to a buftnefs , the other when it is worii :
that by the one, we may be well forwards on our way, by the lat-
ter, we may by a ftrenuous contention work out the knots and ftonds
ofthe mind , which makes middle times to pafs with more eafe andpleafure.
com.lib 2. § ^ third Treceptpall be that which Arijiotle mentions by the tray,
which is to bear ever towards the contrary extreme of that wherennto weare
L I B. VII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 227
ar^ by fiature hiclm'd, fo it be ivithoHt vice. Like as whcfi we rowagainO: the ftrcam , or when we make a crooked wand itraight bybentling it the contrary way,
§ The fourth Frccept is groiinckd upon that Axiom which is mojltrite. That the mind is brought to any thing with more fxveet-
nejs and hitppincfs, if that, whereunto we pretend , be not principal
in the intention of the Doer ^ but be overcome, as it were, doins? —-,
fomcwhat elfe ; becaitfe the injiin^ of Nature is fuch a freedom as
hates nccefjity and compul(ivc commands. Many other rules there
are which might profitably be prefcribed touching the Directi-
on of Ciijlom ; for Cnjlom, if it be wifely and skilfully in-
duced,
proves (as it is commonly (aid) another Nature j but be-
ing conduced abfurdly and by chance, it is only the Ape ofNature 'j which imitates nothing to the life 3 but in a foolilh de-
formity only.
§ So ifweJl)otdd fpeak of Books and Studies, and of their powerand influence upon Manners 5 are there not divers Precepts, andfruitful Directions appertaining thereunto ? Hath not one of the
Fathers in great indignation called Tocfie, vinum D^monum , being
indeed it begets many Temptations, Lufts, and vain Opinions ? It is
not a wile opinion of Arijiotle, and worthy to be regarded : That
young men are nofit auditors of Moral Vhilofophy, becaufe the boyling J^ofal.lU-^,
heat of their afi'eifions, is not yet.fetled, nor attemper d with Time and ^°°' *'''''
Experience, And to fpeak truth, doth it not hereof come that thole
excellent Books and Dilcourfes of ancient Writers (whereby they
have perfwaded unto vertue moft effedtually , reprefenting as well
her ftately Majefty to the eyes of the world, as expofing to Scorn,
popular Opinions in difgraceof Vertue, attired, as it were, in their
Tarafite Coats') are of fo little efFeft towards honefty ofLife, and the
reformation of corrupt Manners^ becaufe they u(e not to be read andrevolv'dby men mature in years and judgement; but are left andconfin'd only to Boys and Beginners. But is it not true alfo, that
young men are much lefs fit Auditors of Policy than Alorality, till they
have been throughly fealbn'd with Religion, and the knowledge of'
Manners and Duties 5 left their judgements be corrupted and madeapt to think, that there are no A/oral differences true and Iblid of
things 3 but that all is to be valued according to utility and fortune.
As the Poet faith ,
Trofperum& fclixfceUts virtus vacatur»Juyenal.Sat^
And again,
lUe crucem pretiumfceleris tulit, hie Diademdl
But the Poets feem to fpeak this Satyrically, and in indignation
,
be it fo, yet many Books of Policy do fuppole the fame ferioufly
and pofitively : for fo it pleafed AlachiaiJtl to fay. That if Cxfarhadbeen overthrown. hi would have been more odious than ever was Catalinej
238 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. Lib. Yih
li
Pfo L. Mu-
as if there had been no difference but infortmie only, between a ve»
ty fury compofed of Luft and Blood, and the moft excellent fpirit
("his ambition referved ) in the world. By this we fee how nccef-
lary it is/or men to drink deeply rioits and Moral KNoirled^es^hefore
they tafte VoUtick^ j for that they who are bred up in the Courts ofPrincesfrom tender years, and in affairs of State, comrrif^nly never
attain an inward and fincere Probity ofManners , how much f:'ther
ofTfrom honefty, if to this fire of corrupt education there be admi-
Itred the fewel of corrupt Books ? Again^ even in Moral inftruftions
themfelves, or at leaft in fomeof them, is there not a Caution like-
wife to be given, left they make men too precife, arrogant and in-
compatible ? according to that oiCicero^ touching M. Cato, Thefe Di-
«na.
'
vine and excellent qualities which xoefee^are his own proper endorvtjients,
but flich as arefometimes deficient in him^ are all derivedfrom Teacher^,
and not from feature. There are many other Axioms touching thofd
properties and effefts which Studies and Books do inftill into the
' minds of men : for it is true that he faith , abettnt jltidia in mores 5
which may likewife be affirm'd of thofe other points touching Com-
pany^ Fame, the Laws of our Country, and the refl, which a little be-
fore we recited. But thel^ is a kind of Culture of the Mind which
feems yet more acurate andelaborate than the re(t,andis built upon
this ground. That the minds of all Mortals are atjome certain times in a
moreperfe&jlaie '-, at other times in a:more depravedjiate. The pur-
pofe therefore, and diredion of this Culture is, that thofe good fea-
fons may be cherifht, and the evil crofl, and expunged out of the
Calender. Thefixation of good Times is procured by tvvo means,
by vows, or at leafl moli conjhint Refolution of the Mind, and by Ob-
fervances and Exercifes, which are not to be regarded fb much in
themfelves, as becaufethey keep the mind in her devoir and conti-
nual obedience. The obliteration of evil Times may be in like man-
ner perfected two ways j by forae kind of Redemption, or expiation
of that which is pafi •, and by a new courfe of life, as it were, turning
^ over A clean leaf. But this part feems wholly to appertain to Religi-*
on, and jultly confidering that true and genuine Moral Philofophy,zs
was faidjfupplies the place of a Hand-maid only to Divinity. Where-
fore we will conclude this part of the Culture of the Jllind, with that
remedy, which of all other means is the raofl compendious and fum«
raary: And again, the moft noble and effeftual, to the reducing of
the mind to vertue, and the placing of it in a ftate next to perfecti-
1 1 on, and this is, Thatrwe make choice of, and propound to our felves ^
I right ends of life and al}ions, and ag^reeing to vertue j whichyet muji
befuch M may be in a reafonable fort within our compafs tn attain. For
if thefe two things befuppos'd,^/j-/^ the ends ofanions be honefi and
good ; and that the refolution of the mind, for the purfuing and obtain-
ingthemybefixt,co)iflafit, and true unto fuch ends ; it vvill follow that
the mind fhall forthwith transform and mould it felf into all vertues
at once. And this indeed is an operation, which refembleth the
work.of nature, whereas other courfes, whereof we have fpokcn, are
like the work^of the hand. For as when a Carver cuts and carves
I
L I B. VII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 250
an Image, he ihapes only that part vvhet-eupon he works, and notthe reft i as rfhe be falhiontng the Face , the reft of the body is a
rude and forriilefi ftone ftill , till fuch time as he come to it; butcontrarivvife, when "Nature makes a Flower or Living Creatkre, (lie
ingenders and brings forth rudiments of all the parts at one time.
So in obtaining vertues by hahit, while a man praftileth Temperance,
he doth not profit much to Fortitude , and the like 5 but when w6wholly dedicate and devote our felvcs to good and honeft ends 5
look what vertue fbever j'nch ends commends and commands ourmind unto, we fliall find our fclves already invefted and predifpo-
fited with a kind of hability and propenfionto purfue and express
the fame. And this may be that state of Mind, which is excellently
defcribcd by Arijiotle, and exprefled with the Charafter, hot ofwr- ^^^^j j^^.
/«e, but a kindf of Divinity;^ his words are thefej Andwithlm-^ comAib.i,
nianity , we may not unaptly countre-haUance , that ability which is
above humanity '-y Heroic^ or Divine Vertue: and a little after, /cras Savage. Creatures are incapable ofVice or Vertue ', fo is the Deity: but
thisflate is a thing higher than vertue- 5 that, fomevphat tlfi than vice.
Indeed Plinius Secundus^from the licenfe of Heathen magniloquence,fet forth the vertue of Trajan, not as an imitation, but as a pat-
tern too Divine,vvhen he faith. That men need to rna^e no other prayers p ;
to the Gods, but that they xoould continue asgood and asgracious Lordsto them, as Trajan had been. But thefe are the prophane and un-hallowed Airs of Heathens , who apprehend ftiadows greater thanthe body : but true Religion , and the Holy Chriftian Faith , Jays
hold on fubftance it felf, imprinting upon mens Minds CharJty,\N\{\ch
is moft properly called, The bond of perfection }, becaufe it compre- r i r-
hends and faftens all vertues togetheir. Surely it is elegantly ftid^^ " '
by A/enander of vain Love, ^which is but a counterfeit imitation ofDivine Love'-, Amor meliorfophiliu Uvo^adhttmanamvitamj by whichwords he infinuates, that good and decent carriage,is better leai-ntfroM
L.QVQ, than from a So^}\[^, or an inept Tutor -^ whom he calls Le//-
handed, becaufe with all his tedious Rules and Preceps, he cannotform a man fb dexteroufly, and with that facility to value himfelf,
and govern himfelf, as Love c:in do. So certainly, if a mans mind betruly inflamed with the heat of Chdrity ^ he Ihall be exalted to a
greater degree of Perfedtion, thati by all the Do&rine of Morality,
which, indeed, is but a Sophiji in comparifon of the other. Nay far. ^^.'."^'
thef, as Xenophon obfervcd truly, That all other affe&ions, though
they raife the Mind, yet they difiort and diforder it by their cxtafies andexceffes ') hut only love doth at thefa/fte inflant , dilate and compofe the
Mind. So all other hurtiane excellencies, which we admire ^ though'
they advance Nature, yet they are fubjeft to excefs-., only Charity
admits no excefs. So we fee the Angels, while they afpired to belike
God in Power, prevaricated and fell, I will afcend above the altitude Efa.14,
trfthe clouds, I will be lik.e the mofl high. So man, whife he afpired
to be like God in Knowledge, digrefTed and fell : yefiall be like Godsknoiving Good and Evil : but by afpiring ta a firailitude of God's „GoodncfsoiLove^ neither Man nor Angel ever was endangered, nor
fbaM
240 Of the Advancement of Learning. L i e.V II.
fhall be endangered. Nay, we are invited to this imitation, Blefs
^vaf.s. thetfi that curfcyoH^and prayfor them that defpitefiilly ufeyoii^ and perfe-
CHteyoHjthatyoH may be. thejons ofyour father vohich is in Heaven:for he
ntak^es his Sun to rift on the Evil, and on the Good •-, andfends rain up-
on thejujiy and upon the ttnju^. So in the firft Platform of the Di-
vine Nature, the Heathen Religion placeth Gods Attributes thus,^''^''
OptitMHs MaximHs'-iand facrcd Scripture fpeaks thus, Adifericordia e-
jus^fupra omnia opera ejus.
ij Wherefore we have now concluded this part of Aloral Know-
ledge concexningiht Culture and Regiment of the jWnd'-, wherein if
any from a contemplation of the Portions thereof, which we have
ftriftly enumerated, doth judge that our labour is only \.\i\s,to CoUeii
and Digeji, into <?« Art or Science^ that tfhich hath been pretermitted
'by other writers^ as matters of commonfenfe and experience , and of
themfelves clear and perfpicuous > let him freely enjoy his judgement :
yet in the mean time let him be pleafed to remember what we pre-
monilht at firfl: , that our purpofe was not to purfue the flourifh andbeauty of things i but their ufe,and verity. Likewife let him a
while ponder in his mind that invention of the Ancient Parable ,
touching the two gat^s <fffleep..
Sunt gemin^fomni Portte, ^uarum alterafertur\itg.o£n.g.
Cornea, qua verisfacilis datiir exitus umbrjs.
Altera candenti perfe&anitensElephanto
Sedfalfa ad' Ci^lft^ mittnnt infomnia Manes.
A gate of Ivory is indeed-very ftately, but true Dreams pa(s thro\igh
the gate of Horn.;
IV, By way of (uppliment, that obf^rvation about Aloral Know-ledge, may be let down, which is, that there is a kjnd of relation Andconformity between the Good of the Mind, and the Good of the Body,
For astheGood of the S^^confifts, as hath been laid, of Healthy
Beauty, Srength and Pleafure : So the Good of the Alind , if we coO". fider it according to the Axioms and Precepts of Moral Knowledge, weV fhall perceive tend to this point, to make the mind found, and dif-
charg'dfrom perturbation^ beautififI OJjd graced with the ornaments oftrue deccncy-ffirong to all duties of^ife:LaJlly,notflupid,but retaining an,
aQive and livelyfenfe of plcafHrc,and honeji recreation. But thele four,
as in the body , fo in the mind,, feldom meet altogether. For it is
eafte to ohfetve, that many have ftrength of wit and courage ; whoyet notwithftanding are infefted with perturbations, and whole man-ners are little (ealbn'd with Elegancy and Beauty of Behaviour, in
their doings : Some again, have an Elegancy and Finenels of Car-riage, which have neither Soundness of Honefty, nor Subftance ofSufficiency in their doings : fome have honeft Minds, purified from^^
the ftain of Guilt, which yet can neither become themfelves, normanage bufinefs : Others which perchance are capable of all thele
three Qualities j but pofleft a with fullen humour of Stoical fadnefs^
and
Lib. VII. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 241
and ftupidity, they pradill virtuous Aftions , but enjoy neither
themfelves, nor the the fruit of their good Parts : and if it chancethat of the(e four trvo or three (bmetimes meet, yet a concurrence ofall/(?Kr very (eldom falls out. And now we have concluded that
Principal Member of Humane Philofophy , which confiders Man ,
as he confijisof Body andSouli) bnt yet^ as heis fegregnte and feparate
fro/ftfociety.
\
I
Hh THE
I
Lie. VIII. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 243
•THE
Eighth BookO F
FRANCIS L. V E RV L A MVicouhtS'- ALBAN,
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
o F
LEARNING.To the KING.
Chap. I.
I. T/jePartixion of Civil Knowledge into //je Knowledge of Convert
fution 5 the Knowledge of Negociation 3 and the Knowledge of
Empire, or of State Coverment.
^Here is an ancient Relation C Excellent King ) of a
fblemn Convention of many Philofophers before the
Ambailador ofa forreign Prince, and how that eve-
ry one according to their feveral abilities made de-
monftration oftheir Wifdora; that Co the AmbalTador.
might have matter of report touching the admired
wifdom of the Grecians : But amongft thefe, one there was, as the
ftory goes, that ftood ftill and utter'd nothing in the aflembly, info-
much as the Ambailador turning to him fhould fay : And xvhat is Plutar. in
your gift, that I n^ay report it ^ To whom the Philofopher, Report ^'^^'^'^
(faith he) nnto your Kirg , that you found one amongii the Grecians
th.it knero hovp to hold his peace : and indeed, I had forgotten in this
compend of Arts to interfert the Art offilencej which notwithftanding
("becaufe it is Defcient) I will teach by mine own Example. For
H h 2 feeing
244 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. Vlll.
feeing the order and contexture of matter hath brought me at length
to this point, that Imuft now a little after handle the Art ofEwpirej
and being I write to fo Great a King^, which is fo perfeft a Mafter in
this Science, wherein he hath been trained up even from his infancy j
nor can I be altogether unmindful^what place I hold under your Ma-iefty 5 I thought it would beft become me in this point to approve
my felfunto your Ma jefty, by Silence^ rather than by lVrith;g. Ci-
cero makes mention not only of an Art^ but of a kind o^ Eloquence
found in Sikfjce : for after he had commemorated in an Epjilc to
AttJcuSy many conferences which had interchangeably paft between
Ad Atticum. him and another,he writeththus , In this place Ihave horroiredfome-
Tphat from your Eloquence^ for I have held my peace. And Pindar to
whom it is peculiar fuddenly to ftrike, as it were, with a Divine
Scepter, the minds of men by rare fhort fentence, darts forth fbmePindar. fuch faying as this, Interdum magis afficimit non diBa quam di^a:
wherefore I have refolv'd in this part to be Silent^ or which is next to
Silence^ to be very brief. But before I come to the Arts of Empire^
fome things by way ofPreoccupation are to be fetdown concerning
other Portions of Civil DoSirine.
§ Civil Science is converfant about a fubjed, which of all other is
moft immers'd in matter, and therefore very difficultly reduced untd
Axioms : yet there are many circumftances which help this difficulty i
forfirft, Cato the Cenfor was wont to fay of his R.omans: That they
Plufar. in M, "^^^^ ^'kp Sheep, a man were better drive a Flocks of them, than one ofCatone. IJ^cm , for in a Flocks, if you could get hutfomefew to go right^youjfiall
have all the reBfollow of their own accord : So in this refpeft indeed,
the Duty of Morality is fomewhat more difficult than that of Policy.
Secondly, Morality propounds^to it felfthat the Mind be imbued andfmnx^tWiOiilnternal Goodnef--) hut Civil Knowledge te(\\x\rQS no morehnx.Goodnej? External otAy, for this, as refpefting fociety, fufficeth.
Wherefore it often comes to pals that the Government is Good, the
Times Bad : for in Sacred Story the faying is often repeated, (peak-
ing of Good and Godly Kings, Andyet the People dire&ed not their
hearts to the Lord God of their Fathers 5 wherefore in this refpeft alfo,
the parts of Ethick are more auflere and difficult. Thirdly, States
have this nature, that like great Engines they are flowly moved, and
not without great pains 5 whence it comes,that they are not fb eafily
put out offrame : For as in Jigypt the feven good years upheld the
fevien bad 5 (b in States , the good Government and Laws of the
Precedent times cau(e, that the errors of fucceeding times, do not
quickly fupplant and ruine : But the Decrees and Cufloms of parti-
cular perfons, are more fuddenly fubverted : And this likewife doth
charge Morality, but eafeth Policy.
I Civil Knowledge hath three parts, according to the three (um-
mary Actions of Society •-, The DoSfrine of Converfation 3 The DO'
&rine of Negociation •) and the DoCJrine of Empire or Republickj. For
there are three forts of Good, which men feek to procure to them-
felves from civil Society 5, Comfort againft Solitude, AjfU'iance in Buji-
nefs , and Prote&ion againfl: Injuries : and thefe be three wif-
doms diflinft one from the other, and often times disjoyn'dj
IVifdcM
L I B. VIII. Of the Advancement ofLearning, 245
fVifdom in Convcrjation , IVifdom in Negotiation, and Wifdom in Gtibcr-
fiation,
(j As for Convcrfation, certainly it ought not to be^ffcfted, butmuch left defpilad^ feeing a wi(e moderation thereof, hath both anhonour, and graceof Manners initfelf^ and a powerful influence for
the apt manage of Bufine(s 5 as well Publick^ as Private. For at A'ifion in an Orator is lb much refpefted, (though it be but an out-
ward quality^ that it is prefer'd before thofe other Parts which feemmore grave and intrinfick •, fo Conversation and the government there-
of, in a man of a Civil Praftick life (however it conlifteth in outwardceremonies) finds, if not the chiefeft, yet certainly a very eminentplace. Of what fpecial importmcnt the very Countenance is, and the
compofure thereof, the Poet infinuates where he faith,
ticc vultii dejlrne vei'ha tito.
A man may cancel and utterly betray the force of his words, withhis CoHHtenancc. Nay the Deeds as well as IVords may likewife be de-
ftroyed by the Countenance, if we may believe Cicero.^ who when hewould commend to his hrotherAffability towards the Provincials laid,
that it did not chiefly confift in this, to give eafieaccefs unto his Per-
fon,unlels likewife he received them courteoufiy even with his Conn
^
tenance j Nilintereji habere cjiiitm apertum^vultum claujum:ltis nothing
TDon , to admit men with an open door , and to receive themroith a fuiatus.^
'
JImt and referved countenance. So we fee y^/f7V«j-,before the firfl: inter-
view between C^f-pr and C/ccr^? the v^ar depending, did diligently lib xii.
and ferioufly advife Cicero by a letter touching the compofing and or- ^i"" ^^ ^"'
dGx\vi^o^\\\% countenance zndgelfnre. And ifthe government oftheFace and Countenance alone be offuch efFed, how much more is that
o^^AmiWzxfpeech and other f<irr/4ge appertaining to Converfation. Andindeed thefumm and abridgement of the Grace and Elegancy ofBe-haviour, is for moll part comprized in this, that-a>e meajurc in a juji
ballance and maintain both our orvn Honour and the Reputation of others.
The true Model whereqf 7". Livins hath well afcribed (though inten- Livfu?.
ded to another purpofe) in the Charafter of a Perfon, Leji (faith
^e) ijifould fce/H either arrogant or obnoxious , rchereofthe one is the /j//-
ntottr ofa man thatforgets the liberty ofanother 5 the other of a man that
forgets the liberty of himfclf. But on the other fide liVrbanity and out-
Tpard Elegancy ofBehaviour be intended too much, they pafs into a de-
formed and counterfeit AffeBation. ^id cnim deformius qnamfcc'nam in vitam transferre. To AB a mans life. But though they fall notby inlenfible degrees into that vitious extreme 5 yet too much timeis confumed in thefe Imall matters •-, and the mind by ftudying themis too much depreft'd and broken. And therefore as Tutors and Pre-
ceptors ufe to advife young Students in Univcrfities, too much addi-
fted to keep company j by(aying, Amicos effefures temporis: fo cer-
tainly this fame continual intention of the mind upon the comeline^ofBehaviour, is a great thief to more folemn Meditations. Again, iuch
asarefo exactly accomplilTit inVrbanity, and (eem, as it were, Ibrm'd
by nature for this quality alone, are comm.oaly of fuch-adifpolition,
as
24.6 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i e. VIlI
as pleafe thernfelves in this one habit only, and feldom afpire to high-
er and more folid virtues: whereas on the contrary, thofe that are
confcious to thernfelves ofa Defeft this way, feek Comclineifhy Repu-
tation t, Cot wheve Reputation \Sy almoft every thing Jbecometh ; but
where that is not, it muft be fupplied by Funtoes and Complemcuts.
Again^ there is no greater or more frequent impediment of Adlion
than an overcurious obfervance of Decency and of that other ceremo-
ny attending on it, whichisa toofcrupulous £/c^/tf« of tivie and op-
, r portunities : for Solomon faith excellently, qui objervat ventum non
feminat., & qui confiderat nubes nunquam metet : We muft make op-
portunity oftner than find it. To conclude, this comely grace ofBehaviour is, as it were, the Garment of the Mind, and therefore
muft have the conditions of a Garment : for firft,it ought to be fuch
as is in fadiion ; again, it ought not to be too curious or coftly 3 thea
it ought to be fo (haped as to fet forth any good making ofthe mind,and to (lipply and hide any deformity 3 laftly and above all, it ought
not to be too ftrait, or fo to reftrain the fpirit, as to reprefs and hin-
der the motion thereof in bufinels. But this part of Civil knowledge
to\XQ\\\ngConverJation^ hath been indeed elegantly handled, nor can
it any way be reported as Deficient.
Chap. II.
I. The Partition of the Do&rine ofNegotiation into the knowledge ofdifperfed Occalions. II, And into the Knowledge ofthe Advance-
ment of life. § Examples ofthe knowledge ofScatter d Occajtons
from fome of Solomons Varables. § Precepts touchingthe Ad-vancememt of fortune.
THe knowledge touching negotiation^ we will divide into a
knowledge concerning Scatter d Occasions 3 and the Knowledgeconcerning the Advancement of Life j whereof the one comprehendsall the variety of £»(?«e/?, and is, as it v.'ere, the Secretary of a Pra-
ftick courfe oflife; the other only felefts and fuggefts fuch obferva*
tions as appertain to the advancing ofa mans proper fortune^ whichmay be to every man as intimate and relerved Table-Bookji and Me-morials of their AiFairs.
§ But before we delcend to the Particular kinds, we will (peak
foraething by way ofPrefacCj in general, touching the knowledge of'Negotiation. The knowledge ofNegotiation no man hath handled hither-
to according to the dignity of the Subjeft •-, to the great derogation
of Learning, and the Profeflors ofLearning : lor from this root iprin-
geih that note of Dulnefs which hath defamed the Learned, which is 5
That there is no great concurrence between Learning andPra&ickwifdon/,
For, if a man obferve it well, of the three wifdoms which we havefet down to pertain to Civil life, that of Converfationis by learned
men for the moft part defpifed as a fervile thing and an enemy to Me-ditation. As for that w/y^t?»» concerning Government^ Learned men
ac-
Lib. VIII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 247
acquit therafclves well, when they are called to the manage of Ci-
vil Affairs in ftate^ but that is a Promotion which happeucth to
few. Concerning the injcloM of Eujincj^ (whereof we now Ipcak)
wherein man's life is moftconverfant j there be no Books at alt writ- *
ten of it except, a handful or two of lome few Civ/l Advertifemtmt^ irr-;. i/
that have no proportion to the magnitude ofthis Subjeft. For ifthere
were Books extant of this Argument, as of other, I doubt not, but
Learned men with mean experience would far excel men oflong ex-
perience without Learnings and oiit-poot them ("as they fay) in their
own Bon\ Neither is there any caufe why wefliould fear left the Mat-ter of this Knorvkclge fhould be fb various, that it could not fall un-der Precepts, for it is much narrower than the Science ofGovernment^
which notwithflanding we fee is exadly labour'd, and fubdued. Ofthis kind odl'ifclom, it feems there have been fome ProfefTors amongftthe Romans in their beft and wifeft times. For Cicero reports that it Ckcro,'
was in u(e a little before his time for Senators, that had the name andopinion for wife and experienced men (the Cornnctnii^ Cnni^ Lcelii^
and others) to walk at certain hours in the Fornm^ where they mightgive accefs and audience to the Citizens, and might be confulted
withalli not only touching /x?/»^ of Law, butof all^r^/ ofEufinefsj
as of ihe M.irriage of a Dattghter j or of the bringing up of a Son j or
ofa PurchafeJ of a. Bargain, of an Accnfation, Defence i, and every o-
Other occafion incident to man's life. By this it plainly appears, that
there is alVifdom ofgiving Counfel and Advice even in Private Bufi-
nefs 5 arifing out ofan univerfal inlight into the Affairs of the World 5
which is ufed indeed upon Particular Caules, but is gathered by ge-
neral obfervation ofCauies oflike naturfe. For (6 we fee in the Bookwhich ^Ci«T<7 writeth unto his Brother, DeFetitione ConjnLttus, nckztoii(being the only Book of Particular Bufinels, that I know written by Petitione
the Ancients) although it concerned fpecially an AGion then on °'foot, yet it contains in it many Politick Axioms, which prefcribe notonly temporary ufe, but a perpetual direction in the cafe ofPopularEleftions. And in this kjnd nothing is extant which may any way becorapar'd with thofe Aphorilms which Solomon the King fet forth, ofwhom the Scriptures teftifit^That his Heart n>as as the Sands of the Sea :
For as the Sands ot the Sea do incompafs all the utraoft bounds of the i. Rsg. iv.-
worldjfo his wifdom comprehended all matters,as well humane as di-
vine. In thefe Aphorifms you (hall clearly .difcover,be(ldes thofe pre-
cepts which are more divine^many mofl excellent Civil precepts andadvertifements/pringing out of the profound fecrets of wifdom, andflowing over into a large field of variety. Nov/ becaufe we report
as Deficient, the DoSrine touching difperfed occafions, (which is a firfl
portion of the ^^«ow/if^^e (?/S«^«e/}) we will, after our manner, ftay
a while upon it, and propound an example thereof, taken out ofthof^ , j.
Aphorifms^ or Parables of Solomon. Neither is there, in oifr judge-ment, any caufe of juft reprehenfion, for that we draw from writers
of facred Scripture, fomething to a Politicall fence j for I am verily
ofopinion, that ifthofe Commentaries ofthe fame Solomon were now ex- i.Rsg. iv.
Uint concerning Nature (wherein he hath written ofall Vegetables, Fromthe Mojs upon the wall^ to the Cedar of Libanus 5 and ofliving creatures^
it
248 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. Vlll.
it were not unlawful to expound them according to a natural (eace j
the fame liberty we may take in the FoUticl{f.
.<M^NUEN. An Example of a Portion of the Dodrine concern-
filedilaafi- i^g Dilperfed Occafions , from fbme
Sf"''^"' Tarables ofSolomon.
PfOV.XV.
Prov.xvii.
THE PARABLE.
1. Afoft Anfn>er a^feafethWratk
THE EXPLICATION,
Ifthe wrath ofa' Prince or of a great Perfon be kindled againft theCj
and it be now thy turn toipeak^Solomon gives in precept twopoints;
one is, that an anfveerbe madei, theotherj that the fame befoft : TheFirft contains three precepts i Firfi that pu beware of afad^ andful'
lenfilence: for that either charges the fault wholly upon your felf^
as if you had nothing to fay for your felfj or clofely appeacheth
your Mafter offome injufticCjas if his ears were not open to a juft T>c-
itnce. Sccoudly that yoH beware of delaying and putting offa BHfmefs^znd
that you crave not a longer day to give in your defence: for this
procraftination, either infinuates the (ame prejudice the former did,
(which is that yourLord andMafter is led away with too much paffion
and partiality) and plainly betrays, that you are in divifing fome cun-
ning and counterfeit Apology,feeing you have no prefent anfwer rea-
dy. Wherefore it is ever the beft courfe to fay foraething inftantly
in your own defence, according as the occafion ofthe prelent bufineft
fhall adminifter. Thirdly that by all means^an anfwer be made 5 an anfwer
(I fay) not a meer confeffion or a meer fubmiffion, but yet not with-
out fome fpriuklings ofan Apology and excufe let fall here and there^
nor is it fafe to bear your felfotherwifcjUnlefs you have to deal with
very generous and noble difpofitions 5 which are very rare. It foUlows in thefecond place, that the anfwer made be foft and temperate ;
and not harfti and peremptory.
THE PARABLE.
IL A wife Servant fhall have command over a re-
poachful Son, andfoall divide the Inheritance
among the brethren.
The
Lib. VIII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 249
THE EXP Lie ATI ON.
IN all troubled and difagreeing Families, there ever ari(eth up fomefervant, or gentle friend, powerful with both fides j which may
nioderate,and compound the differences of the Family^ to whom,it|that refped, the whole Houfe, and the Mafter himfelf are engag'dand beholding. This Servant, ifhe aim only, at His own ends, che-fifties and aggravates the Divifions ofa Family 5 but if he be fincere-
ly faithful, and upright, certainly he delerves much 5 (b, as to bereckoned as one of the brethren 5 or at leaft, to receive a Fiducia-
ry. Adminiftration of the Inheritance.
THE PARABLE.
III. If (I Wife man contefts with a Fool, whether he
he in anger, or injeH, there is Jtaqniet,
THE EXPLICATION.
WE are often admoniftit to avoid unequal commerce ; in this
fence, not to contend vpith our Betters : but it is a no left
profitable inftruftion, which Solomon here fets down, Not to under-
ta^e a tvorthlefs perfon j for fuch a bufinefs is ufually concluded uponIcrofs of difadvantage 5 for to overcome is ho viftory, but to beconquer'd a foul difgrace : and it is all one in the heat of this engage-
ment, whether we deal by way of jefting, or by way of difdain
and fcorn 5 for howfbever we change Copy, we are embafed andmade the lighter thereby •-, nor (hall v/e handforaely come off withcredit. But the worft inconvenience ofall is, when the Perfon with
whom we contend (as Solomon (peaks) hath fomewhat of the Fool in
him, that is, ifhe be witlefsand wilful; have (brae heartjoo brain.
Prov.xxiz,
THE PARABLE.
IV. Lend not an Ear to allwords that arefpoJ^n, leH E«isf,viii
'
ferchanceihoii hearejl thyfervant carfe thee.
THE EXPLICATION.
ITis a matter alraoft beyond belief, what difturbance is created
by unproftaile curiofity, about thofe things which concern our
pcrfonal intereft : that is, when we make a too fcrupulous enquiry
after fuch fecrets j which once difclofed and found out, do but cau(e
raoleftation of mindj and nothing conduce to the advancing of oue
! i defigns.
250 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VIIL
defigns. Forfir ii therefollows vexation and difqttietnefs ofMind ; be-
ing that all humane affairs are full of faithlefnefs and ingratitude; fo
as if there could be procured fome enchanted glals, wherein wemight behold the hatred, and whatfoever malice is any way railed
up againft us , it were better for us that luch a Glafs, were forth-
with thrown away and broken. For /landers of this nature, are like
the impotent murmures ofLeaves on Trees, and in ftiort time.vanilh.
Secondly^ this Curioftty fills the mind with ungroundedjcaloiiftes^ whichis a capital enemy to Counfels, and renders them inconftaut and in-
volv'd. Thirdly^ thefame curiofity doth oftentimesfix e-vils^ vehich ofthentfelves would fly nvcay. For it is a dangerous matter for to pro-
voke mens confciences, who if they think themfelves undifcover'd
are eafily chang'd to the better 5 but if once they perceive them-
piutaf. in felves difmaskt, they drive out one mifchief with an other. Where-Pomp. fore it wasdefervedly judg'dj a point of great wifdom in Po«c/>e/a/
Magnus^ that he inftantly burnt all Sertorius's papers unpcrus'd byhimfelfi or permitted to be fo by others.
THE PARABLE.
prov.vi. Y. Thy Poverty Jhall come as a Traveller ^ and thy
Want as- an armed Man,
THE EXPLICATION.
^tN this Parable , it is elegantly defcribed how the fliipwrack of
f 1 Fortunes falls upon Prodigals, and on fuch as are carelefe of their
Eftates 5 for Debt and Diminution of Stock comes upon them at
firft by inlenfible degrees, with foft-filent paces , like a Traveller,
and is hardly perceived 5 but foon after necejfity invades him U^ a»armed man^ that is, with fo ftrong and potent an arm , as there is nomore refiftance to be made 5 fo it was faid by the Ancients, that ofall things necejjity was the firongefi. Wherefore we mufl: prevent the
Traveller 5 and be well provided againft the armed Man.
Prov. ix.
THE PARABLE.
VI. He that infiru&s a, [corner^procures to him-
felf a refroach ; and he that reprehends a melted
man, procures to himfelf a jiain.
TkE EXF tic ATION. ",
"^
/I
"^His Parable agrees with our Saviours Precept, That we cannot''* X our Pearls beforefwine. In this Parable the Aftions of Injirit-
&ion 3 and of Reprehenjion are diftinguifht , as alfo the Aftions of a
fcorner
L I B. VIII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 25 n
fcorncr^ and of a vpickpcl pcrfon. Laftly that which is retaliated, is
differenced. For in the former part, loll labour is rcturn'd ^ in the
latter, aftainand difhonour is repaid. For when a man teachetln
and inftrudteth a /<7>r«fr, firft, the time thus imployed isca(i:avvay^
and then others alfo deride his pains, asafruitlefs defign, and a la-
bour ill placed : Laft of all , the fcorner himfelf defpifeth the
knowledge, which he hath learned. But the matter is tranfadted
with greater danger in the reprebenjion of the rvicked j becaufe a
wicked nature, not only gives no ear to advice, but turns hec-^d a-
gainft his Reprebcndcr^ now made odious unto him •, whom he either
wounds prefently with contumelies 5 or traduces afterwards to
others.
THE PARABLE.
VII. A wife Son is the glaJnefs of his Father'^ but Prov.s,
dfoolif) Son is thefadnefs ofbis Mother:
THE EXPLICATION, .
THejo}s and griefs domejiical ofFather and Another touching their
Children, are here diftinguifht : for a wife and well-govern'd
Son, is chiefly a comfort, to the Father, who knows the value Ofvirttie, better than the Mother, and therefore more rejoyceth at the
towardlinels of his Son inclinable to goodnefs : yea, and it may be his
education ofhim, that he hath brought him up (b well ^ and implant-
ed in his tender years the Civility of manners, by precepts and ex-
ample , is a joy unto him. On the otherfide^ the Mother is moregtiev'd^nd difcomforted at the calamity ofa Son-, both becaufe the af-
feftion of a Mother is more fbft and tender j as alfo perchance, being
confcious of her too much indulgence, (he hath tainted and corrupt-
ed his tender years.
THE PARABLE.
VIII. The memory of the Juft is blefl; but the name ^^^^.
ofthe wicl^d jhall pttrifie.
THE EXPLICATION.
HEre is diftinguifht the F^we of good men and ofevil , fuchascommonly falls out after Death ; for the Name ofgood men, af^
ter envy is exiinguifht, (which cropt the bloflbm oftheir Fame^ whilethey were alive) prefently (hoots up and flourifheth 5 and their Frai-
fes dayly encreale in (Irength and vigor : but for wicked men (thoughtheir Fame through the partial favour of Friends, and of men of
ii 2 their
252 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b.VIIL
their own fadtion laftfor a fhort time) a deteftation of their l^ame
fprings up, and at laft their tranfient glory exhales in infamy, and cx«
pires in a filthy and noifom odour.
THE PARABLE.
prov.xi. IX. He that troubles his oiapn houfe fhall inherit the
wind.
THE EXPL ICATION.
A Very profitable admonition touching Difcord and DomeJik\
j_ j^, breaches. Many promife to themfelves great matterSj^;/ t-ke dif-
fentions of Wives 3 or the Dif-ittherittng ofSons 5 or the often changing
of Servants 5 as if the Tranquillity of mind 5 or the adminiftration of
their affairs were by this means advanced, and (hould become more
profperous unto them. But commonly their hopes turn to wind ^ for
thofe alterations, for moft part, fucceed ill, and thofe Pertitrbers of
their own houfe oftentimes meet with many vexations, and ingra-
titudes from them, whom ( paffing by others) they adopted and
loved : Nay, by this means they draw upon their Perfbns ill Reports,
. and doubtful rumours. For it is well noted of Cicero, Omnemfa»
mam a Domejiicis emanare. Both thefe evils Solomon excellently
exprefl'es by the inheritance of Winds : For the Frujirating of Ex"
feUation, and the raififjg of Rumours, are rightly compared to Windsi
THE PARABLE.
Ecckr.vn. -j^^ Better is the end of a Sfeech^ than the beginning
De Pet. Confui, .
thereof
THE EXT Lie ATION.
TFIis Parable taxeth, and reforms a frequent error committed ,
not only by them which chiefly fiudy rvords 5 but even bythe more wife and grave. The error is x.\iis,that men are more follici"
tous of the ingrefs and entrance of their fpeech ; than of the clofe and
iffue : and more cxa^ly meditate the Exordiums and Prefaces j than
the conclnfions of Speeches. But they fliould neither negled thofe,
and yet have thele about them, as the more material parts, ready
prepar'd and digefted 5 confidering with themfelves, and, fb far as
may be, fore-cafting in their minds, what may be the iffue of fpeech
and conference at laft 5 and bufineffes thereby may be promoted and
matured. Yet this is not all 3 for you muft not only ^udy Epi-
logues, and conclufiOHs of Speeches , ivhich may be pertinent to bufinefs^
but alfo regard miifi be taken offuch Speeches, as may aptly and plea/ant-
ly be caji in, at the very injiant of your departure, although they have
HO reference at all to the bufinefs in hand. I knew two Counlellors,
Perfonages
^5 2L I B. VIII. Of the Advancement ofLeaniing.
Perfonagesof high rank, and wife men; and on whom the charge
of State-alTairs did then principally depend ; vvhofe common, and,
to them, peculiar cuftom it was , that lb often as they were to nego-
ciate with their Princes about their own affairs ; never to clofe their
conference with any matter referring to that bulineft 5 but ever feek
diverfions, either by way of jeft , or by fbmevvhat that was delight-
ful to hear ; and lb, as the Adages render it, roajJ) over at the condnfioK
of ill, their Sea-rvatcrdifcourfcs^veithfrejl) fountain vp^ter. And this
ulage was one of their chief Arts.
THE PARABLE
XI. As- dead Flkf unfe the heft oyntment to fend E,,url;
forthan ill Odour; fo doth a littlefolly him that is in
repitatio?ifor imfdom andhonmir,
THE EXP LtC ATION.
THecafeofMen remarkable /c»' eminent gifts ^ is very unhap^
py and miferable (as the r<ir<iWe excellently notes,) becaufe
their errors, be they never fo fmall find no remiffion. But as in a.
pure Diamond every leafl: grain, or little cloud ftrikes the eye,and af-
fefts it with a kind of trouble , which upon a more grofs Diamondwould hardly be difcerned : evenfb in men of eminent parts, the
leaft infirmities are prefently (pied, talked of, and more deeply cen-
fur'd J which in men of more mean and obfcure gifts, and rank
,
would either altogether pafs without notice, or eafily procure par-
don. Therefore a little Folly in a very wife tnan'-y and a fmall offence
in a very honefl man^ and afight indecency of manners^ in a man ofCourtly and Elegant behaviour 3 much derogates from their fv;ie and re-
putation. So that it is not the worft courle for eminent perfons, to
minglefome abfurdities (Co it may be done without guilt) in their A--
dions 5 that they may retain a kind of liberty to therafelves, and con-
found the charafters of fmaller defefts.
THE PARABLE.
XII. Scornfulmen infiare a City , hut wife men di- prov.xxix^
vert Wrath,
THEEXPLICJTJON.
IT may feem ftrange, that Solomon in the defcription of men made,
as it were, and by nature fram'd to the ruine and deftrudtion of a
ftate, hath chofen the chara^eri not of a proud and infolentmanj
aot of a tyrannical and cruel nature, not of 2l rafh and violent mansmi
2 54 ^/ ^^^ Advancement of Leariiing» L i b .V III.
not of an impious and wicked perlbn, «^r<7/ a feditious and turbu-
lent fpiritj not tf/ an incontinent and fenfual inclination ; »otof a.
foolirfi and and unhabile Perlbn 5 hut of a Scortier. But this is a
judgement worthy the wifdom of that King, who beft knew the
grounds of the confervation , or everfion of a State. For there is
not commonly a like Plague to Kingdoms and Common-wealths,
than if Counfellors of Princes, or Senators, and fuch as fit at the helm
of Government, areby nature Scorners, For fuch perfons, that they
may win the reputation of undanted States-men, do ever extenuate
the greatnefs of dangers, and infult over thofe that value dangers,
according to the true weigljt, as timorous and faint-hearted natures.
T\\Gy feoff zx. all mature delays, and meditated debatings of matters
by confultation, and deliberation 5 as a thing too much tafting ofan oratory-vein 5 and full of tedioulhefs 3 and nothing conducing
to the fum and iffues of Bufinefs. Asfor Fame^ at which the coun-
fels of Princes fhould efpecially level, they contemn it, astkefpirit
of the vulgar, and a thing will be quickly blown over. The Povoer
and Authority of Laws,they relpeft no more,than as cobwebs, whichftiould not infnare matters of greater confequence ; Counfels and Pre-
cautions, forefeeing events a far off, they rejed, as meer dreams andijielancholy apprehenfions : menferiouflyWx^'^ ^ and well feen in the
world, and ofgreat relblution and counfel, they defame with gibes
and jefts : in a word, they do at once prejudice and weaken the wholefoundation of Civil Govejument 5 which is the more to be looked
into, becaufe the Aftion is performed by fecret fraud, and not open
force 5 and is a prafticenot fo fufpefted, as it demerits.
THE PARABLE.-f -
Pfov.xxix. XIII. A Prince that lends a Tpilling ear to lies, his
fervants are all wicJ^d,
THE EXPLICATION,
WHen a Prince, is of fuch a temper, as to lend an eafie and cre-
dulous ear, without due examination , to Detra&ors and Sy-
cophants, there breaths a peftilential Air from the Kings fide 5 whichcorrupts andinfc&s all his fervants. Some feel out the fears and jea-
loufies of a Prince ; and aggravate the fame with feign'd reports. O-thers awake the furies of envy, efpecially againft the beft deferving
in the ftate : Others feck to warti away their own guilt , and theftains of a foul confcience, by defaming others : Others give fail tothe Honours and wiflies of their friends, by traducing, and debafingthe merit of their competitors : others compofe Fabulous enter-
tddes againft their enemies, and concurrents, as if they were uponthe ftage j and infinite fuchlike. And thefe are the Arts of fuch fer-
vants to Princes, as are of a vile and bafe nature. But they that are
ofa morehoneftdifpofition,jnd better civiliz'd,vvhen they perceive
their
^v^Lib. VIII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 2.5^
their innocence to be no lafe fanftuary (in that their Prince knowsnot how to diftinguifh between truth and falftiood) they put off
moral honefty, and gather in the Court-winds j and are therewith
carried about in a fervile manner. For as Tacitus (aith oi cUttdms,
There is no f-tfity with that Prince , into rvhofc head all things are con-
veyed, as it rrere, bj infttfion and dire&ion from others. And Commi-
ties very well, It is better to befervant to a Frince^rphofcjealoufies have
no end, than to a Prince, zvhofe Creilnlity hath no mean»
THE PARABLE.,
XIV. A JhH man is merciful to th life ofhis B^aft ; f^o^-^^h
bnt the mercies of the wicJ^dare cruel
TTHE EXP'tlC ATtbN.
'Here is implanted in man by nature , a noble and e^rcellent af-
feftion of Piety and Compajfio/r, which extends it felf even tp
brute creatures, that are by divine ordination fubjeft to /i/j- com-mand : and this Con/paffion hath fonie Analogy with that of a Prince
towards his fubjefts. Nay farther, it is raoft certain, that the morenoble the mind is , the more compaflionate it is j for contrafted
and degenerate minds think the(e things nothing to pertain to them 5
but the iMind, which is a nobler portion of tbe world, is affcded
in the groft out of community. Wherefore we fee that there were
Under the old Law, many Precepts, not fo merely Ceremonial, as
injiitutions of Mercy j fuch as was that of not eating flep with the
blood thereof, and the like : even in the fed of the Ejfcans and Pytha^
goreans, they altogether abftain'd iiax^ eating Fhjlr-, which to this
day is obferved by an inviolate fuperftition, by many of the Eafterg
people under the Afogol. Nay the Turks, (both by De(centand
Difcipline a cruel and bloody Nation) yet beftow alms upon brute
Creatures; and cannot endure to (ee the vexation and torture ofany
live thing. But left , what we haye (aid , (hould perchance re,em to
maintain all kinds of Mrry, Solo^^n upon found advice annex-
eth. That the mercies of the wicked are cruel :- Thefe Mercies;, are,
when lewd and wicked perfons are fpar'd from being cut off by the
fword of juftice; this \>\nd.oi Mercy is more Cr«e/,than Cruelty it felf;
for Cruelty is extended ifl pradice on particulars ; but this kind of
M>:rcy, by a grant of impunity, arras and fubornsthe whole band
ofimpious men againft the innocent. . ,
THE
256 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b.VIII.
THE PARABLE.
prov.xxix. XV. A Fool Utters all his mind; hut a mife man re-
ferues fomen^hat for hereafter.
THE EXP LtCATlOk.
THe Parable (it feems) efpecially correds 5 not theftttility of vain
Perfons, which eafilyjutter, as well what may be (poken, as
what (hould be fecreted ; not the bold roving language of fuch as with-
out all di(cretion and judgement fly upon all men and matters : Not
Garrulity^ whereby they fill others even to a furfeit : but another vice^
more clofe and retired j namely the Government ofjpeech^ ofall ad-
ventures the leaft prudent and politick, which is, when a ntanfo ma-nages hisfpeech in private conference, as vphatfoever is in his mindy
zvhich he conceives ^ny vpay pertinent to the purpoje and matter in handy
out it mufi'at once^as it were,in one breath,and in afet co»tin»ed dijcourfe:
this is that which doth touch prejudice Bufinels. Forfirji, a difconti-
nuedfpeech, broken offby interlocutions, and inftill'd by parts, pe-
netrates deeper, than ijetled continuedfpeech 'j becaufe that in a con-
tinued Difcourfe, the weight ofMatters is not precifely and diftind:-
ly taken, norby foirie convenient refis fufFer'd to fix 5 but Reafott
drives out Reafon Before it be fully fetled in the Comprehenfion of
the Hearers. Sedondly there is no man of fo powerful and happy 3
Delivery ofhirafelf, as atthefirft onfet and encounter of his (peech,
he is able fo to ftrike him dumb and fpeechlefs, with whom he diC-
courfeth ; but that the other will make fome interchangeable reply,
and peradventure objeft (bmething , and then it may fall out, that
what (hould have been relerv'd fbr refutation and replication, by this
tinadvifed anticipation being difclofed and tafted before-hand, looi-
eth its ftrength and grace. Thirdly if a man difcharge not all at once
what might be (aid, but deliVer himfelf by Parcels, now one thing,
anon cafting in another, he (hall gather from the looks and anfwers
ofhim with whom he difcourfe^, "how every particular Paflageaffefls
him, and in what fort they-^find acceptations (b as what is yet re-
maining to be fpoken, he ma'y with greater Caution either felcft, ot
filende;' ^'v -
: ."."
i\ '<a '.-. ::^Ln 'ii . bf:nl &
I. Lniilzidr::': r^'tHE PARABLE.^' • -^^ ^m^
5 " "J floii// c:,i 2£nodiJi Iv.. ^i.^:;^ ./;:... '-''r. v-j
,.
£ccler.z.
XVI. Ifthe diJfleafirecfaGfentMdnHfe'trpag^infi
thee^ forfih^ not thy Place, for pliant demeanure
pacifies great Offences.
THE
Lib. VlII. Of the Advancement ofLearuhjrr. 05^
THE EXPLICATION.
THe Parable gives in Precept, how a man ought to demean hioi-
felf-j having incurr'd the wrath and difplealure oF his Prince;
The Precept hath two branches. Fitdthat he rclinqiirfj »ot his place j
Secondly, that with caution and diligence he attend the Chvc^ as in cafe
ofjome dangerous difcafe. For men are wont after they perceive their
Princes difpleafure againfl: themjto retire themlelves from the executi-
on of their charge arKlofficej partly out ofan impatience of dilgrace 5
partly left they ihould revi\'e the wound by being in the Prefencej
p irtjy that Princes may fee their (brrow and humility ; nay[ometimes
to refign up the Places and Dignities they held, into the hands ofthePririce. But Solomon cenfures this way of C«;-?, as prejudiciousand
hurtful 5 and that upon a very good ground. Forfirji this courfe doth
too much noije abroad the difgraccitfclfj fo as enemies and enviers be-
come more confident to hurt, and friends more fearful to help him.Secondly it comes topafs that the rorath ofthe Prince , which perchance,ifit had not been publidit, v/ould have died of it felf, is now becomemore fixt ^ and having once made way to his mine, is carried on tohis utter fubverfion. La^ly, this retiring tajlsfomewhat ofa malignant
humour, and ofoneftUen out with the times ^ which cumulates the evil ofIndignation^ to the evil offufpicion : Now the precepts for cUre are
thefe. F^yf, above all things let him take heed that hefcem not infcn-
jible, or notfo affected^ as in duty he ought to be, for the Princess dijplea-
»re,through a stupidity or iiubbornnej? ofmind : that is,that he compofehiscnontenance.not to a fullen and contumacious fadnefsjbut to a graveand modefl: penfivenefs , and in all matters of imployment, that hefliew himfelf lefs pleafant, and chearful than he was wont to be 5 andit will promote his cafe toufe the affiftance and mediation of fomefriend, urrto the Prince, which may feafonably infinuate, with whatfeeling griefhe is inwardly afflided. Secondly let /.<im careful/y avoid
all, even th: kaU occafions wliereby the matter, thatgave thefirji caufe to
the indis^nation, might be reviv'd ^ or the Prince take occafion to be
again difpleafed with him, or to rebuke him for any thing, .before o-
thers. Thirdly, let him with all diligence feel{_ out all occafions wherein
hisfervice may be acceptable to his Prince 3 that he may fhew both a
prompt affeftion to redeem his fore-pafl offence 3 and that his Prince
may underftand what a good fervant he may chance to be deprived
of^ ifhe thus caft him off. Fourthly, that by a wife art of Policy, he ei-
ther lay t/jcfault itfelf upon others 3 or infinuate, that it was committed
with no ill intention j or ma^e remonUrance of their Alalice, who accu-
fedhimtotke King, and aggravated the matter a:bove demerit. Laji
of all, let him be every way circumjpect and intent upon the Cure.
THE PARABLE.
XVli. The Fvf in his own caufe is Jufl , than
comes the other Farty and enquires into himc
Pfov. xvl II'
Kk tHM
258 Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. VI IL
THE EXPLICATION.
THe firft information in any caufe, if it a little fix it (elfin the
mind of the Judge, takes deep root^ and wholly feafons andprepofTefTeth it 5 fo as it can hardly be taken out, unlefs fomemani-feft falftiood be found in the matter of Information 5 or(bme cunning
dealing, in" exhibiting and laying open the fame. For a bare and fim-
pie defencejthough it be juftand more weighty, hardly corapcnlates
the prejudice of the firft information 5 or is of force ofit (elf to reduce
the fcales ofJuftice, once fway'd down, to an equal weight. Where-
fore it is the fafe(t courfe both for the Judge, that nothing touching
the proofs and merit of the cau(e, be intimated before-hand until
both parties be heard together; and the beft for the Defendant, ifhe
perceive the Judge preoccupated ; to labour principally in this (Co
far as the quality of the caufe will admit) to difcover forae cunning
iTiift and fraudulent dealing praciifed by the adverfe party to the a-
bufeo the Judge.
Pfov.xxix. THE PARABLE.
XVIII. He that delicately brings up hisfervantfrom
a child, JhaHfind him contumacious- in the end.
P'J /
THE EXPLIC ATION.
yRiftces and Makers, from the Counfel of Solomon, muU ^eep a
mean in the dtfpenfation oftheir Grace and Favour towards Servants»
The mean is three-fold ; Firfi that Servants be prof/toted hy degrees
and not by faults. Secondly, that they be now and then accutiomed to
Mach;a.Dlf- repuljes : Thirdly, fwhich Machiavel well advifeth) that they have e-
corfo fopra. vCr inftght before themfomething whitherto they mayfarther afpire. For'"'^'
nnle(s thefe courfes be taken in the raifing of (ervants. Princes (hall
bear away from their fervants, in(tead of a thankful acknowledge-
ment and dutiful obiervances, nothing but difrefpeB and- contumacy :
for from (udden promotion arifeth infolency 5 from a continued at*
chievement of their defires, an impatience ofRepulfe : ifthcaccom-
pliQiment of willies be wanting ; alacrity and induftry will iikewi(e
be wanting.
THE PARABLE.Prov.xxii.
XIX. SeeU thou a man ofDifpatch in his Bufinefs ;
he [hall flandbefore Kings, hefhaU not he ranJ^d a-
mongji mean men.
THE
Lib. VIII. Of the Achancemcnt ofLearning. 259
THE EXPLICATION.
AMongft the qualities which Princes do chiefly refpeft and require
in the choice oftheir fervants, celerity and alacrity if/ the D/Jpalch
of Buflucfs^ is al/iive all the nji^ /fjoU accept jhle. Men of profound/r/yf/<?w are rufpedcd by Kings, as men too fpecularive and penetra-
ting, and fuch as are able by the ftrength oFwir, as with an engine,
to turn and wind their Mafters, beyond their comprehenfion and a-
gainft their inclination, ropnl.ir f/atnrcs are fpighred as thofe that
ftand ill the light of Kings, and draw the eyes of the people uponthemfelves. Men cf courage, are commonly taken for turbulent fpi-
rits, and daring, more than is meet. Honcii men znd of an impar-tial upright converfation, are efteemed too ftiff and Stoical 3 nor fo
pliable as they ftould be to the whole pleaUire ofthofe on whom theydepend. To conclude, there is not any other good quality, whichprefentsnot fomefhadow, wherewith the minds ofKings may not beoffended , only quickriefs ofDifpatch in the execution ofconnnandsjjath
nothing in it which may not pkafe. Again, the motions of the mrndsof Kings are fwiftand impatient ofdelay 5 for they think they can doallthings^ only this is wanting, that it be done out of hand --^ where-fore above all other qualities, celerity is to them ntojl acceptable.
THE PARABLE.
XX. If^np all the living which n?j\ under thefun^
with thefmceeding young Prince, that JJ:>alI rife up
in bisfiead.
Ecc!ef. lY.
THE E XPLJC ATION.
T He parable notes the vanity ofmenrvho are n^ont toprefs andflock ^^
bout the defigned fuccefj ors of Princes : The root of this vanity is
thatFrenzie, implanted by nature in the minds ofmen, which is.that
they too extremely afFeft their own projefted hopes. For the manis rarelyfound that is net more delighted tvith the contempljtii?n of hisfu-ture Hopes, than with the fruition of what he pofjeffeth. So further,
Novelty ispleafing to mans nature, and e.irnejlly defired. Now in a fuc-
ceflbur to a Prince thele two concur, Hope and Novity. The Para-
ble exprelfeth the fame which was long ago utter'd firft by Pompeius1l^^^'
^^
to Sylla, after by Tiberias touching Macro ^ Plnres adorarefokfh Orien- piu'tar.i
tern quam Occidentem. Ycc notwithftanding Princes in prefent pof- ^^"P
(effion, are not much raov'd with this fond humour j nor make anygreat matter of it, as neither 6) //j nor Tiberins d\6.^ but rather fmile
at thelevity ofmcn, and do not ftand to fight with Dre^»;/, for Hope(as he (aid) iy but the Dream of a man awake,
Kk 2 TBE-
in
26
1
Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. VIII.
THE PARABLE.
Ecckf.jx. XXL There i^as a little City ^ andmann'dhuthy a
ferv ; and there upas a mighty King that drew
iL, his army to it, and erected bulrparl^ againfi it^ and
intrench'd it round. Now there wasfound with-
in the walls a foor wife man^ and he by his wif-
dom raised the fiege^ but none remembred that fame
foor man.
TTHE EXFLICATION.
'He Tarable defcribeth the depraved and malignant nature ofMen : In extremity and ftraits they commonly flie for lanftu-
ary to men of wifdom and power, whom before they difpis'd , but fo
loon as the ftorm is gone, they become unthankful creatures to their
Difcotfo fo- confervers. Machiavel not without reafbn propounds a QueftionjwAc-pra Liv. Lib. therjijould be more ingratefhl to vpell deferving Perfons^ the Prince or the
People > But in the mean time, he taxeth them both of Ingratitude.
Notwithftanding, this vile dealing arifeth not from the ingratitude ofthe Prince or People alone , but oft-times there is added to thefe the
envy of the Nobility^ who in (ecret repine at the event, though happyand profperous ; becaufe it proceeded not from themfelves , where-
fore they extenuate the merit of the Aft, and deprefs the Author.
THE PARABLE.
Pfov.,5. XXII. The way ofthe flothful is a Hedge of Thorns.
THE E XPLIC ATION.
T'*He Parable exprefTeth moft elegantly, that /loth proves labori-
^ ons in the end: For a diligent and fedulous preparation ef-
fefts this, that the foot doth not ftrike it felfagainft any impediment,
but that the way is levelled before it be gone. But he that is floth-
ful and puts off all to the laft point of Execution, it muft needs fol-
low, that continually, and at every ftep hepailes, as it were, through
Briars and Brambles, which ever and anon entangle and detain him.
The lame obfervation may be made upon the governing of a Family,
wherein ifthere be a care and providence taken, all goes on cheer-
fully, and with a willing alacrity, without noife or tumult: but if
thefe fore-cafts be wanting, when fome greater occafions unexpefted-
if
L I B. VIII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 262
Jy fallout, all matters throng in to be difpatched at once, the fer-
vancs brawl , the whole hoiife rings.
THE PARABLE.
XXIII. He that reffeBs Ferfons injudgement doth p^v.^vm.
not well; for that man millforfal^ the truth even
forapece of Bread,
THE E Xr lie ATION.
'P'He Parable moft wifely noteth that in a Judge, Facility of Deport-
ment is more pernicious than the corruption of Bribes : for all pcr-(bns do not give Bribes 5 but there is hardly any caufe whereinfomewhat may not be found, that may incline the mind of HieJudge, if RefpcB of Ferfons lead him. For one Ihall be re(pe<3;ed as
a Country-man 3 another as an ill-tongu'd man j another as a Richman ; another as a Favourite -, another as commended by a Friend j
and to conclude, all is full of iniquity , where Refpet of Ferfonsbears rule ; and for a very flight matter, as it were, for a piece ofBreads Judgement is peirverted.
THE PARABLE.
XXIV. A poor man that by extortion opprejfeth the prov.
foor^is liJ^ a land-floud that caMjes famine.
THE EXP L ICATION.
'T'His Parable was by the Ancients expreft and (liadowed forth, un-der the Fable ofthe trvo Horfe-leeches^ the Full and the Hungry :
tot Oppreffion coming from the Foor and aeceffitous perfons, isfar moreheavy than the Opprtjfion caufed by the Full and Rich ^ bccaufe it isfuch
as feekj ont all Arts of Exadion^ and all Angles for Money. This kindof Oppreffion was wont alfo to be refcmbled tofpHnges^w\i\ch. being
dry, fuckinftrongly i not fo, being moift. The Parable compre-hends in it a fruitful Inftrudion, both to Princes, that they commitnot the government of Provinces, or offices of charge to indigent
and indebted perfons 5 as alfo to people that they fuffer not their
Kings to be diflrefled with too much want.
THE
xzviit;
262 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. Vlll.
Prev.xxv.
Prov.xxi \.
THE PARABLE.
XXV. Ajufiman falling before the mcJ^d^ is a
troubled fountain^ anda corrupedfaring.
'THE EX? Lie At ION.
npHe Parable gives it in Precept, that Statet and Republickj tauft.
above all things beware of an uti']uli and infamous Jentence , z«
any catife of grave importance^ and exemplar in theface of the rporld^
fpeciilly tf>here the gniliy it not quitted^ but the innocent is condemned.
For Injuries ravaging among private Perfons , do indeed trouble^
and poUtite the rvatcrs of J»Jiice^ yet as in the fmal/er Jireams 5 but
unjufi Jndgements, fuch as we have fpoken of, from vi^hich examples
are derived, infeft and diftain the very Fountains ofjujiice : for
when the Courts of Jujiice fide with Injujlice, the ftate of things is
turned, as into a \>nbltck_ Robbery^ and it manifcftly comes to pais,
ut Homo Hominifit Lupus.
THE PARABLE
XXVI. Mah^ no friendfn]^ with any angry man^ncr
wal\thou ipith afiirioHf man.
THE EXPLICATION.
BY how much the more devoutly the Laws of Friendfhip amongft
good men, are to be kept and obferved, by fo much the more
it ftands us upon to ufe all Caution, even at firft in a prudent ele-
ftion of Friends. In lik^ manner the difpofition and humours of
Friends, fo fjr as concerns our perfonal interefi, fiould by all means
be difpenfed rvithall : but when they impofe a necejjity upon us, what qua-
lity of perfons vpe mttfi put on^ and fujijin 'j it is a very hard cafe, and
an unreafonable condition of FriendJJj/p. Wherefore according to SO'
lomon's Precept, it principally conduceth to Peace, and Safety in the
courfe of this world , that we intermingle not our affairs with
choleric/^ natures, and fuch as eafily provoke and undertake Quar-
rels and Debates i for fuch kind of Friends will daily cfpoufe us
to Faftions and Contentions ; that we muft of neceffity be forced
to break off all terms of FriendQiip i or elfe be wanting to our
own perfonal fafety.
THE
L I B. VIII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 26:
THE PARABLE.
XXVII. He that conceals- afaultfields friendjlnp •p^°^-^^"^
hut he that refeaty a matter ,feparatey' united
friends,
THE E XT L IC ATION.
TTFIe way to arbitrate diiFerences, and to reconcile afFedions is oftwo forts. The one begins by an Amncfiy , and p^jjing over that
n>hich is pifi. The other, /r<?/« a Repetition of wrongs^ interlacing A-pohgies and Excufations. For I remember the fpeech of a very wile
Pcrfbn, and a great States-man, which was to this effeft ; He that
deals about a Treaty of Peace, rvitboitt any recapitulation of the terf»s
cfDi^erence, and falling out, he rather deludes mens minds with the
jvpeetnefs of an Agreement, than compounds the differences, by equity
and moderation of Right. But Solomon, a wifer man than he, is of a
contrary opinon, approves Amnejiy, andprohibites Repetition, formRepetition, there are thefe inconveniences, for that it is, as it were,
unguis in ulcere, the nail in the ulcer -, as alfo, there is a danger of breed-
ing a nerv parrel, for the Parties at difference will never accord
upon the terms of their falling out. And laftly, for that in the ijjhe,
it brings the matter to Apologies: but both the one and the other
Party, would feem rather to remit an offence, than to ddmit ofan ex-
culatioQ. «
THE PARABLE.
XXVIII. In every good worJ^ there pall he ahun- Pfo^.n?;
dance'j
hut where words do abound ^ there com-
monly if want,
THE EXPLICATION.\
IN this Puraihle Solomon feparates the the fruit of the Labour of the "^^=^^'
Tongue, and of the Labour of the Hands , as if Wealth were the Re-^
venues of the one, want the Revenues of the other. For it commonlycomes to pa(s, that they that talk much, boaft many things, and pro-mife great matters ; receive no emolument from the things whereofthey difcourfe : nay, rather fuch natures for moft part are no wayinduftrious, and diligent at work , but only feed and fill therafelves
with words, as with wind. Certainly, as faith the Poet,
^/ fUt efi firmns
for
264 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b.VIIL
for he that is confcious to himfelf of proficiency in his indeavours,
applauds himfelf inwardly, and holds his peace j but on the con-
trary, he that is guilty to himfelfof hunting after vain glory , talks
many things, and reports wonders to others.
THE PARABLE.
prov. XXVII. XXIX. Open Kefrehenfan is better thanfecretAf-
feUion,
THE EXPLICATION.
HTHe Parable reprehends the foft nature of Friends, which will not
u(e the priviledge of friendftiip, in admoniftiing their Friends
with freedom and confidence, as well of their errors as of their dan-
gers. For tvhatj/jall ido^ ( will fuch a tender hearted friend fay)
orrphJchvpayJI}allIUirnmyfelf^ I love him as dearly as any man can
do^ and if any misfortune Jliould befall him^ I could rpilling imparvn
tny ovpn ferfon for his redemption 5 but I knon> his difpojitio», if I deal
freely vpithhim^ Ipall ojfend him^ at lea§i make him fad^ and yet d»no good 5 and I pall Jooner efirange him from my friendfiip, than rc'
claim him, or withdraw him jromthofe courfes, which he hath fixt andrefolved upon in his mind. Such a friend as this, Solomon here repre-
hends, as weak and worthlefs 5 and that a man may reap more profit
from amanifeftKnemy, than from fuch an effeminate Friend; for hemay perchance hear that by way of reproach from an Enemy, whichthrough too much indulgence was but faintly whifper'd by a friend.-
THE PARABLE.
XXX. A wife man is wary ofhif ivays ; a cunning
Fool fee]\s evafons.
THE EXPLICATION,
T Here be twoforts of Wisdom j the one true and fyund, the other-
counterfeit andfalfe, which Solomon doubts not to entitle by
the name of Folly. He that applies himfelf to the former, tal^es
heed to his way andfooting, fore -feeing dangers, andjiudying remedies ;
iffing the ajjijiance ofgood men, muniting himfelf againti the invaflons
of the wicked ^ wary in his entrance and engagement upon a bujinef},
not unprepard ofa retreat,and how to come off^ attcnt upon advantages^
couragions againjl encounters j ivith infinite other circumiiances, which
refpecf the government of his ways and aSions. But that other kind
wifdom is altogether made up of fallacies and cunning deviies, andwholly relies upon circumventing of others, and caBing them according
ioPheformoj their own mould. This wifdom the Parable deferved-
ly rejefts, not only as fFickcd, but alfo as foolip. Forjirji it is not
ia the number of thofe things, which are in our own power, nor is
it
Lib. VIII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 265
it diredied by any conftant Rule i but new ftratagerns muft everyday be contrived, the old failing and growing out of ufe. Second-
ly^ he that is once attainted with the fame and opinion of a CHnning
crafty Companion, hath deprived himfelf of a principal Inftrument
for the manage of his affairs, and a practical life, that is, Trufiiy andfo he fhall find by experience all things to go Crofs to his defires. Toconclude, thefe Arts and Shifts , howfoever they promife fair, andmuch pleafe fuch as praftife them 5 yet are they many times fru-
rtrated. Which Tacitus hath well obferved, Confilia Callida e^ an- Tacit*
dacia, expeCfatione Uta 3 tr4&atu dura , event» trijiia.
THE PARABLE.
XXXI. Be not too prec/fely Righteous ; nor ntaJ^ eccLvo; .
thy felf too excejfively wife , why fhoulctfl thou
unfeafonahlyficrifice thyfafety ?
THE EXPLICATION.
THere are Timet (faith Tacitus) wherein too great veriues are ex' xadt.Hift. il
pofed to certain ruine. And this fate befals men eminent for
Vertueor Juftice, fometimes fuddenly, fometimes fore«feen a far off:
and if thefe excellent parts befeconded by theaccels of wifdom^that
is, that they are wary and watchful over their ownfafety, then they
gain thus much, that their ruine comes fuddenly , altogether by (e-
cret and obfcure counfels j whereby both envy may be avoided, anddeftruftion afTail them unprovided. As for that Nimium, which is
fet down in the Parable, (in as much as they are not the words ofIbme Periander^ but of Solomon, who now and then notes the evils
in man's life, but never commands them)it muft beunderflood,notof'
vertue it felf, in which there is no Nimium or exceffive extremity, but
ofa vain and invidious Affectation and Oftentation thereof. A point
fomewhat refembling this, Tacitus infinuates in a paflage touching
Lepidus^ fetting it down as a Miracle, that he had never been the
Author of any fervile fentence, and yet had ftood fafe in Co cruel
and bloody times. This thought (faith he) ««^«y times comes into my /nnaLi?"mind, whether thefe things aregoverned by Fate ; or it lies alfo in oar
own Power tofleer an even courfe void of Danger and Indignity^ between
fervile flattery andfuUen Contumacy,
THE PARABLE.
XXXII. Give occafion to a wifemdhanJhismfctom i>sov:tx,
will be increafed.
TTHE EXPLICATION,
,
;~
He Parable difiinguiffyes between that wifdoht which is grotini, and.
and ripened into true Habit j and that whichfwims only in the Braitt
LI an4
i66 Ofthe Advancement of Learning, Lib.VIIL
and conceit^ or is hoajled in f^eech^ but hath not tal^en deep root. .-For
the one upon occafion prefented, wherein it may be exercis'd, is in-
ftantly quickned, prepared, and dilated, fo as it feems greater than
it felf; but the other which before occafion was quick and a(ftive5now
occafion is given, becomes amaz'd and confiiled, that even he whoprefumed the poffeffion thereof, begins to call into doubt whetherthe preconceptions xiifuch voifdom were not meer Dreams, and emp-
ty (peculations.
THE PARABLE.
prov. XXVII. XXXIIL He that fraifeth his friend aloud̂ fifing
early^ it jhall he to him no hetter than a cnrfe,
THE EXPLICATION.
Moderate andfeajonahle Praifes, and utter d upon occa^on, muchconduce both to fnens Fame and Fortunes 5 but immoderate^ fire-
porous, and unjeafonably poured out, profit nothing, nay rather from the
fence ofthis Parable they do much prejudice. Forfirfi, they manifeftly
betray themfelves to proceed tither from too extreme AffeHion, or
ftom a too ftudied AffeUation, to the end that him whom they have
thus prai(ed, they may by falfe acclamations demerit rather to them-
felves ; than by juft attributes adorn his perfon. Secondfy, fparing
and modeft Praijes, commonly invite fuch as are prefent to add fome-
thing oftheir own to the commendations ; Contrarywife profufe andiramodeft Piraifes, invite the htarers to detraft and take away Ibme-
thing. Thirdly, fwhich is the principal point) too much magnifying a
man ftirs up envy tov^ards him ; feeing all immoderate Praifes feetn to
be a Reproach to others, who merit no left, f
fttfe PARABLE.
prcjv.xxvi? XXXIV. Af facesJhme in waters, fo mens hearts
are manifeflto the mje.
THE EXPLICATION.
THe Parable diJiinguiJJjeth betvpeen the Hearts of wife men and ofo'ther Men'-y comparing thofe to waters or glajfes, which receive and
represent theforms ^nd Images of things i, whereas the other arc li^e to
Earth, or rudejione, wherein nothing is refteSted. And the more apt-
ly is the mind of a wife-man compar'd to a Glaj? or Mirror 5 becaule
in a Glaf? his own Image may be feen together with the Images of o-
thers; which the eyes cannot do ofthemfelves without a G/^//. Nowifthemindof a wife man be fb capable, as to obferve and compre-hend fuch an infinite diverfity ofNatures and Cuftoms, it remains
to
I
L I B. VIIL Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 'I'Sj
to be endeavour'd, that it may become no lefs various in the Applica-
tion, thdn it is in the Reprelcntation,,
^l fafit^ inmtntcris Monhtts apus crit.Ovtd.ds h,M
THus have vvefraid perchance fomewhat longer upon ihefe Para-
hies of Solomon^ than is agreeable to the proportion of an ex-
ample, being carried away thus far for the Dignity both ofthe matter
itfelf^ and of the Author. Neither was this in ufe only with the He-brews, but it is generally to be found in the wife men of ancient
times; that ifany mans obfcrvation lite upon any thing that wasgood and beneHcial to the common praftick courfc of life, he wouldreduce and contraft it into i'omtJJjortfentence or Parable, or elCcfo/f/e
Fable. But for Fables fas we have noted eKewhereJ they were in times i-ib-a-cap. 13'.
part r;Vrgcrc«/j-, ^ndjitpplements ofExawplesj now that the tirnes a-
bound with Hiftory, the aim is more right and Aftive, when the Markis alive. But the form of writing which beft agrees with lb variable
and uiiiverlal an Argument fas is the handl'wgofnegotiations andfcat-tcr'dOcca'JoTis) that would be of all other the fitteft which AUchiavdmade choiceof, for the hand ling ofmatters of/'tf//"9'rf»ia?G'tfz;er»«re»^ 5 oifcorfoin
namely by Obfervations or Difcourfes^ as they term them, upon Hiflo' i-iv.
rj> and Examples. For knowledge drawn freOily, and, as it were in
our view, out of Particulars, knows the way beft to Particulars a-
gain j and it hath much greater life for PraQiice, when the Difcour/i
or DifceptatioK attends upon the Example, than when the Example at-
tends upon the Difceptation : for here not only Order but Sitbjiaiice is
refpefted. For when the Example isfetdown as the Ground of the
Difputation, it ufeth to be propounded with the preparation of cir-
cumftances, which may fometimes controul the difcourfg thereuponmade; fometimes fupply it; lb it may be in place ofa pattern for i-
mitation and practice : whereas on the contrary, examples alledged
ioxt\x& DifpHtationshke, are cited fuccindtly and limply, and as bond-men wait, in a lervil afpedt, upon the commands ofthe Difconrfe. Butthis difference is not amils to be obferved, that as Hiftories of Times
afford the besl ffiatterfor Difcourfes upon Politicks, fuch as are th'ofc ofMachiavel ; So the Hijlorics of lives, are the befi InJirttCiions for dij^
courfeofBnJinefs--, becaufe they comprize all variety of Occajions andNegotiations, as well great as fmall.
§ Nay there is a ground of Difcourle foi" Precepts touching Bhjinefs^
more accommodate than both thofey^r// (?/ ///i]^(?r/; which is, when
Difcourfes are made upon Letters, butfich as are rvife and ferious, as
thofe o( Cicero ad Attunm, and others. For letters ufually reprefent
Bufinels more particular!)', and more to the life ; than either Chroni-
cles or Lives. Thus have v\?e fpoken both of tlie Matter and Form ofthefirft portion of tht Knon-ledge of Negotidtwn, which handles ^//j^tr-
fed Occajions^ which we deliver up upon the accompts of Dcfici-
ents. *II. There is alfo another portion of the /j«?e A.'w^zp/iTtr/^e, which dif- fabbr
fereth as much from that other, whereof we have fpoken asy^/'erc', and fOR-Tii-
fibifafere: for the oneferns to move as it were, from the centre to the \mhii^1iix.
L 1 2 circumferenci
268 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VilL
circumference , the other as it were, from the circumference to
the centre. For there is a wifdom of giving Counfcl unto others j and
there is a tpijdom offorecaiiingfor his ownfortunes 5 and tlieFe do (bme-
times meet, but more often fever. For many are exceeding wile in
their own ways, which yet are weak for adminiflration of civil af-
fairs, or givingof Counfel, like the ^«^, which is a wife creature for
itJeff, but very hurtfulfor the Garden, This wifdom the Romans thofe
excellent Patriots, did take much knowledge of, whereupon the
. _ . Comical Poet faith, Certainly the Motddof a wife mms Fortune is in
cicjn Par?"* his own hands j yea it grew into an Adage among them,Saluft.ad
DecMv^'' Faher quifque Fortune propria 5
And Livy attributes the fame virtue to Cato Major : In this man there
werefuch great abilities ofwit and underjianding, that into what climate
foever his nativity had caji himjiefeem'd to be able to command afortune»
This kind of wifdom, if it be profeft andopenly declar'd, hath ever
been thought not only impolitick, but an unlucky and ominous thing
:
as it was obferved in Tifwtf^Aewj the Athenian^ who after he had done
many excellent fervices to the honour and utility of the ftate, and
was to give an account of his government to the people, as the man-
Plutai in Svl-"^*" ^^^' concluded every particular with this claufe, and in this,
la."' Fortune had no part : but it fell out that he never prolper'd in any
thing he took in hand afterwards. This is in truth too high and fa-
vouring of extreme arrogance, afpiring to the fame point of Pride
which Ezekjel records o^ Pharaoh, Dtcis pivius ejimeus, & egofeciEzcch.29.
„ieipfitmj or ofthat which another Prophet fpeaks. They exult and of-
Habac.i ferfacrifices to their net, and burn inccnfe to their fnare. or of that
which the Poet expreffeth of Mezentius a Defpifer ofthe Gods,
Virg.iln. 10.
Dextra ntibi Deus, & telum quod mijfile libro^
Nunc adfint.
Finally 'Julius Cefar, never to my remembrance, betrayed the ira-
' potency of his hidden thoughts fo much, as in a fpeech oflike nature 5
• T 1- for when the Augur gave him information that the entrails were notpro'ue.injui
'
jp^^^^^^ he clofely murmur'd to himfelf £r«»/ /<e/z>r4 fa» Wi?, which
fayingof hi? preceded not long before the misfortune of his death.
Eut this extremity of Confidence, (as we have faid) as it is an unhallow-
ed thing, fo was it ever unbleft. And therefore they that were great
Politicks indeed, and truly wife, thought it their fafeft courfe, ever
to afcribe their fucceffes to their Felicity 5 and not to their skill and
virtue. So Sylla firnam'd himfelfFc/7x,not Magnusj and Csfar (more
Plut.lnj. advifedly than before) faith to the Pz/fl^, Cccfarem vehis, & fortunam
Csef.* * ejus. But yet neverthelefs thefe Pofitions 5 Faber ^tifque Fortune
fu£. Sapiens dominabitur AJlris. Invia virtuti nulla eji via, and the
like^ if they be underftood and applied rather as fpurs to induftry,
than as ftirrops to infolency •-, and rather to beget in men courage and
confl:ancyofRelblutions, than Arrogancy and Oftentation^ arede-
fcrvedly accounted found and healthful 5 and (no queftion) have been
ever
Lib. Vlll. Of the Advancement ofLearninc, 260
ever imprinted in the greateft Minds, fo fenfibly, as foraetimes theycan fcarce diflemblc fuch cogitations, tor ivc fee Augnjius Ctvfar (whocompared with his uncle, was rather diverfe, than inferiour, butcertainly 3 perfon more ftaid and foJemn) when he died, defired ofhis friends that (tood about his Bed, that vphcn he expired they mould Suet.iaiu.'
give him a rl.uiditc , as if he were conlcient to himfelf, that he had ^" °
plaid his part well upon the ftage. This portion alfb of knowledge is
to be fumm'd up amongft Deficients ; nafbut that it hath been ufurped
and frequented in Practice, far more exceflively than is fittting ; butbecaufe books concerning this Argnmcnt are (ilent. Wherefore accord-
iog to our cuftom, as we did in the former j we willfet down £omQheads or paflages of it j and we will call it FabrumFortHna^ or as wehave (aid, Do&nnam de Awbitu vit£, Wherein, at the fiKt
view, I may (eem to handle a new and (bange Argument, in teach-
ing men how they may he raifcrs and makers of their own fortune •-, a
doctrine certainly to which every man will willingly yield himfelf a
Difciple, till he throughly conceives the difficulty thereof. For the
conditions are neither lighter, or fewer, or lefs difficult to the Pur-
chafe ofFortune, than to the purchafe of virtue , and it is as hard and(evereaThing to be a true Politick,^ as to be truly Moral. But the
handling hereofconcerns learning greatly, both in Honour and in Sub-
Siance. For it is a principal point which nearly concerns the Honour
ofLearning, that Pragmatick men may know, that Learning is not lil{e
jomefnnll Bird, as the Lar{{,i '^*' ^•^» fftount andfing^ andpleafe her
feJf, andnethifig elfc'-y but that fl}e holds as vpcll of the Hawk^^ that can
Joar aloft^ and after that vchcnfl.iefees her time^ can jloop andfeize upoa
her prey. Again this kind of iri/i/t';?/ much refpedts the Perfe&i^n ofLearning , becaufe it is the right rule ofa perfedl enquiry, that nothing
l>efound in the Globe of Matter, that hath not a Parallel in the Chrifial-
line Globe, or thelnteUtct : That is, that there be not any thing in
Being and Aftion, that fliould not be drawn and colleded into contem-
plation and Doctrine. Neither doth learning otherwife admire or
efteera this Archite&ure ofFortune, than as a work ofan inferiour kind :
(or no mans proper fortune can be a retribution any way worthy the
donation of his Eii'ence and Being granted him from God ; nay it often
comes to pafs, that men of excellent gifts abandon their Fortunes
willingly, that their minds may be vacant for more fublime rerpe(3:s t
yet neverthelefs Fortune, as an Organ of virtue and merit, defervcs
likewife her fpeculation and Dodtrine.
§ Vnto this knowledge appertain precepts, {omefunwtary and Prin-
cipal 5 (omefpars'd and various. Precepts Summary aiQConverf:int a»
bout the true knowledge ^fl/Ao/'tf/Ae/'j 5 and ofhimfelf. ThefirFi Pre-
cept, Vv'hereio the principal point of the knowledge of others doth con-
fift, may bedecerrained this j that we procure to our felves, fofaras
may be, that mndow which Momus once required. He, when he law
in the frame of Mans heart,fb manyAngles and Keceffes,foundfault that pj , ^ ,
^here n\is not a trindovo, through which a man might look^rnto thofe obfcure
and^rookcd windings. This window we fhall obrain^ifwith all diligent
circumfpeftion we purchafe and procure unto our felves good informa-
tion touching particular Perfbns, with whom we nogotiate and have
to
270 Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. VIII,
to deal 5 as alfo of their natures, their defires, their ends, their cu-
ftoras, their Helps and Advantages, whereby they are chiefly fupport-
edand are powerful ; and again, of their weakneifes and difadvan-
tages, and where they lie moft open and are obnoxious; of their
Friends, Faftions, Patrons and Dependancies ; and again of their
Oppofites, Enviers, Competitors 3 as alio their Modes, Times, and
Critical feafons of eafie Acceft.%
Virg.vfn. IV.Sola viri moUes Aditns^ & tempora, tiorif.
t^/y the Principles and Rules which they have fet down tothein-
felves; and the like. And this information rauft be taken not only
oTPerfons, but ofParticular Aftions alfo which are on Foot, from time
to time, and as it were hot upon the Anvil ^ how they are conduced
and fucceed 3 by whofe furtherances they are favour'd, by whom op-
pos'd, of what weight and moment they are, and what confequence
they infer, and the like. For the knowledge of prefect A&ions is not
only material in it felf, but hath this advantage alfo, as without it the
krtoteledgc of Perfons will be very deceitful and erroneous : for Mctt
change with the A&ions ; and while they are implicated in Aftions,en-
gaged and and environed with bufinefs, they are one ; when they re-
turn to their Nature, they are another. Thefe Informatiom touch-
ing Particulars, refpefting as well Perfons as A&ions^ are as the Minor
Vropofitions in every A&ive Syllogifm : for no verity or excellency of
Obfcrvations ov Axioms (yi\iGxeo'l the Major Propofitions Politick^ate
made) can fuffice to ground a conclufion, if there be error and mifta-
king in the Minor Propofition. And that (uch knowledge may be com*
P10V.XX. •gz&6.,Solomon is our furety, who faith
—
Counfel in the Heart of a Manis like a deep voater^bttt a wife man rcilldravpit out.—And although the
knowledge it felf fall not under Precept, becaufe it is of Individuals,
yet inftruaions for the deducing of it may with profit be fet down.
§ The knowledge ofMen fix ways may be difclofed and drawn out,
by their Faces and Countenances, by IFords, by Deeds^ by their Na-
ture, by their £«^/, and by the i^e/a//^?»/ ofothers. As for the r//rf^e
and Countenance, let not the ancient Adage move us.
Fronti nulla fidesjuv.Sat.II.
For though this faying may not amifs be meant ofthe outward and ge-
neral compofure ofthe Countenance and Gejiure, yet there are certain
fubtil motions and labours of the Ej/es, Face, Look/, and GeSiure,
whereby, as^ C/cero elegantly faith, is unlockt andopen'd
—
lanuA
qt3<edam animi- the gate ofthe mind. Who more clofe than Tibertus
i)e Pet. Con'", c^^y^fri? ButT^^/w/jnoting the Charafter and different manner offpeak'
ingjWhich Tiberius us'd in commending in the Senate the great fervices
done hyCermanicus andDr«/;</;ofthe commendations given oiGerma-
^icushe faith thus
—
Alagis infpeciemverbjsadornata,quamut penitu*
fentire credcretur,oi'the commendations given o^Drufus thus,
—
Pancio'
^nal.iv. rihus i fed intentior, & fi'da oratione. Again Tacitus noting the fame
Tiberius at other times fomewhat more clear and legible Saith
—
^inipfe
-^
L I B. VlII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 271
ipfe compofitus alias e^ velitt^ eluiiantium vefhoruni'-, folutiuspreMpi-^ C)f'- & veluj
jffq-f loqiiebatiir quotks fubvcnirct. Certainly there can hardly be „5!*^°'^^'^^'
found any Artificer of Dijfimulation fo cunning and excellent, or a
Countenance fo forced, or as he (aith —vHltnfjfiJJus—• Co command-ed, that can fever from an artificious and feigned fpeech, thefe Notes 5
but that the fpeech is either moteJL'ght and carelcj^, or more fet and
formal, or more tedious and wandring, or more dr^ and reluctant,
thanufual.
^ As for Mens wW/ they are (as Phyficians fay o? IVaters) fufl
of flattery and uncertainty j yet thefe counterfeit colours are two i^ways excellently difcover'd , namely when words are uttered either
upon the fudden^ov elfe in pajjion. So Tiberius being fuddenly moved,and fomewhat incens'd upon a flinging fpeech of Jgrippina, came a
flep forth of his inbred diflimulation. Thefe voords^fdith Tacitus ^nnal.iV;
heard bj Tiberius , drer» from his dark^ covert Breaji fuch words
as he Hsdfeldom to let fall '^ and taking her up fliarply, told her her
own in a Greek verfe. Thatjlie was therefore hurt becaufe Jlje did not
r«^«.Therefore the^Poet doth not improperly call fuch Tajfions
Tortures—^ becaufe they urge men to confefs, and betray their
fecretSj
Vino tortus &'Ira Hqr.Ep;ff.i;
Experience indeed (hews that there are few men fb true to them-
felves, and fo fetled in their refblves, but that fbaietimes upon heat,
Ibmetimes upon bravery, fbmetimes upon intimate good will to a
Friend, fometimes upon weaknefs and trouble of mind, thai: c^n nolonger hold out under the weight ofgriefs , fometimes from fbme o-
ther Affeftion or PafSon, they reveal and communicate their inward
Thoughts: but above all,it founds the mind to the bottomjand fearch-
eth it to the quick, when Simulation is put to it by a couater-Difli-
mulation according to the proverb of Spain, Di Mentira, y facuras
verdad, Telia lye andfind a Truth.
§ Neither are Dceds^ though they be the fureDt pledges of mensminds, altogether to be trufted without a diligeat and judicious
confideration of their A^agnitude and Nature : For the faying is moli
true. That fraud ere&s it flfi countermure of credit infmalkr .matters^
that it may cheat with letter advantage afterwards. The Italian thinks
himfelf Jipon the Crofs mtb the Cryer, and upon the point to be
bought and fold, when he is better ufed than he was wont to be,
without manifeft caufe : for fmall favours , they do bat lull men a
fle^p, both zs to caution^znd as to Induflry, and are rightly called
by Demofihenes Alimenta focordis. Again, we may plainly fee the Demon;
falfe and inconftant propriety and nature of fbme Deeds^ even of
iuch as are accounted Benefits, from that particular which Mntianus
praftis'd upon Antoaius primus, who upon that hollow and unfaithful
reconcilement made between thera, advanced many of the Friends
.of Antonins, and beflowed upon them Tribunefiips, and Captainpips Tadtns H'd^liberally .- by thisfubtile pretence of demerit, he did not ftrengthen, »v.
"but altogether difarm and defolate Antonius, and win from him his
Depeudances, and made them his own creatures.
§ But
272 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. Vill.
k But the furefl: key, to unlock the minds of Men^confi^s infea rch'
jng and difclojiag either their Naturef and difpo[itions , or their ends
and intentions. And certainly the weakeft and'fimpleft fort of meaare beft interpreted by their Natures'-, but the wifeft and more re-
lerved are beft expounded by their Ends. For it was wifely andpleafantly faid (though in my judgement very untruly^ by a Nun-
tio of the Popes, returning from a certain Nation, where he ferved
asLeidger, whofc opinion bring askt, touching the appointment of
one to go in his place, gave counfel, that in any cafe his Hoi. tpould
notfend one too tpife^ becaHfe,faid he, no wife man would ever imagine^
what they in that country were like to do. Certainly it is a frequent
error, and very familiar with wife men, to racafiire other men, bythe Module of their own abilities ; and therefore often (hoot over
the mark, fuppofing men to projeft and defign to themfelves deeper
ends, and to praftife more fubtil Arts, and compaft reaches, than
indeed ever came into their heads , which the Italian Proverb ele-
gantly noteth, ftyingj
Di Deniril di Senno, e di Fede
C'n'e Minco che non Creds. .
There is commonly le^ Mony^lefs Wifdom, and le^good Faith than
men do accompt. Wherefore ifwe be to deal with men ofa mean andfhallow capacity, becaufe they do many things abfiirdly, the Con-
jefture muft be taken rather from the proclivity oftheir Natures, than
the defigns of their e«,5^/. Furthermore, Princes (but upon a faro-
ther realon) are beft interpreted by their Natures j and private per'
fans by their ends. For Princes being at the top of humane Defires,
they have, for the moft part, no particular ends propounded to them-
Prov.i;. felves, whereto they alpire, (pecially with vehemency and perfe-
verance h by the (tte and distance of which ends^a. man might take mea-
fuie and fcale of the reft of their A&ions, and Defires , which is one
ofthe chiefcaufes^A4///je/>He4r// (as the Scripture pronounceth^are
infcrutable. But private perfons are like Travellers which intentive-
ly go on aiming at fome end'm their journey, where they may ftay
and reft, (b that a man may make a probable conjefture and pre-
lage upon them, what they would , or would not Do: for ifainy
thing conduce unto their ends, it is probable they will put the lame
in execution , but if it crols their defigns, they will not. Neither is
the information touching the diverfity of mens ends and natures, to
be taken only /«/)'/>', but comparatively alCoj as namely what affe3i'
on and humor have the predominancy and command of the reji .<? So weree,v/henTigel/inHs fawhimfelf outftript by Petronius Turpilianus ia
adminiftring and fuggefting pleafures to Neroes humor, —Afetus e-
l^nrial.xiv. jt^ rimatur— laith Tacitus, he wrought upon Neroes Fears , and by
this means brake the neck of his Concurrent.
^ As for the knowing of mens minds atfccond hand from Reports ofothers^ it ftiall (uffice to touch it briefly. fVeakneJfes and faults you
fjall beji learnfrom enemies j vertues and abilities, fromfriends ^ CU'
Jioms and times^ fromfervants j cogitations and opinions, from inti-
mate
— 'I Z —
Lib. VIII. Of tbe Advancement ofLearning. 272
mate cotrficletjis^ rvith rcbomyou frequently andfamiliarly difcdiftfe. Po-pular fame is light, and the judgement of fuperiours uncertain , for
before fuch, men are more raaskt 5
Q, CIc. de
—Verior Famae Domejiicis emanat— let. Con.
But to all this part ofenquiry, the moft compendious way refteth
in three things. Firji^ to have general acquaintance and inwardnefswith thole which have moft lookt into the world, and are well verft
both in men and matters 5 but elpecially to endeavour to have pri-
vacy and converfation with fome particular friends, who according
to thediverfity of Bulinels and Perfons, are able to give us folid in-
formation, and good intelligence of all palTages. Secondly^ to keepa dtfcreet temper and mediocrity^ both in liberty of fpeech and Taci-
turnity •, more frequently ufing liberty , h\xtfecrecy where it imports.
For liberty of Jpeech invites and provokes others to ufe thefame liberty
to us again 5 andfo brings Much to a mans l^nowledge 3 but filence in-
duceth truli and inwardnefs, fo as men love to lay up theirfccrets nith
us as in a clofet. Thirdly, we muft by degrees acquire the Habit ofa
watchful and prefent wit, lb as in every conlerence and action we mayboth promote the main matter in hand, andyet obferve other circuni-
fiances that may be incident upon the Bye. For as Epi&etus gives it -
in Precept , a Philofopher in every particular aftion, flbould (ay
thus to himfelf, I ivill do this alfo, and yet go on in my courfe. So a Epifl.Enchiri
Politick, in every particular occurrence ftiould make this account andrefolution with himfelfj And I will do this likewife, and yet learn
fomething that may be of ufe hereafter. And therefore they who are
of fuch a heavy wit and narrow comprehenfion, as to overdo oneparticular, and are wholly taken up with the bufinefs in hand j anddo not fo much as think of any matters which intervene (a weak-ne(s that Montaigne confelFes in himfelf) fuch indeed are the bcftin- £%»»
ftruments of Princes and of State j but fail in point oftheir own For-
tune. But in the mean time, above all things caution muft be ta-
ken, that we have a goodjiay , and hold of our felves , by repreiftng
a too active forwardncfs of difpofition'-, left that this knowing much,
do not draw us on to much meddling i for nothing is more unfor-
tunate, than light and ralli intermeddling in many matters. So that
this variety of knowledge of Perfons and Actions, which we give in
Precept to be procured, tends in conclufion to this 5 to make a ju-
dicious choice both of thokA&ions we undertake, and of thole Fcr-
fons whofe advice and afliftance we ule, that ^o we may know howto conduct our afi'airs with more dexterity and fafety.
§ After the knowledge ofothtrs follows the k."Owledge of ourfelves i
foraolefs diligence, rather more, is to be taken in a true and exaft
underitznding of our own Perfons j than of the Perfons of others, for
the Oracle, TS!ofce Teipfum, is not only a rule of univerlal Prudence,but hath a fpecial place in Politick/ j for as St. 7^we-f excellently jacob.i.
puts us in mind, that he that views his Face in a Glaj^, yet injiantly
forgets what one he w.h' i Co that there is need of a very frequent in-
fpedion. The fame holds alio in Civil Affairs, but there arc indeed
M ra divers
274 ^f ^^^ Advancement of Learning, Lib. VIII.
divers Glajfes •, for the Divine GlaJ? in which we muft look our
felvesy is the Word of God, but the Tolittck, CU^is nothing ehe
but the State of the World and times wherein we live. Wherefore
a man ought to take an exadt examination^and an impartial view (not
fuch as ufeth to be taken by one too much in love with himfelf) of his
own abilities, vertues and fupports , as likewife of his own defeds.
Inabilities, and Impediments j fo making his accounts, that he ever
eftimate f^e/e with the moft, thofe rather with the leaft^ and from
this view and examination, thefe points following come into confi-
deration.
fj The firjl Confideratio» fiould be ^ hor» amuHs itidi'vidualcoKfli-
iution atid moral temperforts with the generalJi.ite of the times 5 which
if they befound agreeable, then he may give himfelfmorefcope and liberty,
and ttfe his orvn nature , but if there be any antipathy and diffonancj,
then^inthe rohole courfe of his life^ he flyould carry himfelfmore clofe re-
tired, and referved. So did Tiberius, who being confcient of his owntemper, not well forting with his times, was never feen at publick
Plays: and came not into the Senate in twelve of his laft years:where-
as on the contrary Augu^us lived ever in mens eyes, whichalfo Taci-
^ftaal.r. t^ obferved : Alia Tiberio Morum via ; the fame re.ilbn too was to
fecure his perfon from danger.
§ Thefecond ConfderationJIiould be how a man s natureforts with
the profejfions and courfes of life^ which are in ufc andcfleem, and where'
of he is to make his choice , that fo if he have not yet determined what
race to run, or what courfe of life to tal{e , he may chufe that which is
mofifit and agreeable to his natural difpofition i, but if it he be engaged
already in a condition of life, to which by nature he is notfofitted, let
him make a departure at thefirfi opportunity, and take another Profejji-
on. This we (ee was done by Valentine Borgia, that was defign'd byhis father to a Sacerdotal profeffion, which, obeying the bent of his
own nature, he quitted foon after, and applied himfelf to a Milita-
ry courfe of life 5 though as equally unworthy the dignity of a
Prince as of a Prieft , feeing the peltilent Man hath difhonoured
both.
§ The third Confideration Jljould be how a man may be valued, andmay deport himfelf as he is compard with his Equals and Rivals, whomit is likely he may have Competitors and Concurrents in his Fortune, andthat he take that courfe of life wherein there is the greatcji folitude ofable men ^ and himfelf like to be mofi eminent. Thus Julius Cxfar did,
who at firft was an Orator or Pleader, and was chief converiant in
Gown-Arts of Peace 3 but when he law Cicero, Hortenfius and Catu-
Im to excel in the glory of Eloquence, and no man eminent for the
Wars but Fompeim, he forfbok his courfe, aad bidding a long fare-
well to a civil and popular Greatnefs , transfer'd his defigns to the
Wars,jind to the Martial Greatnels ; by which mean he alcended to
the top of Sovereignty.
,,.,_ The fourth Confideration may be , that in the choice offriends and^ inward dependances, a man cotifult his own nature and difpofition, and
proceed according to the compofition of his own temper j for different
c&njiitutions require different ki"ds offriends to comply witball 5 tofememcn^
Lib. VIII. Of the Advancement ofLearnincr, 275
f»etj, folcKjn andfiknt mitures^ to others bold a»d hoaxing hufftours anacceptable •-, and many of the like fort. Certainly it is worth the ob-fervation, to fee of what difpofition the friends and followers ofjf//-
//«f Cisfar were, (as Antonius^ Hirtitft^ Panfa, Oppiuf^BalLus, DolabeUa^
ToUio^ the reft) the(e were wont to fwear, ita vivente Cjffare ntoriar ,
bearing an infinite afFeftion to C^fir^ but towards all others difdain-
fill and arrogant, and they were men in publick Bufinefs adlive andeffeftual 5 in fame and reputation, not (blemn and celebrated.
Thefijth Cofifideration may be that a man take heed how he guide him-
felf by Examples^ and that he do not fondly affe& the Imitation of a-
ihers 5 as if that which is pervious to others, mu§i needs be as patent to
hi/h, never confidering with himfelf what difference perhaps there is be-
twixt his and their natures and carriages^ whom he hath chofen for his
pattern and example. This was manifcftly r^^f^e/wf's error, who, as
Cicero reports it, was wont often to lay, SyUapotuity Ego non potero .«?
wherein he was much abufed , the nature and proceedings of him-
felf and Syl/a, being "the unlikelieft in the world ; the one being
fierce, violent, and preffing the faft 5 the other {blemn,reverencing
Laws, directing all to Majefty and Fame ; and therefore the leCs
effeftual and powerful to go thorough with his defigns. Thereare more Precepts of this nature, but thefe (hall fuftice for Exampleto the reft.
§ Nor is the well Ufiderfianding, and difcerning of a man sfelf fuf"
ficient, but he muji conlult with himfelf upon a way how he may aptly
and wifely open and reveal himfelf , andinfumm, becomeflexible and ^
moulded to thefeveral forms and impreffions of occafions. As for the
Revealing of a mansfelf we fee nothing more ufual, than for the lels
able man to make the greater ftiew. Wherefore it is a great advan-
tage to good parts, if a man can by a kind of Art and Grsicefet forth
himfelf to others, by aptly revealing (Co it be done without diftafte
or arrogance) his Vertues, Merits and Fortune 5 and on the contra-i
ry by covering artificially his weaknefles, defers, misfortunes and
difgracesj ftaying upon thole, and as it were, turning them
to the light 5 Aiding from thele, and leflening them by an apt ex-
poiition, and the like. Wherefore Tacitus faith of Mticianus, whowas the wifeft man and the greateft Politick of his timej Omnia
qu£ dixerat feceritq--, Arte quadam ofientator. This fetting forth of a hj/j;
man'sfelf requires indeed fbme Art, left it turn tedious and arrogant
,
but yet (b, as (bmekind o( Ofientation, though it be to the firft de-
gree of vanity, feems rather a vice in the Ethick/, than in the Poli'
tick/. For as it is uliially faid of slander, Auda&er caluminare, femper
aliquid h£ret. So it may be faid of Ojientation ("unlefs it be in a grols
manner deform'd and ridiculous) Auda&er te vendita,femper aliquid
h£ret 5 it will ftick certainly with the more ignorant and inferiour
fort of men, though the more wile and (blemn Guile at it, and de-
f]3t{e. Therefore the Eiiimation won with many,ft}all countervailthe dif-
dain ofafew. But if this Orientation ofa man sfelf, whereofwe (peak,
be carried with decency and difcretion; for example, if it make (hewof a native candor and inbred ingenuity ; or if it be allum'd at times,-
when other i^erils approach ("as in Military perlbns in time of War)M ra 2 Qt
11
G
Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . VIII
or at times when others are mofl: envied, or if words which refpeda
mans oron Fraijc, feem to fall from him in a carelefs pafl'age, as intend-
ing fomething elfe, without dwelling too long upon them, or being
tooferious, or i£ atnanCograce himjelf^ as with equal freedom, he
forbears not to tax and jeft at himfelfi or in fum,ifhe do this not ofhis
own accord, but as urg'd and provokt by the infolenciesand contu-
melies ofothers , it doth greatly add to a mans Reputation. Andjure-
ly not a few (more folid than windy natures, and therefore want the
Art of bearing up fayl in the height ofthe winds,) fuffer for their mo-deration, not without fome prejudice, and difadvantage to their repu-
tation and merit. Butfor thefe Flourilhes and enhancements ofvertue,
howfoever fome ofweak judgement, and perchance too feverely Mo-ral, may difallow, no man will deny this, but that we (hould endea-
vour at leaft, that vertue thorow carelels negligence be not difvalued,
and imbafed under the juft price. This diminution of the value, and
abating thcprice in eftimating Virtue, is wont to fall out three wayes.
Firjl tphen a man offers and obtrudes himfelf and fervice in matters ofimployraentnorcall'd nor fent for 5 fuch prompt offices as thefe are re-
puted well rewarded, if they be notrefufed. Secondly tvhen a man in
the beginning and firfton-fet of an imployment, too much abufeth his
own forces and abilities, when that which (liouldhave been performed
by degrees, he lavifheth out all at once , which in matters well mana-
ged, wins early grace and commendation, but in the end induceth
fatiety. 7/j/W/y npAe« amanis too fuddenlyfenfible, and too incon-
fiderately tranfported with the fruit of his vertue, in commendation,
applaufe, honour, favour confer'd upon him ; and is too much afieft-
ed and delighted therewith : ofthis point there is a wife Avifo. Be-
vparc hUjoHJeemunacquaintedtPJth great matters^ that are thus pleaid
Toithfmall^ as if they weregreat.
§ But the covering ofDefe&s is ofno lefs importance than a wife anddexterous- o^entation ofvcrtues. Defe3s are concealed andfecreted by a
three fold induUry^ and as it were under three coverts^ Caution^ Co-
lour^ and Confidence. Caution is that, when we do wifely avoid to beput upon thofe things for which we are not proper 3 whereas contra-
riwife bold and unltaid fpirits will eafily engage themfelves without' judgement, inmatters wherein they are not feen, and ibpublifhand
proclaim all their imperfediions. Colour is when we do warily andwifely prepare and make way, to have a favourable and commodiousconftrudtion made ofour faults and wants 5 as proceeding from a bet-
ter caufe, or intended for fome other purpofe than is generally con-
ceiv'd : for of the Covert of Faults the Poet faith well,
., S<epe latet vitiuf»proximitate Bonii
Wherefore if we perceive a Deje& in our felves, our endeavour mufl
be to borrow and put on the Perfon and Colour of the next bordering
Vertue, wherewith it may be fhadowed and fecreted. For inftance,
he that is D«//, mufl pretend Gravity 'j he that is a Coward, Mildnef,
and fo the reft. And it will advantage, to frame fome probable caule,
ahd to give it out and fpread it abroad, that induced us to difTemble
our
L I B. VIII. Ofthe AdvMicenient of Learning, 27n
I
our abilities and not do our beft 5 that (b makjKg a Vertne of NcccJJitj',
what was not incur poivcr, may feem not to have been in our jr/// to
do. -^s for Cotipdcnce^ it is indeed an impudent, but the (ureft andmofl: efFedtual remedy , namely that a man profcls himfelt' to defpile
2nd let at naught, what in truth he cannot attain 3 according to the
Principle of wile Merchants, with whom it is familiar to raife the price
of their own Commodities, and to beat down the price ofothers. But
there is another kind of Coffjidence dr: more impudent than this, whichis toface out a minsor^>n DcfcHs^ toboaft them and obtrude them up-
on Opinion •, as if he conceiv'd that he was beft in thole things, where-in he moft fails 5 and to help that again, that the Deception put up-on others may tome off more roundly, he may feign, that he hath
leaft opinion of himfelf in thofe things, wherein he is belt. Lil^e as
we fee it commonly in Poets j for a Poet reciting his verfes, ifypuexcept againft any verle, you (hall prelently hear him reply , Andfor this verfe it coji rat more Lihoitr than the resi '-, and then he will bring
you Ibme other verfe, and feem to difable and fufpedt that ratherjand
ask your judgement ofit,which yet he knows to be the beft in the num-ber, and not liable to exception. Rut above a\l, in this Helping a vja»s
fclf in his carriage^ namely, that a majn may let the faireft glofs uponhimlelf before others, and right himfelf in all joints, nothing, in myopinion, avails more, than that a man do not difmantle himjelfand ex-
po]e his pcrjon tofcorn and injury by his too Much Coodnefs and Fasilityhf
Nature j but rather in all thingsfl)en>fome fparkjes a^d edge of a free andgenerousfpirit J
that carries with it as rvcll a fiifig-, as Hony. Whichkind offortified carriagCjtogether with a prompt and prepared relblu-
tion to vindicate a mans lelffrom fcorn, is impofed upon fome by ac-
cident and a kind of aninvitable neceffity, for fomewhat inherent in
their perlbn or fortune ; as we fee it in Deformed Perfons and Ba-
ftards, and in Perfons any way dilgrac'd , fo that fuch natures, if they
have any good parts, commonly .they fuccepd with good felici-
ty* ...fj Asfor the declaring ofa Mansfelf that is a far different thing from
Ofientation^OT the Revealing ofa ntansfelf whereofwe fpake even now 5
for it refers not to Mens abilities ox weaknejfes^ but to the Particular
Actions of life ^ in which point, nothing is more Politick^ than to obferve
a wife and difcreet mediocrity' in the difclofing orfecreting the imvard in-
tentions and meanings of the mind touching particular ASions. For al-
though depth of (ecrecy and concealing ofCounlels, and that mannerofmanaging Buiinels, when men let things avyork by dark, and as the
French ftiles it , Sourdes Mences,fottrd Arts , clofc Carriages , be
a thing both prolperous and admirable, yet many times it comes to
pals, as the faying is, That Dilfimuiation begets errors, and illaqueates
the Dijfembler himfelf. For we fee the ableft men, and greateft PoU-
tickj that ever were, have made no Icruplc of it, openly to profels,
freely and without diftimulation, the ends they aim at; foL. Sylla PJ^tar.in Sjl-
made a kind ofprofeiTion, That he wiJlH all men happy or unhappy as they p'
fiood hisfriends or enemies : So Cefar when he went firft into Gaul con- CiEf."'^"'"
fidently profeft. That he had rather befirli in an obfcure village, thanfe-• cond at Rome: the lame C£far when the war was now begun did not
278 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VilL
play the diflembler, if we obferve what Cicero reports of him 5 the o-
Ad Att Llb.x. fl^QY (meaning of Csfar) refnfeth ftot, nay in afort dejirer, that, as mat-^*'''
tersjiand^ he mayjo be called Tyrant. So we may fee in a letter of Ci-
cero's to Atticns^ how far from a Dijfembler AHguiins C<efar was, who~^
in his very entrance into Affairs, while he was a darling to the Senate,
yet in his Harangues and fpeeches to the People was wont to fwear af-
Cic.ad ;Attic. ter this manner. Ita parentis honoresconfequi liceat, which wasnolels
than the Tyranny, favethat, to help the matter a little, he wouldwithal ftretch forth his hand to a Hatue of IhUus C^fars, which was e-
refted in the Kojira : and men laught and applauded, and wondred
and difcourfed thus amongft themfelves, what means this .<? What a.
youngmanhave we here ^ and yet thought he meant no hurt, he did
fo candidly and ingenuoufly fpeak what he meant. Jnd aU thefe, we^"^'**
have nam'd, were profperous : Whereas on the other fide, Pompeiut,
who tended to the fame ends, but by more umbragious and obfcure
ways (as T^f///// faith of him, Occultomon melior-, a cenfure wherein
Sal.apud Su- Salulf concurrs, Ore probo^ Animo inverecnndo^) made it his defign,andeton.iib.de endeavoured by infinite engines, that deeply hiding his boundlefs de-ei.Gramni.
^^^^ ^^^ ambition, he might in the mean fpace caft the ftate into an
Anarchy and Confufion, whereby the ftate mutt necefTarily caft it felf
into his arms for protedion, and fo thefovereign Power be put upoa
him, and he never feen in it ; and when he had brought it, (as he
thought,) to that point, when he was chofen Conful alone, as never
any was , yet he e?}u]d make no great matter ofit ; becaufe thofe,that
without queftion would have cooperated with him, underftood him
not 'j fo that he was fain in the end, to go the beaten and commontrack ofgetting Arms into his hands, by colour ofoppofing himfelfa-
gainft Cxfar .• fo tedious, cafual, and unfortunate are thole Coun-
fels which are ccver'd with deep Dijjimulation 5 whereof it feems 74«"-
tus made the fame iudgeraent, when he makes the Arts of Simulation^
..... a prudence of an inferior form, in regard of true Policy, attributing
the one to y4«^«/?;//, the other to Tiberius j for (peaking of Liz//^ he
faith thus. That JJjefortedwell with the Arts ofher husband, and Dijfi-
mnlation of herjon.
§ As touching the bending and moulding of the Mind^ it mufi indeed
by all pofjible means be endeavoured, that tbe mind be made pliant and
obedient to occajions and opportunities, and that it be not any wayfiijfand
renitent to them : for nothing hinders the effeUing ofBufmef, and the
making ofmensfortunesfo much as this .• Idem manebat neque idem de-
cebat, that is, when men are where they were, and follow their own bent
when occafons are turnd. Therefore Livy, when he brings in Cato MA"lor, astheexperteft Architeft of his fortune, very well annexes this,
that he had, vtrfatileingenium, and thereof it comes, that the(e grave
folemn wits, which muft be like themlelves, and cannot make depar-
ture, have for moft part more dignity than felicity. But in fome it is
nature to be vifcuous and inwrapt and not eafie to turn: in others it
is cuftom, that is almoft a nature, and a conceit, which eafily fteals in-
to mens minds, which is, that men can hardly make themlelves be-
lieve, that they ought to change fuch courfes, as they have found good
and profperous by firther experience. For Aiachiavcl notts wifely in
Fabius
L I B. VIII. . Ofthe Adyancement of Learning, 27^
Fabiut Mdximus^ How he. xrottld have been tcfffporizit/gjirll accordivg to
his old buijT^ rrl'CH tkc nature ofthe war rp.is altered and requi\:m hotfur- Direors fuj«
fujt. In Ibrae others the fame weaknefi proceeds from want ofpenetra-^'^'
tionin their judgementsWhen men do not ia time difcern the Periods
of things and AdtionSjbut come in too late after the occafion h e(ca-
ped. Such an overfigh,t as th\s,DewpJihcnes reprehends in the People crar/m Phi-
ofAthens,lay ing, thej ware lil^e countrc^-felloves flajitjg in 4 FcKce-Jthool^ ''P- '
'
that ifthijihave a bluwjhen they rcT^ove ther weapons to that ward andnot before. Again in others this comes to pafs, becaufe they are loth
to lole the labour, in that wayjthey have enter'd into, nor do they
know h8w to aaake a reirait j but f^fhex entertain a conceit^that byperleverance they lliall bring aboiu occafions to their own ply. Butfrom what root or caufe fbever this vifcolity and reftivenefsof mindproceeds, it is a thing moft prejudicial both to a mans affairs aqd for-
tunes i and nothing if more politicl{^ than to make the wheel ofoitr mindeoncentrick^and voluble with the wheelf ofFortune. Thus much ofth^two fummary precepts touching the Architecture ofFortune. Precepts
fcatter'd are manyjbut w? will only feledt a few to fervc as examplesto the refl.
§ Tkejirji Precept is^that X.\x\s Archited of his ownfortune rightly ufe '^«t^^—f-
his Rule^ that is, that he inure his mind tojudge of the Proportion andvalure of things^as they conduce more or lefsto his ownfortune and ends^
and that he intendthejume fubfiantially^and notfuperficially. For it is
ftrange, but moft true^that there are many, whpfe Logicalpart ofMind(if I may fo terra it) is good, bnt the Afathev/atical part nothing
worth 7 that is,who can well and fbundly judge ofthe confequences,
but very unskilfully of the prizes ofthings, ffence it comes to pafs,
that fbme fall in love and into admiration with the private and fecrec
accefs to Princes j others with populaT fame and applaufe, fgppofing
they are things ofgreat purchafe,when in many cafes they are but mat-
ters of envy, peril, and impedimeut : others meaCure things, accor-
ding to the labour and difficulty fpent about them, thinking that if
they be ever moving, they muft needs advance and proceed j as
Cafar faid in a defpifing manner ofCafoVticenp, when he defcribes
how laborious, affiduous and indefatigable he was to no great pur-
pofe. Omnia (faith ho) magnafiudio agebat. Hwce hkewife it pomes'
to pafs, that men often abufe themfelves, who ifthey ufe the favour
and furtherance of fome great and honourable Perfon, they promife
themfelves all profperous fuccefs 5 whereas the truth is, that not the
greateft, but the aptefl inflruments, fooncft, and more happily ac-
complifh a work. Andfor the true dire<^ion of the Mathematical
Jquare ofthe Mindj it is worth the pains efpecially to know, and have
it fet down, what ou^htfiji to be relblved upon for the building andadvancing of a mansfortune j what «ex/, and fo forward.
^ In thefirfi place Ifet down ^ thcA*nendmentofthemindj for bytaking away and fraootbing the impediments, 2i;d rubsofthe Mind,
you fhall fooner open a way to fortune, than by the afiiftance of
FcH"tune, take away the impediments of the Mind. In the fecond
place Ifet dotvn wealth and Mcans^ which perchance moft men would
have plnced firft, becaufe of the general ufe it bears towards all va-
riety
q8o Ofthe Advancement of Learning. Lib. Vlll.
riety ofoccafions; but that opinion I may condemn with like reafon,
as Machiavel in another cafe not much unlike ; for whereas the old
faying was, that Monki were the (inews of rvar^ he on the contrary
affirmed, that there roere no other fwevcs ofrears^ fave the finews of va-
liant mens arms. In like manner it may be truly affirmed, that it is
not Monies that isthefinews of Fortune^ but the finews rather and a.
bilitiesoftheMind, Wit, Courage, Audacity, Rcfolution, Mode-
ration, Induftry, and the like. In the third place, Ifet dovpn Fame
and Reputation, and the rather becaufe they have certain tides and
times, which ifyou do not take in their due feafon, are reld(jm reco-
vered 3 it being a very hard matter to play an after-game of Reputation.
In the la^ place ifet down Honours, to which certainly there is a more
eafie accels made by any of the other three, much more by all uni-
ted •, than ifyou begin with Honours and fo proceed to the reft. Put
as it is of fpecial conlequence, toobferve the order and priority of
things'-) foisit of lefs import, toobferve the order and priority of
'rime--y the prepofterous placing whereof, is one of the commoneft
errors 5 while men fly unto their ends, when they fhould intend their
beginnings 5 and whilft we fuddenly feize upon the higheft matters
,
weraftily pafs over what lies in the midft, but it is a good precept,
^od nunc inBat agamus.
Thefecond precept is, that upon a greatnefs and Confidence of Mind,
roe do not engage ourforces in too arduous matters, which we cannot fo
wellconquer-j nor that we row again!i the Jirearn. For as touching
mens Fortune, the counfel is excellent,
Fatit accede Deifque,
Let us look about us on every fide, and obferve where things are o-
pen, where (hut and obftrufted 5 where eafie, where difficile, to be
compafTedjand that we do not overfirain and mi(employ our ftrength
where the way is not paflible, for this will preferve us from foil 5 not
occupy us too much about one matter ^ we (hall win an opinion of
Moderation; offend few 5 andlaftly, make a fhew of a perpetual
felicity in all we undertake ; whilft thofe things which pcradventurc
would of their own accord have come to pafs, ftiall be attributed to
our providence and induftry.
The third Precept may feem to have fbme repugnancy with that for-
rher immediately going before; though if it be well underftood, there
is none at all. The Precept is this •, that we do not always expeU occafi-
ons, but fometimes provoke them, and lead the way unto them •, which
Otat in Phil, is that which Demo^ihenes intimates in high terms. For as it is a re-.
1.*
ceivedprinciple that a Generalfiould lead the Army •-, fo wife and under-
fianding men fijould condu& and command matters, andfuch things
fhould be done as theyfarofit to be done 5 and that theyJljould not beforced
topurfue and build only upon events. For if we diligently confider ir^
we ftiall obferve/ n't? differing kinds of fufficiency in managing affairs
and handling bufinefs; for fbme can make ufe of occafions aptly and
dexteroufly, but plot and excogitate nothing, fome are all for
Plots which they can well urge and purfuc, but cannot accommo-date
L I B. VIII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. sS't
date and take in: Either of which abilities is maimed, and imperfect
without the other.
A fourth Precept is, not to embrace atiy matters rphich do occupy too
great a quantity oftimc'^ but to have that verfc evcrfouhtling in our Citrs,
Sed fugit intere^jfugit irreparabile tempus.
And the caufe why thofe rvho addiU ther/tfehes to profejjions ofburden andthe like, as Larryers. Orators^ painful Divines, writers of Eookj, andthe like, are not commonlffo politick^in contriving and promoting their
ownfortunes, is no other than this ^ that they want time,which is other-
wife imployed^ to inform thcmfelves of Particulars ,* and to wait uponoccafions , and to devife and projeU deftgns which may conduce to
the fnskjng of their fortune. Nay farther, in the Courts of Princesand in States, you (hall have thofe that are exceeding powerfuland expert how to advance their own Fortune, and to invade theFortune of others, which undergo no publick charge, but are conti-
nually praftifed in that whereof we (peak. The: Advancement ofLife. I
A Fifth Precept is, to imitate nature which doth nothing in vai»>.
Which certainly we may do, if wediKcreetly mingle and interlace
ourbufineffesofall forts. For the mind fhould in every particular a^
ftion be fo difpofed and prepared ; and our intentions fo fubdued,andfubordinated one under another ; as if we cannot have that we feek
in the beft degree, yet we may have it in a fecond, orat Jeaft in athird: but ifwe can get no footing nor any coniiftency at all in anypart ofa thing we defire ; then we may turn the pains we have takenupon forae other end, than that whereto it was defigned : but if wecannot make any thing of it for the present, at leaft wemayextrad(bmething out of it that may ftand us inftead for the time td come 5
but ifwe can derive no folid effedl orfubftance from it, neither for
the prefent nor for the future •, let us yet endeavour to win fome goodopinion and reputation by it 3 and the like: ever exacting accounts
ofour (elves, whereby it may appear that we have reapt (braewhat
more or lefs from every particular Aftion and Coun(el , never fuffe-
ringour felvestobe ca(t down and difpirited, like ^men amaz'd andconfufed, if perchance we fail in the principal fcope of our intenti-
ons. For nothing is more prcjudicious to a Politick, than to bewholly andfolely taken up with one thing, for he that doth fojlof"
eth infinite occa(ions which do intervene upon the by 5 and whichperhaps are more proper and propitious for fojnewhat maybe ofufe
hereafter ; than for thofe things we urge for the prefent : and there-
fore we mult be perfccTt in that Rule, H£c oportet facere d> ii/anoii o- ^. -a. ^ ,^ ' t -f Ep;ct, Fnch.mittere.
A (ixth Precept is, that we engage not ourfelves too peremptorily in anything though itjeem not at jirfi fight, liable to accident y but that we ever
have either an open window topy out at, or dfecret pojiern-way to retire
Afevcnth Precept is, that ancient Rule of Bias 5 fo it he conftrued
not to any point of Perfidioufnefi i but to caution and moderation,
N n S^
282 Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. VIII.
So love a man asyet thou maifi becotMC an enetuy^fo hate a man asyet thou
majfi become his Friendjfor it utterly betrays and fruftrates all utility,
for a man to embark himfelftoo far in unfortunate friend(hips,unquiet
and troublefome fpleenSjOr chilcftfh and humorous -Emulations.
Plura veils? Thefepall (af^cefot examples touching the knowledge o/f^e Ad-v.Cardani ^ancement oj Life : yet I would have it remembred, that thefeadum-
ArcanaVoT brations which we have drawn and fet down as Deficients , are far
6 quam At- fj-om compleat Traftates of them , but only that they are as little
^"^ '
pieces and edgings for patternSjWhereby a judgement may be made of
the whole web. Again we are not Co weak and foolifli as to avouch
that Fortunes are not to be obtained without all this ado ; for vye
know well they come tumbling into fome mens laps, and a numberobtain goo6.fortunes only with diligence and affiduity ("with fome
little caution intermingled) in a plain way, without any great or pain-
ful Art. But as Cicero^ when he fets down the Idea of a perfeft Ora-
tor, doth not mean that every Pleader fliould be or can be fuch :
and again as in the defcription of a Prince or a Courtier, by fuch as
have handled thole (ubjefts 5 the Mould is made according to the per-
fedion ofthe Art, and not according to common practice : the fame
we have performed in the inftruftion of a Po/z>7V4 man i I mean Poli"
iickjorhis-orxin Fortune. And likewife take this advertifement along' with you, That the Precepts which we have chofen and fet down^are
all ofthat kind which may be counted and called Bona Artes. As for
Librodel EvilArts^ ifaman would yield himfelf a difciple to AlachiaveI whoPren. gives it in precept. That a man needs not much carefor vertne itfelfbut
for the appearance only thereofin the eyes oftheworld^ becaufe the fameand credit ofvertue, is a help, but the ufe of it a cumber , who io ano-
ther place gives this rule : That a Politick man lay this as a foundati-
on of his pradiick wildom, that he prefuppofe, that men are not rightly
andfafely to be rvrought upon and bowed to the bent ofour wills, otherwift
than by fear , and therefore let him endeavour by allmeanspojfible to have
every man obnoxious, low and injireights. So as Machiavel's Politici-
an feems to be what the Italians call ilfeminatoredellefpine^ or ifa-
ny would embrace that Principle which Cicero cites, Cadant amici^
dummodo inimici intercidant , as the Triumviri fold the lives of their
friends, for the deaths of their enemies. Or if a man would be animitator of L, Catilina to become an incendiary and a perturber offtates, to the end he may better fifh in droumy waters, and unwrap his
fortunes 5 / (faith he) if once afirefeize upon my Fortune, will extiwCic.pro 1. gffjp ^f „gf j^jffj water but with ruine 5 or ifany one would convert to
uisnd,^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ofLyfander, who was wont to fay, That children are to be
plufat.in ly deceivedwith Comfits, and men with Oaths. With other luch corrupt
fiuid. and pernicious Pofitions of the fame impreffion, whereof (as in all o-
ther things,) there arc more in number, than of thegood and found.
If any (I fay) be delighted with fuch contagious and polluted
wifdom,! deny not but with thefe difpenfatious from all the laws ofcharity and integrityjWhoHy enflaved to the prefling of his own For-
tunes, he may be more fpeedy and compendious in the promoting of
hit Fortune : but it is in life, as it is in ways , the (hortefl way is
commonly the fouleft 5 and furely the fairer way is not muchabout.
L I B. VIJI. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 283'
about. B>nt It isfo far from the mind and purpofe of this Difcourie
that men fliould apply themlelves to thcfe corrupt and crooked Arts,
that rather indeed ( if they be in their own power, and are able tobear and ftiftaiu themlelves, and be not carried away with the whirl-
yvind and tempeft of Ambition) they ought in the purfuit of Foe-tune to fet before their eyes, not only that general Map ofthe world.That all things are zut^ity atjcl vexation of fpirit j but al(b that moreparticular card and direction. That BeJNg^rpithout well-Bcing^is a ao-fe ^
and thegreater Being, the greater curfe j and that all vertue is moft re-
warded, and<illwickednefsmoft puniflit initfelf; according as the,
Poetfaith excellently,^
^^<e vobis, (ji/£ aigv.t, viri.j pro talihus aujis
Tr£mia pojje rcorfolvi ? Fulcherrima pritmrn
Dii Aljrejqj dabntit veliri.
¥irg.c^.>;
^nd Co on the contrary he fjieaks as truly of the wicked— atq'-^ eumulcijcentur mores jui Nay further, the race of Mortality,
whilft their working heads every way tofs^and difFufc their thoughts
how they may bell: fore-caft and confult their advancement in the
Tporld, ought, in the midft of thefc heats, and eager purfuits, to look
\\p to the Divine Judgement, and the Eternal Providence, whichoftentimes fubvetts and brings to nothing the plots of the wicked,
and their evil counfels, though never fo profound 3 acccsrding to
that of(acred Scripture, He conceived wicked thoughts^ travel'd great^*''"'
with mi/chief, and Jl)all bring forth delnfive vanity. Nay, though meafliould refrain therafelves from injuries and evil arts ; yet this incef-
fant and Sabbathlef afpiring to the Jieep height of Fortune^ pays not the
tribute of our time due unto God, who (as roe mayfee^ demands andfets
apart for himfelf a Tenth of our fnbjiance^ and a Seventh of our time.
For it is to fraall purpofe to have an erefted face towards heaven,
and a groveling fpiritupon earth, eating duftas doth the ferpent;
an oppofitioa which even Heathens could fee and cenfure.
Atq^^ affg't huffio divin£ particulam Aura. *"^* "'"'
And if any man fhould herein flatter himfelf, that he refolvesto im-
ploy his Fortune well, though hefhould obtain it ill 5 as was wontto be (aid of AugHiins C£Jar and Septimius Severus , That either they
fl}ould never have been born, or elje they flwuld never have dyed , they
did fbmuch mifchief in the purfuit anda(cent of theirgreatneftjandfo muchgood,when they were eftablifli'd •-, let him take this with hira^
that fuch compenlation of evil by good, may be allowed after the
Fadt, but is defervedly condemn'd in the purpofe. Lajily, it will
not be amifs for us, in that fwift and hot race towards our fortune,
to cool our felvesa little, with that elegant conceit of the Empe-rour charts the Fifth, in his inftruttions to his Son, That Fortune hath q^- q,.—,fomcvphat of the nature of a woman, that iffie be too much wooed^fbe is a.C. °i jip.
thefarther off: but this lafi: remedy is for thofe whofe tafte, fromfomc dtftemper of the mind, is corrupted : let men rather build up»
ea that foundation, which is as a corner-ftone of Divinity and Phi-
N 2 lofophy
284 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. VIIL_
^__
. ,_^ , .—-—-I '
-* " "~~~ ~~
lofophy, wherein they almoft joyn clofe by the fame affertion of xphat
Mat- VI. poulcl be fijifought :, for D;w«if>' commands, Firjifcek the Kingdom
of God, and all thefe things pall be fuferadded tmto yon-^ and rhilo^
fophy commands fomewhat like this ; Seekfirfi the goods (fihe mind,
and the reji Jhall befnpplied, or no way prejudiced by their abjence.
And although this foundation laid by man,is fometimes placed upon
the fands, as we may fee in M. Brittus^ who in the laft fcene of his
life, brake forth into that fpeechj
Te Colui virtus ut Rem. afi Tu Nomen inane es :Dion. Lib. -^ -^
Poeta Vet. Yet the fame foundation laid by the hand of heaven, is firmly fettled
upon a Rock, jind here we conclude the knowledge of Ad"
vancement of Life 5 and withall the general knowledge of Nego*
nations.
Chap. III.
The Partitions of the Art of Empire or Government are omitted 5
only accefi is made to two Deficients. I. The l^novcledge of en-'
Urging the Bounds of Empire. II. And the k»or>pledge of uni-
verfal Juftice j or of the Fountains ofLaw.
I. T Come now to the Art of Empire, or the the knowledge ofCivil
J Government j under which Houfe-hold Government is compre-
hended, as a Family is under a City. " In this part, as I (aid before, I
"have commanded my felffilence: yet notwithftanding I may not" fo difable my felf , but that I could difcourfe of this part alfo, per*"^ chance not impertinently, nor unprofitably j as one praftifed by*'= long experience, and hyyour Majejiy's moft indulgent favours, and" no merit of mine own, raifed by the degrees of office and honours,«•^ to the higheft Dignity in the State j and have born that office for
" four years 3 and which is more , have been accuftomed to your" Majejiies commands and conferences, for the continued fpace of<='= eighteen years together, Cwhich even of the dulleft mould might*^ fafhion and produce a State-man) who have fpent much time, a-
" mongft other knowledges, in Hiftories and Laws. Al/ which I re-
port to Pojierity , not out of any arrogant ojientation ; but becaufc I
prefume it makes fomething to the honour and dignity of Learning 3 that
a man bornfor Letters more than any thing elfe, andforcibly carried a-
way^ I know not by what fate, againji the bent of his own Genius, to aCivil aCtivc courfe of life , fliould yet be advanc'd to fo high and ho-
nourable charges in the State, and that itnderfo wife a King. But ifmytimes of leifure (hall bring forth hereafter any thing touching the
wifdom of Government , and (tate-matters., it will be perchance anAbortive, or nn After-birth. In the mean fpace.now that all Sciences
are diftributed and ranged , as it were, into their true Forms, left
fuch
L r B. VIII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning. 285
fuch an eminent place as this fiiould remain empty, I have judg'd it
fit to note as Deficients two Portions only o^Civtl Kfiorv/cclgc, whichpertain, not to the Secrets of Unrpire, but are of a more open andpublick nature 5 and, according to our cuftom, to propound exam-ples thereof. Seeing the Arts vf Covernxncnt , comprehend three
forts ofPohfic^ Duties : Firji^ that a Kingdom or State be con(erved
:
Secondly, that it may become happy and flouridiing : ThirJly, that it
may be amplified, and the bounds thereof propagated and extended.Of thefe duties the /zTfj/r/? are, for the moft, by many, excelJently
Well handled 5 but the third is part ovxr in filence ; wherefore wewill let this down in the number of Deficients, and according to ourmanner propofe examples thereof 5 calling this part of Civil Know-ledge Confnlcm FalndatHKi^ or a knotelcdge of the enlarging the Bounds
of En/pire.
EXAMPLECONSUL
Of a Summary Trcatife touching the enlarging of the tus, Iiv^ede
Bounds ofEmpire. [-/-"ti-bus.
THe fpeech of ThemiBocles, taken to himlelf, was indeed forae-
what uncivil and haughty 5 but if it had been applied toothers,
and at large, certainly it may feem to comprehend in it a wife ob-
fervation, and a graA'ecenfure. Defired at a Feaft to touch a Lute,
he faid. He could not Fidle, but yet he could Make a JMall Town a great pjurar. In"
'€ity : Thefe words drawn to a Politick fence, do excellently ex- Them,
prels and diftinguifh two differing Abilities, in thole that deal in bu-
Gnefs of Eftate. For if a true furvey be taken of all Counfellors andStates-men that ever were, and others promoted to publick charge,
there will be found (though very rarely) thofe which can make a
fmall State great, andyet cannot fidlej as on the other fide there will
i>e found a great many, that are very cunning upon the Cittern or Lutc^
(that is in Court-Trifles) but yet are fo far from being able to Make a.
jmall State, great •-, as their gift lies another may, to bring a great andilonrifijing E^ate to ruincand decay. And certainly thofe degenerate
Arts and Shifts.whereby many Counfellors and Governours gain both
•favour with their Mafters^aDd eftimation with the vulgatjdeferveno
better name than Fidling ; being things rather pleafing for the time,
and graceful to the Profellbrs themfelves 5 than tending to the toeal
and advancement <f the State, which they ferve. There are aKbfnodoubt) Counfellors and Governours, not to be defpifed , which maybe held fufficient men, and equal to their charge 5 able to manageAffairs, and to keep themfront precipices, and manifefi inconveniencics,
which neverthelefs are far from the Ability to raffe and amplifie an
Ejiate. But be the work-men what they may be, let us caft our eyes
upon the work, that is, what is the true greatnefi of Kingdoms and
States, and by what means it may be obtained ? An argument fit for
great Princes to have perpetually in their hand, and diligently to'
meditate; to the end that neither by overmeafuring their Forces.3they
286 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VIII.
B.EcI 7.
they lofe themfelves in vain, and too difficile enterprifes 5 nor on
the other fide undervaluing them, they difcend to fearful aud pufilla-
nimous Counfels. The GreatnefsofanEHatein Enlk^ and Territory^
doth fall under weafure 5 the Gnatnef of Financies and Revenue doth
fall under computation. The number of Citizens and the Pole maybetaken by Mufters, and the multitude and greatnefs of Cities and
Towns, by Cards and Mapps. But yet there is not any thing a-
mongft Civil Affairs, more fubjeft to error, than a true and intren-
fick valuation, concerning the Power and Forces ofanEftate. The
Kingdom ofHeavenis compardnot to an Acorn or Nut 5 but to a Graia
ofMuftard-feed, which itoneofthe leaii Grains, but hath in it a pror
pert} andfpirit hajiily toget up andjpread. So are there Kingdoms and
States in compafs and territory very great, and yet not fo apt to en-
large their Bounds or Command j and fome on the other fide that have
but afmall dimenfionof fteram, and yet apt to be the Foundations
of great Monarchies.
I. iValled Towns , ftored Arcenals and Armories, goodly Races of
Horfe, Chariots of war, Elephants, Ordinance, Artillery, and the
like '-) all this is but aflnep in a Lions skjn^ except the Breed and Difpo-
fition ofthe people bejiout and war-like. Nay, number it felf in Armies
"imports not much, where the people is of a faint and weak courage
:
for, 2sFirgil(aith, It ntver troubles a Wolf, howmany tbejiieep be. TheArmy of the Perfians in the Plains of Arbela, was fuch a vaft fea of
people, as it did fomewhat aftonifh the Commanders in Alexander's Ar-
my •) who came to him therefore, and wiQit him to fet upon them by
piutarih'.^- 'Night, but heanfwered, Iwillnot Pilfer the vi^oryj and the Defeatlex. t)y that couragious affurance was the more eafie. When Tigranes the
Armenian, being encamped upon a hill with an Army of400000 Men,plut.mLu-
^j^Qygj.g^ tlie Army of the Romans being not above 14000 marching
towards him, he made himlelfmerry with it, and (aid j yonder men are
too tn.inyfor an Ambajfage, and too fewfor a Fight : but before the fua
fet he found them enow to give him the chafe with infinite flaughter.
Many are the examples of the great odds between number and cou-
rage. Firfi then a man may rightly make a judgement and fet it downfor a fure and certain truth^That the principal point ofall other which
Mach.Dif-j-efpefts the GreatnejSof any Kingdom or State, is to have a Race of Mi'
Livio ubtz. htarymen. And that is a more trite than true faying, That Money is
the Sinews oflVar , where the finews ofmens arms in bale and effemi-
nate people are failing: for Solon (aid well tO Crafus (when in oflen-
tation he (hewed him his gold) Sir, if any other come that hath any bet'
pint, in Solo-tQy Iron thanyou, he will be majicr of all this Gold. Therefore let any
"^"Prince or State think foberly of their Forces, except their Militia of
Natives be ofGood and Valiant Souldiers .• and let Princes on the o-
ther fide that have Subjefts of (tout and martial difpofition, knowtheir ownftrength, unlels they be otherwife wanting to them(elves.
As for Mercenary Forces (which is the help in this ca(e where native
forces fail) all times are full ofexamples,whereby it manifeltly appears,
that whatfoever State or Prince doth reft upon them, he mayfpreadhit
Feathersfor a time beyond the comp.ifs of his neii , but hi will mew them
foon after.^
2. The
L I B. Vlll. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 287
2 The blijjingofjttdab and l£uch(tr will never meet. That thejtime
Tribe or Nationpoiild he both the Lions ivhelp, and t/ie Afs betrvee» Bar' Gen. XL'.X.
clerff^) neither will it be that a people overlaid veith Taxes, pould ever
become yalia»t^ and Alirtiul. It is true that T^xe/ levied by publick
con(ent of the eftate do deprefs and abate mens courage lels- asamanmay plainly fee in the Tributes ofthe Low-countries, which they call
Excijes'-) and in fome degree ia thofe contributions which they -call
Subfidies in England. For you muft note that we fpeak now oftheHeart and not ofthe Purfe^ fo that although the (ame Tribute con-ferr'd by confent or impofed by command, be all one to the purfcjyec
it works divcrfly upon the courage : Therefore fet down this too as a
Principle, That no People overcharg'd vpith Tribute, is fitfor Empire.
5 Letjiates and kjngdoms that aim at Gr'eatnejs by all means take
heed how the Nobiliiy, and Grandees, and that thofe which we call
Gentle-men, multiply too faft •-, for that makes the common fubjedk
grow to be a Peafant and Bafefwain driven out of heart, and in efftd
nothing elfe but the Noble mans Bond-flaves and Labourers. Evenas you may fee in Coppice-woodji/^t?» leaveyourjlitdd'.es too thicks ,yon
Jball never have clean nndervpood, but firttbs and buflies : So in a coun-
trey,ifthe Ntf/»///*/ be too many, the C£?«wd)«/ will beba(e and heart-
le(s, and you will bring it to that, that not the hundredth Pole will
be fit for an Helmet ; efpecially as to the Infantry, which is the nerve:
ofan Army , and fo there will be great Population and little ftrength.
This which I fpeak of,hath been in no Nation more clearly confirm'd
than in the examples of England and France, whereof£»^/4«^,thoughfar inferiour in Territory and Population, hath been neverrhelefs al-
ways an overmatch in Arms , in regard the middle-people of England
make good Souldiers , which the Peafants of France do not. Andherein the devife ofHewr/ the Seventh King ofEngland (^whereofIhave HiftorHen,
fpoken largely in the Hiftory of his life) was profound and admira- vu,
ble, in making Farms and Hou(es ofHufbandry ofaftandardj that
is,raaintain'd with fuch a Proportion ofland unto them, as may breed
a fubjeft to live in convenient plenty, and to keep the Plough in the
hands of the Owners, orat leaftulu-fruftuary, and not hirelings and
Mercenaries j and thus a Countrey fhall merit that Charafter where.
by Firgil exprefles ancient Italy,
Terra potens Armis, atque ubere Clcba. ^n.i.
Neither is that ftate which is almoft peculiar to England, (and for a-
ny thing I know, hardly to be found any where elfe, except it be per-
haps in Poland') to be palled over '-, I mean the ftate of Free-fervants
and Attendants upon Noblemen and Gentle-men j of which fort, e-
ven they of inferiour condition, do no ways yield unto the Teoman-ry, ior Infantry. And therefore out of all queftion the Magnificence
and that Hofpitable fplendor, the Houfhold fervants, and great Re-tinues ofNoble men and Gentle-men, receiv'd into cuftom in Eng-^
land, doth much conduce unto Martial Greatnefs : whereas on the
other fide, the clofe, referved and contrafted living of Noble men^
CAnC^th A Penwry Ctf^iilitary Forces,
iBy
288 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. VIII.
4 By all tmans it is to be procured, fhdt the Trunk of Nebuchadf^cz-
ii«r'/ Tree of Mo»archy^ he great enough to bear the Branches and the
Boughs 3 that is, that the number oiNatfiral.Subjeifs to the Crown or'
State, bear a fufficient proportion for the ovet-toppiug the flronger
SubJel}s.Therdore all States that are hberal of Naturah'zation towards
(irangers, are fit for the Creatnefs of Empire. For' it is a vain opinioa
to think that a handful of people, can with the greateft courage and
Policy in the v/orld, keep and reprefs under the laws of Empire, too
large andfpacious extent oi Dominion 5 this may hold for a time, but
it will fail fuddenly. The Spartans were a fparing and nice People ia
foint oi^NaturaHzaiion, whereby while they kept their compafs, they
ftood firm and affured 5 but when they began to fpread and enlarge
their Dominion, andthat their boughs, multiplied by ftrangerSjWere
becoming too great for the ftemmof the Spartans^they became a wind-
fal upon the fudden. Never any State was in this point fo open to
receive ftrangers into theirBody,as were the Romans j therefore their
Fortune feconded their wife inftitution, for they grew to the greateft
Exsmpiaa- Monarchy in the world. Their mznnev was to grznt Naturalization
pud Cic.pro ^^hich they called Jus Civitatis) and to grant it in the higheft degreej
that is, vol only Jus Comntcrcii, Jus Connubii, Jus H^reditatis'j but
alfo Jus Suffi-agji^and Jus Petitionis five Honorum 5 and this not to fin-
gular perfons alone, but likewife to whole families, yea to Cities,and
fometimes to whole Nations. Add to this, their cuftom oi Plantati-
on of Colonies^ whereby the Roman Plants were removed into the foil
of other Nations : and putting both conftitutions together, you will
fay, that it was not the Rotnans thatfpread upon the world -, but it was
the world thatfpread upon the Romans j which was the fecureft way of
Enlarging the Bounds of Empire. I have marvelled fometimes at Spaiv,
how they clafp and govern fo large Dominions, with ib few natural
Spaniards : but furely the whole compafs ofSpain, is a very great bor-
dyofa Tree j being it contains far more ample Territories, than
Rome or Sparta at their firft rifings. And befides, though the Spani-
ards have not had that ufage to Naturalize liberally j yet they have
that which is next to it, that is,. To employ^ almoti indifferently, all
Nations in their Militia of Ordinaryfouldiers 3 yea and fometimes they
confer their higheft commands ofwar, upon Captains that are no na-
tural Spaniards : nay it feems, not long ago,thcy have begun to grow
fenfible of this want of Natives, and to feck a Remedy, as appears by
the Pragmatical San&ion publilht this year.
5 Itismofl Certainthatfedentary and within doorMechanical Arts ^
and Delicate ManufaHures (that require rather the Finger, than the
Arm,") have in their nature a contrariety to a military Difpofition. Andgenerally all warlike People are a little idle 5 and love danger better
than travail : neither muft they be too much Broken of it,if we will
have their fpirits preferv'd in vigor. Therefore it was great advan-
tage in the ancient ftates o£ Sparta, Athens, Rome, and others, that
they had the ufe, not of Free-men, but of Slaves, which commonly
did rid thofe ManufaSures : but the ufe ofslives (ince the receiving
of the Chri^ian Law^is, in greateft part aboliOit. That which comes
neereft to this cuftom, ,is to leave thofe Arts chiefly to ftrangers,
which
B.VIir. Ofthe Advancement ofLearning. :j8q
which for that purpofe are to be allured, or at leaft the more cafily tobe received. The vtdgitr Natives (hould confift of three Coits of men-that is, oi Tillers of Ground-^ Frec-ferva»tsj and Hancijf-crafts-me» offtroDg and yl/./w/y y^r/j, as Smiths, Mafons, Carpeaters^d^f. not reck'oning profelled Souldiers,
6 Ent above all, for the Greatftefs of Empire, it imports moft^ t/jat
a Nation cioprofefs Arms as their glory. Principal ftudy,and chiefeft Ho-nour. For the things which we formerly have fpoken of, are butHabilitations towards Arras j and to what purpofe is Habilitation with-out endeavour to produce it into A£i ^ RowhIhs, after his death, (as Liv.ub.i,
they report or feign) ye«f a prefect to the Romans, that above all they 5'-
fliould intend Arms, and then theyfiould prove thegreatest Empire of .
the World. The whole Fabrick of the 6'/4^e<7/^/?,«r/*, was, induftri-oufly (though not fo wifely) compos'd and built to that fcope and end.The Perftans and Alaccdonians had the fame ulage,but not (b conftantand lafting. The Britans, Galls , Germans , Goths , Saxons Nor'mans,(fox a flafh oftime) gave themfelves chiefly to Arms. The Turksnot a little inftigated thereto by their Law, retain the fame difcipline
at this day, ("though as it is now praftifedJ with great declination oftheir Militia. Of Chriftian Europe they that retain and profefs it
are in efFeft only the Spaniards. But it is fo liquid and manifeft, thatevery man profiteth motl, in that he moU intendeth, that it needs not tobe ftood upon. It is enough to point at it 5 That no Nation which dothfjot profefs Arms , and pra&ife Military Arts, makjng it their principal
Jiudy and occupation, may ever hope to have any notable greatnefofEm-fire,jaU into their mouths : and on the other fide, it is a moft certaiaOracle of time, That thofe Nations that have continued long in thepro'
fejjion andjiudj ofArms (as the Romans and Turks principally have done
for the propagation of Empire,) vporkja>onders. Nay thofe that have flou-
rifbt for the glory of Arms, but for the (pace only of one age; havecommonly attain'd thatGreatnefs of Dominion, in that one*age,whichmaintained them long after, when their profeffion and cxercife ofArras hath grown to decay,
7 Incident to this Precept is 5 for ajiate to havefuch laws and cujloms
which may readily reach forth unto themjufi occafions, or at leaji preten-
ces oftaking Arms. FoT there is that apprehenfion of Juftice imprint-
ed in the nature of men, that they enter not upon rr^ir/Cwhercof (b
many calamities do enfue) but upon fome,at the leaft fpecious groundsand Quarrels. The Turk hath at hand for caufe of war the Propaga-tion of his law and feft ', a quarrel that he may always command.TheRomans though they efteemed the ejsf/eWi»g ofthe Limits of their Em-pre, to be great honour to their Generals, when it was done j yetfor that caufe alone, to Propagate their bounds, they never undertooka war. Therefore let a nation that pretends to Greatnefs, and afpires
to Empire, have this condition, that they have a quick and lii'^ely
fenfe of any wrongs either upon Borderers, Merchants, or publickMinifters •, and that they fit not too long upon the firft provocation.
^^^i».Let them be preft,and Adive to fend Aids and Succours to their
Allies and confederates 5 as it ever was with i\\Q Romans: infomuchOo ajl
v.c
2QO Of the AdvMcement of Learning, L i b. VIIL
as if a hoftiLe invafion were made upon a confederate, which al(b had
leagues Defenfive with other ftates^and the fame implored their ayds
feverally, the Romans would ever betheformoft; and leave it to
no other to have the Honour ofthe Affiftance. ^//or the wars which
were anciently made for a kind of conforraityjOrtacite correfponden-
cy of Eftates, I do not fee upon what Law they are grounded. Such
were the wars undertaken by the Romans, for the liberty oiGrecia .•
fuch were thofe of the Lacedtmomans and Athenians, to fet up or pull
down Democracies and Oligarchies : fuch are the wars made (bmetiraes
by States, and Princes, under pretence of proteaingForreignfub-
jeds, and freeing them from Tyranny and oppreffion, and the like.
Let it fufiicefor theprefent point that it be concluded, That no ejiatc
expeH to he Great, that is not infiantly awake, upon anyjuB oecajion of
Arming.
8 No body can be healthful without excrcife, neither Natural Body nor
Politick^: and certainly to a Kingdom or EUate ajuji and honourable waris inplace ofa rvholjome exercife. A Civil war indeed, is lik^ the heat
ofa Fever-, but a Forreign is like the heat ofExercife^and (erves to keepthe body in health : for in a floathful and drowfle Peace, both cou-rages will effeminate, and Manners corrupt But howfbever it be for
the Happinefs ofany EUate, without all queftion, for Greatne/, it
ftiaketh, to be ftill for the moft part in Arms ; and a veteran Army(though it be a chargeable Bufinels) always on foot, is that whichcommonly gives the Law, or at lead the Reputation amongft all neigh'
hour-jiates. This is notably to be feen in Spain, which had in onepart or other a veterane Army almoft continually, now by the (pace offix-fcore years.
9 To be Majler of the Sea, is an Abridgement of a Monarchy, Cicero^^ writing to'Atticus oiPompeius his preparation againft C^i-jfaith , Con»
filium Pampeii, plane Themiiiocleum eft^ putat enim, qui mart Potitur^
eum Rertimpotiri. And without doubt Pompey had tyred out andbroken C£far, ifupon a vain confidence he had not left that way.Wefee from many examples the great effefts of Battels by Sea : The Bat-
tel o^A&ium decided the Empire of the world : the Battel of LepaH-to put a ring in the nofc ofthe Turk : Certainly it hath often falleij
out that Sea-fights have been final to the war , but this is when Pxia-
ces or States have fet up their Reft upon thole Battels. Thus muchis without all doubt, that he that commands the Sea, is at great liber-
ty j and may take as much and as little of the war as he will: whereason the Contrary, tbofe that bejlrongeSi by Land, are many times nevery
thelefs in greatfiraits. But at this day and with us ofEurope, the van-tage ofjirtngth at Sea (which is indeed one of the principal Dowries ofthis Kingdom of Great Brittain) is in the fura of Atfairs of greatimport : both becaufe moft of the Kindoms of Europe , are notmerely Inland , but girt with the Sea moft part of their com-pafs , and becaufe the Treafures and Wealth of both Indies, fcemsin great part but an Acceflary to the command of the Seas,
10 The
— .i.^i»!. — -^
Lib. V ill. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 29
1
10. Tf^e ipars of latter Agesjeemtobc made in the cUrk^^ inrefpei^ ofthe Clory and Honour which refle£icd upon Military men from the vears
in ancient times. VVe have now perchance, for Martial encourage-
njentjfbme degrees and orders of Chivalry, which neverthelefs arp
conferred promifcuouUy upon Soldiers, and no Soldiers; and (bmpPedcgrees of Families perhaps upon Scutchions 5 and (bme pub-lick Hofpitals for emerited and maim'd SoIdiers,and fuchlike thing?.
But in ancient times, the Trophy erefted upon the place of the Vi-
(ftoryj the Funeral Laudatives and ftately Monuments for tho(e
that died in the Wars , Civick Crowns, and Military Garlands a-
warded to particular persons , the fhle of Emperor , which the
greateft Kings of the VVorld after, borrowed from Commanders in
War; the folemn Triumphs of the Generals upon their return, af-
ter the Wars were profperoudy ended ; the great Donatives andLargefles upon the disbanding of the Armies ; .thefe, 1 (ay, werematters fo many and great, and of fuch glorious luftre and blaze in
eyes of the world , as were able to create a Fire in the mod fro-
zen breafts, and to inflame them to War. But above all, that ofthe7r7«w/>i6 amongft the Romans, was not a matter of mere pomp, or
Come vain fpe&acle or pageants; but one of the wifeftand nobleft
inftitutions that ever was : for it contain'd in it three things , Honorand Glory to the Generals 5 Riches to the Treafury out of the Spoils ; andDonatives to the Army. But the Honours of Triumph perhaps werenot fit for Monarchies, except it be in the perfon of the King him»
(elf, or of the Kings Sons 3 as it came to pafs in the times of the Ro-
man Emperors , who did impropriate the Htf«wB/7V;«z^pA to thefn-
felveSjand their Sons; for fuch Wars as they did atchieve in Perfon,
and left only by way ofindulgencejG^j-wcwf/and /nw/^pA^/Enfigns
to the Generals.
§ B«/ to conclude thefe difcourfo , ^There is no man (as (acred **at.vii;
Scripture teftifies) that by-caft takjng can add a cubit to hisjiature ,
in this little Model of Man's body ; but in the great Frame of King*
,<ioms and Comwon'Vpealths, it is in the Power of Princes and Eftates,
to add Amplitude and Greatnefs to their Kingdoms. For by intro-
ducing fuch ordinances, conflitutions and cuftoras, as we have nowpropounded, and others of like nature with thefe, they may fow
greatnefs to Pofteritv and Future Ages. But thefe counfels are fel-
dom taken into confideration by Princes; but the Matter is common-ly left to fortune to take its chance.
§ And thus much for the points that, for the prefent, have ofFeredl
therafelves, to our confideration touching the Enlarging of the Limits
"of a State or kingdom. But to what end is this comtemplation, fee-
ing oF aJl Imperial Soveraignties in this World, the Roman Monar-
chy (as it is believed^ was to be the laft? but that, being true to
bur own Defign, nor any where declining out of the way (inasmuch
as the Amplification of a Kingdom was, amongft the three Politick
Duties, the third) we couLd not altogether pais it over uiltoucht.
There remains now anothet Dejicient of the two we have fet dowrij
thit is, ofVhiverfalJuJiice^ortheFoHniainsofLaTP,
6 6 5 it» AiS
292 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. Vill.
II. All they which have written ofLaws, have handled that Ar-
gument either as Philofophers, or as Lawyers, and none as States-
men. As for Philofophers, they propound many things goodly for
difcourfe, but remote from ufe. For the Lawyers, they are manci-
pated and wholly devoted every one to the Laws ofthe State where
they live, or to the Placits of the Emperial or Pontifical Lam, and
cannot ufe impartial and fincere judgement j but difcourfe as out of
Gives and Fetters. Certainly this kind of knowledge pertains pro-
perly to States-men ; who can beft difcern what humane fociety is
capable of; what makes for the weal of the publick 5 what natural
equity is j what the law of Nations, thecuftom of Countries, the
divers and different forms of States and Republicks ; and therefore
are able to difcern and judge of Laws, from the Principles, both of
natural Equity and Policy. Wherefore xho. bufinefs in hand is, to
have recourfe unto, and make enquiry of the Fountains of Jxjiice,
and of Publick^utility, and in every part of Law to reprefent a kjnd
of Chara&er and Idea of that which ispji 5 by which general mark
and direftion he that (hall intend his mind and ftudies that way, maytry and examine thefeveral Uvps ofparticular Kingdoms and Elates $
and from thence endeavour an emendation. Wherefore after our ac-
cuftom'd manner we will, in one 3z//e propound an example thereof
IDEA JUSTl-TI^, UNI-VERSALISlive dcFon-tibusjutis.
EXAMPLE
Of a Treatife touchingVnwerfaljHfiice'fiT the Fountains
of Laxv in one Title by way of A^horifm,
THE PROEM.'I
APHORISM L
INCivil fociety either Law or Tower prevails ; for there is a Towet
which pretends L^w, and fome Law taftes rather of Might thaa
Right. Wherefore there is a threefold Fountain of Injufiice^ Mere
Power y Gunning zZ?tf^«e<«*/V« under colour ofLaw 5 and the Harjh'
ftefof Law itfelf.
APHORISM n.
The force and efficacy of Private Right is this. He that doth a
wrong, by the FaS, receives Profit or Pleafure ; by the Example ,
incurs Pre/»^zVe and Peril : others are not Partners with him in his
Profit or Pleafure 5 but they take themfelves interrefled in the Exam-
ple ; and therefore eafily combine and accord together , to (ecUre
themfelves by Laws , left injuries by turns feife upon every par-
ticular. But if thorough the corrupt humour of the times , and
the generality of guilt, it fall out, that to the greater number and
the more Potent, danger is rather created than avoided , by fuch a
taw aFaftion difanuls that LaWfWh\ch often comes to pafs."^ APHO^
Lie. VIll. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 292
APHORISM III.
Private Right is under the Proteftion of rHhlich^Latp : for Liiws are
for the People ; Alagijirates for Laws 5 and the authority of Magi-ftrates depends upon the Majefty of Empire, anB the form of Poli-
cy i and upon Laws Fundamental ; wherefore i£ this Part be foundand healthful, Laws will be to good purpofe 3 if otherwife, therewill belittle fecurity in them.
jiPHORI^J^ IV.
Yet notwithftanding, the end ofPuhlicli Law 19 not only to be aGuardian to Private Right, left that (hould any way be violated 3 orto reprc(s Injuries : but it is extendied alfo unto Religion, and Armsand Dilcipline, and Ornaments, and Wealth, and finally to all thingswhich any way conduce unto the profperous Eftate of a Comraoa-wealth.
A PHORISM V. «rkj ,rjii jn 31! j i\
For the End and Aim at which Laws ihoMld level jSiiiif Vfheretothey (hould direft their Decrees and Sanftions, is no other than this
That the People may live happily : This will be brought to pafs, iftheybe rightly train'd up \q Piety and R^ligio»^hbey be Hottek for Moralconverfation 5 fecur'd by Arms againft foreign enemies 3 mHnited by
taws, againft (editions, and private wrongs 3 Obedient to Govern-/jnent and Magiftrates 3 Rich andfiourifiiftg'mFotCQsaiQd wealth ;buc'the Inftruments and finews of all Bleffings are Lapos,
AP HO Ris m VI.;
And this end the beft Laws attain 3 but manyLaws mils thiscfnark
;
for there is a great difference, and a wide diftance in the corapara»
live valure and virtue oi Laws 5 forfame Laws areexcellent,y2'/?/e ofa' middle temper3 <7/Aerx altogether corrupt.We will exhibite according
to themeafure of our judgement, (bme certain Laws (as it werd)jof
Laws, whereby information may be taken, what in all Laws is well
or ill (et down, and Eftabliftit.
APHORISM VIL
But before we defcend to the Body ofLatins in partictiUr 5 we will
briefly touch the Merit and Dignities ofLaws in general. A Law may'\be held good, that is. Certain in the intimation
,^ji in the Precept ,
"iTrofitable in the Execution, Agreeing with the Form of Government in
-the prefent State '^ and begetting vertue in thofe that live undej
tbem.
ritLU
294 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VIII.
ritLE. L
Of the firft Dignity of Laws, that they be Certain.
AVHORis M Vni.
CErtainty is fo Effential to a Lavp^ as without it a Livp cannot be
jf«ii? 5 si enim incertam vocem det Tuba, quisfe parabit ad Bellnnt ?
So ifthe Law give an «»fer*4z»yj)»«c/. Who fhall prepare himfelfto o-
bey ? A Law then ought to give warning before it ftrike : and it is
a good Rule, That is thebeji Law vphich gives leaji liberty to the ArU^
irage of the Judge^ which is that, the Certainty thereof afFefteth.
ATHORIS M. \X.
Incertainty of Laws is of two forts 5 one where no Law is prefcrth-
ed 5 the other, when a Law is difficile and dark^: we niuft therefore
firft fpeak of Caufes omitted in the Law ; that in thefe likewiie there
may be found fome Rule of Certainty.
Of Cafes omitted in Law.
APHORISM X.
THe narrow compafs of man*« wifcloni, cannot comprehend all
cafes which time hath found out ; and therefore Cafes omitted^
and new do often prefent themfelves. In thefe cales there is applied
a threefold remedy^orfupplement; either by a proceeding upon like
Cafes^ or by the ufe of Examples, though they be not grown up in-
to Law 5 or by Jurifdi&ions^ which awafd according to the Arbitre-
ment offome Good Man, and according to found judgement 5 whe-
ther theybeCi?«r^x Tretorian^jjor <^ Equity , or Courts Cenforian «r
of penalty. ^j»
Of Proceeding upon like Presidents j and of the
Extenfions oi L A /f S.
APHORIS M Xr
IN Cafes omitted^ the Rule of Law is to be deduced from Cafes of
like nature 5 but with Caution and Judgement. Touching
Avhich thefe Rules following are to be obferved. Let Reafon befruit-
ful j Cujiom be barren^ and not breed Cafes. Wherefore whatloever
is accepted againft the Sence and Reafon of a Law 3 or elfe where
the Reafon thereof is not apparent, the fame muft not be drawn into
coafequeoce.APHO*
L I B. VIII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 295
APHORISM xir.
A Angular Publick Good doth necefTarily introduce Cafet pre-
termitted. Wherefore when a Law doth notably and extraordinarily
refpeft, and procure the profit and advantage of a State, Let thcin^
terpretation be ample and extenjive,
APHORISM XIII,
// is I hard Cafe to torture Lawt, that they may torture Men. Weivould not therefore that Laws Penal, much lef Capital, JJjould be ex-
tended to new Offences : yet if it bean old GrimCj and known to theLaws, but the Profecution thereoffalls upon a new Cafe, not fore-
feen by the Laws 5 we muft by all means depart from the Placits ofLaw, rather than that offences pafi unpuniiht.
APHORISM XIV.
In thofe ftatutes, which the Comm6n Law ((pecially coacerniog
cafes frequently incident, and are of long continuance) doth ab(b*
lately repeal ^ IVe lih^ not the proceeding byfimilitude, unto cafes omit-
ted ; for when a state hath for a long time wanted a whole Law, andthat, in Cafes expreji , there is no great danger ifthe cafes omitted ex-
peft a remedy by a newfiatute,
JPHOris M XV.
Such conftitutions as were raaniftftly, the Laws ofTime,znd. fprungup from emergent Occafion , then prevailing in the Common^weahh 5
the ftate of times once changed, they are reverenc'd enoughj iftheymay conferve their authority within the limits of their own pro»
per cafes : and it were prepofterous any way to extend and appl/them to Cafes omitted.
APHORISM XVI.
Therecan beno 5'e^«e/<7/4 Sequel^ but the extention thud bearrefted within the limits of immediate Cafes : otherwife we fal!
by degrees upon unrefcMbling Cafes ; and the fubtilty of wit will beofmore force, than the Authority of Law.
APHORISM XVIL
In Laws and Statutes of a compendious Hite,exteniton may Be mademore freely ; but in thole Laws which are punftual in the enumera-
iion of Cafes Particular, more verily : for as exception ftrengthens
the force of a Law, in Cafes not excepted 3 fo (nw/feration weakens it,
in Cafes not enumerated.
jSPHd*
1(^6 Ofthe Advancement ofLearning Lib.VIIL -
AFHORis M xviir.
An Explanatory Statute dams up the ftreams of a For/tier Stattite -^
neither is the extenfion received afterwards, in the one or the other:for their is no fuper-extenjton can be made by a JftdgCj where once anextenjion hath begun to be made by z Law,
ATHORISM XIX.
The Form of Words, and Afts of Courts, doth not admit an Ex'tendon upon like Cales 5 for that looleth the nature of Formality
^
which departs from Cuftom to Arbitrement : and the introduftion
o^nevp Cafes imbafeth the Majefty of the old.
APHORISM XX.
Extetifion ofLato is aptly applied unto Cafes Pojl'ttate, which weretaot exiftent in nature, when the L^w was enafted : for where theCafe could not be expreft, becaufe 'there were none fiich extant 5 aCafe omitted is accepted for a Cafe expreji, if the reafon be the fame.
So idt Extenfion of Larvs in Cafes omiji^lettheikKules fufiice. Notvwe mufl: (peak ofthe ufe oi Exa'mples ,
'
Of Prefidents, and the uf^ thereof.
APHORIS M XXr.
NOw it follows we (peak of Exampksy from which Right is la-
ferr'd, where Law is deficient : as for Cujlom^ which is a kindof Lavp 5 and for Prefidents which by frequent Praftice are grown in-
to Cuftom, as into a Tacite Latp 5 we will fpeak in due place. Butnow we fpeak of Exampksox Prefidents, which rarely and fparledly
fall out3 and are not7et grownup to the ftrength of a Law^ name-ly when, and with what caution a Rule of Larp is to be derived fromthem, where Lavp is Defidenti
APHORISM xxir.
Prefidents mx&ht derived from Good and Moderate^ and not fromBloudjiy Fa&ious^ or Di£olHte Times : for Examples fetch from fucb
times, are a Baftard iffue, and do rather Corrupt, than Inftru(!i.
APHORISM XXIII.
In 'Examples the more Modern, are to be reputed the morefafe :
for that which was but lately done, and no inconvenience enfued
thereon, why may it not be done again ? Yet neverthelels Recent
jExamples are of lefs Authority : and if perchance it fo fall out. that
a Re-
L I B. V 1 II. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, iqj
a Reformaiion muft be made, Modern rrcficlcnts tafte more of their
own TrwtVj than of right iie<i/i?».
APHORISM XXIV.
But Kicrc Atjcicvt Frcfulcnts muft be received With caution, andchoice: for the Revolution of an Age altereth many things 5 lb as
what might feem Ancient for Time, the fame through perturbation,and inconformity tothepre(ent Age,may be altogether Nen\ Where-.fore the ex.mtples of a tniddle time are beft 5 or of (uch an Age, as
beft forts with the rrefeht Times y which now and then the Time fur-
ther off better reprefents, than the Time clofe at hand,
APHORISM XXV.
Keep your felf vvithin, or rather on this fide the limits of an Ex-ample, and by no means furpafs t hole bounds: for where there is noRule ofLaw, ail ought to be entertain'd with jealoufie : whereforeherCj as m obfcure Cifes,follow that which k leaji doubtful.
APHORISM ..XXVI.
Beware of Fragments and Compends of Examples 5 and view the.
Examples entire , and every particular paffige thereof: for if it beiaequitable and unreafonable ^e/i?re aperfed comprehenfionofthewhokLan>,to mal^e ajudgement upon a P4rt,or Paragraph thereof•, much pipreftiould thrs Rule hold in Examples , which unlefs they be very (quare
and proper, are ofdoubtful ufe and application.
APHORISM XXVn.
' In Examples it imports Very much thorough what, hands they havepaft, and have been tranfafted ; for if they have gone current withClerks only and A^inijiers of Jujiice, frorn the courje offome Courts ,
without any notice taken theteof hy fuperiourCounfclhrs i, br, withthe Majier of Errors, the People-^ they are to be rejected and little
decerned of: but ifthey have been fuch precife Pr^/?V(.'«// to Court-,
(ellors of EftatQ, Judges or Principal Courts, as that it muft needsbe, that they have been ftrengthened by the tacite approbation, at
leaft, of Judges , they carry the more Reverence v/ith them.
APHORSIM XXVIIL
Pre/jc/e«// that have been publifht, however lefspractifeda which.
being debated and ventilated by mens difcourles and difceptations
haveyetftood out unargued, are of greater Authority : but fuch as
have remained buried, as it were, in Clofetsand Archives, are of Icfi;
fot^Exampks like waters are moji wholjome in the running (iream.
P jT APHO'
— - "" • "~"'
298 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VilL
AFHORISM XXIX.
Examples that refer to Lavps^'vit would not have them drawn from wri-
ters oiHifiory^hwt from publick ^Sis^znd more diligent Traditions : for
it is an infelicity familiar even with the beft Hiftorians, that they pafs
ovet Laws and Judicial proceedings toofligbtly: and if perhaps they
have ufed fome diligence therein, yet they vary much from Atithen-
tick. Conjiitutions,
AfHORISM XXX.
An Example, which a contemporary Age, or a time neereft unto it
hath repeal'd, fliould not eafily be taken up again, though the like
cafe (hould afterwards enfue : nor makes it fo much for an Example^
that men have (bmetimes ufed it 5 as it makes againft an example^xhax
upon experience, they have now relinquifbt it.
AVHaRiSM XXXL
Examples are admitted into Counfils 5 but do in like manner pre-
fcribe or command , therefore let them be fo moderated, that the
Authority ofthe time paft, may be bowed and plied to the prafticc
of the time prefent. And thus much concerning information from
Trefidents where taw is DeBcignt. Now follows that we Ipeak of
Conrts Tratorian and. Cenforian j Courts ofEquity, and ofPenalty.
of Courts Prsetorian and Cenforian.
APHORISM XXXII.
LEt there be Courts and Jm-isdiSions, which may define according
to the Arbitrement of fome Good man, and according to (bund
judgement : for the Larv (as is oblerv'd before) cannot provide for all
Cafes 5 but is fitted to fuch occurrences as commonly fall out 5 andTime (as was faid by the Ancients) // a moSi wife Things and daih
the Audor and Inventor of new Cafes.
AfHORISM XXXIII.
Weir cafes fall out both in Matters Criminal, which have need ofPe-
nalty, znd'xn Matters Civil, which have need of Relief: th^Cottrtt
which refpeft the Former, we call Cenforian ; which refped the lat-
ter, Vratorian^
APHORISM XXIV,
Let the Cenforian Courts ofJuBice, have ;urisdi(5i(5!n and Power notonly oipuniflnng new offences j but alio ofincreafing Fsnalties affigned
by
IB.VIII. Ofthe4^va}ice7nentofLecmjing. 29a
by the Laws for old crlma , if the cafes be hainous and enormous (bthey be not Capt^tl : for a Notorious guilt, as it were, a new Cafe.
AFHOmsM XXXV.
In like manner, let rr^iorUti Courts ofEquity^ have power tOtfua-f
Irfe the Rigor of Lan> j as alfo offupp/jiing the Defe&s of Law : for if aRemedy ought to be extended to him whom the Lan> hath faii by 5much more to him whom it hath rvoHnded.
APHORISM XXXVL
Let thele Cenforjjft and Fr£torian C^«r// be by all means limited
within Cafes Hainous and extraordinary 5 and not invade ordinary Ju'risdiftions f left peradventure the matter extend to thefupplantatjof/,rather than thefuppUment of Law.
AP HORISM XXXVU.
Let tht^ejurisdiciions refide only in xheHigkeii Courts ofJudica-ture^ and not be communicated to C(?«r//7>/yer;(jr.- For the Power ofextending^ or fupplying, or Moderating Lavps^ little differs from the
Power (^Making them.
APHORISM XXXVIII.
But let not thefe Courts beaffigned over to onemnn^ but confift of
Many : Nor let the Decrees thereof ilfue forth with lilence, but let
the Judges alleage Reafbns of their fentence, and that openly in the
Audience of the Court i that what is free in the Powerj may yet in
the fame and reputation be confined.
APHORISM XXXIX.
Let there be no Rubrics ofBloud--, neither Define o^ Capital crimes
m what Court foever, but from a known and certain Law 5 for Godhimfelf firft denounced Death, afterwards inflifted it. Nor is any
man to be put to death, but he that knew before-haad, that hejinned
againsi his orr>n life. *
AP HORISM XL.
In Courts ofCenfure, give way to a third Trial, that a neceffity be
notimpofed upon Judges of abfolving or of condemning, but that
they may pronounce a Non liquet j fb in like manner, let Laws Cenfo-
rtan^ not only be a Tew^//;', but an /«/iw/, that is, which may not in-
flift a punifhment, but either end in admonition 5 or elfe chaftife the
delinquent withfome light touch of Ignominy.and asit were, a blufh-
ingfhame.
Pp 3- APHQ'
5^oo Of the Advancement of Learning. Lib. VIII.
APHORIS M XLI.
In Ceftforjan Courts let the firfi aggrejjtont, and the middle Afts of
Great offences, and wicked attempts be punifht j yea although they
were never perfeftly accomplifht ; and let that be the chiefeft ufe of
thofe Courts--, feeing it appertains tofeverity^to punilh the firft approach-
es of wicked enterprizes^ and to Mercy to intercept the perpetration
ofthem by correfting middle Afts.
APHORIS M XLir.
Special regard mufi be taken, that in Fr^torian Courts^ fuch Cafes
be not countenanc'd, which the Law hath not Co much pretermitted^
as flighted as Frivolous , or, as odious, judg'd unworthy redrels.
APHORISM XXLIir.
Above all itmoft imports the Certainty of Laws ^,that Courts of£-
^«/'/ydonotfofwell and overflow their batiks, as under pretence ofmitigating the Rigor of Lavps^ they do diffeft or relax the ftrengthand
finews thereof, by drawing all to Arbitrement.
APHORISM XLIV.
Let not Tretortan CourtshAxe Power to Decree againfl: exprefs Jia-
tute^ under any pretence of equity; for if this ftiould be permitted, a
Law-interpreter^ would become a Lawmaker ; and all matters fliould
depend upon Arbitrement.
APHORISM XLV.
Some are ofopinion, that the Jurisdiction of Defining according to
Equity and Conjciencej and that other, which proceeds according to
Jiri3 Lavpj ftiould be deputed to the7i«»e Courts^ but others fay to
feveral: by zWrntans let theithe afeparaiion of Courts '^ for there will
be no dijlin&ion of Cafes, where there is commixtion or "^urisdiUions 5
but you ftiall have Arbitrement incroach upon, and at iaft, fwallow
wp Law.
APHORISM XLVr.
the Tables of the Pretors amongft the Romans came in ufe upon goodground: in th efe the Pre^or fet down and publilht afore-hand , by
what form ofLaw he would execute Judicature. After the fame ex-
ample. Judges in Tretortan Courts, fliould propound certain Rules to
themfelves (fo far as may be) and ppenly publifti them : for that is the
bcU Law, which gives lea!i liberty to the Judge j he the be[f Judge that
takes leap liberty to himjelf. But ofthefe Courts we ftiall fpeak more at
large, when we come to the Title Dejudiciis -, we now (peak of themin
I
L I B. VIII. Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 301"
in paflage only, fo far as they clear and fupply that which is omitted
by the Law.
Of the Reflexive Afpe^, or Reference of Lawsone to another.
A V HO RISM XLVII.
THere is likewife another kind of fupplerj/ent of Cafes omittechj
when one Law falleth upon another, and withall draws withit Cafet pretermitted. This comes to pais in Laws or Statutes, which(as the ulual expreffion is) look back or refie£f one upon another,
tatvs of this nature, are rarely and with great Caution to be al-
leag'd : for we like it not, to fee a two Fac'd Jaans in Laws.
APHORISM XLVIII.
He that goes about to elude and circumvent the words and fen-
fence of Law by Fraud, and captious Fallacies, delerves in like man-ner to be himfelf infnar'd by a fucceeding Law : wherefore in cafe
offvbtilffiifts and (imjier devifes, it is very meet that laws fhould
look.back^ upon and mntuall/fupport one another, that he who ftudies
evafions, and everfion of Laws Prefent, may yet ftand in awe of /«•
ittre Laxps.
AfHORIS\M XLIX.
Laws which ftrengthen and eftablini the true intentions of Records
Mnd Injiruments , againft the DefeBs of Forms and Solennities, dofightly comprehend matters paft ; for the greateft inconvenience in
a law that refers hac^, is, that it difturbcth ; But thefe confirmatory
Laws, refpedt the peace and fetling ofthofe ca(es, which are tranfaft-
cd and determin'd , yet we muft take heed that cafes already adjudgd,
be not reverjl or violated.
APHORISM t.
Wc muft be very careful that, not thole Laws alone, be thought to
tejpe& things paif, which invalid cdfes already decided--ibut thofe alfo
\9h\chprohibite and rejirain future cafes neceflarily connext with mat'
iers paji. As for example, if a Law (hould interdift fome kind ofTrades-men the vent of their commodities for hereafter: the Letter
of this Law is for thefuture ; but the fence and meaning takes holcj
cf the time paji y for now it is not warrantable for fuch perfbnS to get
their livhig this way.
APHORISM LX.
Every Declaratory L^jp, although there be no mention oftime pjji^
yet by the force of the Declaration, it is by all means to be ex-
fended
302 Ofthe Advancement of Learning L i b.V 1 il,
tended to matters paji : for the InterpretatJotz doth not then begin to
be in force, when it is declared:, but is vadidQ contemporary \v'u\\X.\iq
Law it felf. Wherefore never enaft declaratory Laws , but in ca(e
where Laws may in equity refer and look^ back^ one upon another.
yind here xve have done with that fart which handles the Incertitude ofLaws, where no Law isfound. It remains^ we now fpeuk^of that other
part, namely where there is a Law extant, but fnch a one as is Perplext
<i«^Obfcure.
Of the Obfcurity of Laws.
APHORISM LIL
OBfcurity of Laws ^'gx'xngs ixom four caufcs: either from the e»-
ceffive accumulation of Laws, fpecially where there is a mix-
ttjre of Obfoletc Laws : Or from an ambiguous, or not perfpicuous
and delucid defcription of Laws : qx ^xom xht' manner of expounding
Law, either altogethernegledted, or not rightly purfued : or laftlyp
contradiBion and incertainty ofjudgments.
Of the Eeccflive Accumulation of Laws.
AP HO RISM Lm.
'J^He Prophet faith, Pluetfuper eos Laqueos -, now there are no Worfe
fnares than the fnares of Laws, fpeciaUy Penal j if they be 7«»-
menfefor number 5 and through the alterations of times unprofitable ,
they do not prefenta torch, but fpreada net to our feet,
AP HORJSM LIV.
There ate two ways in u(e ofmaking -««ew Statute'^^theone.^^dhVi'
fheth and ftrengthens the Former statute about the (ame fubJ€(Sjand
then adds and changes fome things : the other abrogates and cancels
what was Decreed before, and mh^xiuiGS de integro, a new and uni-
form Law. The latter way we approve : for by th^former way De-crees become complicate and perplext 3 yet what is undertaken is
indeed purfued , but the Body of Law is in the mean time cor-
rupted. But certainly the more diligence is required in the latter,
where the Deliberation is of the Law it felf'-, that is , the Decrees
heretofore made, are to be fearched into, and duely weighed andexamin'd, before the Law be publiftit : but the chief point is, that
by this means the Harmony of Laws is notably advanced for the
future.
AP HORI SM LV.
It was a cuftom in the State of Athens^ to delegate fix perfons, for
to revile and examine every year the contrary Titles of Law, whichthey
IB. V 111. Of the Advancement ofLedrmrm. 202
they called Anti-nomiet j and fuch as could not be reconciled, werepropounded to the people , that fome certainty might be definedtouching them. After this example, let fuchin every State, as havethe Power of making Laws, review Anti-tiomics every tliird or fifth
year, or as they lee caufe. And thefe may be firft: fearcht into, andprepar'd by Committees affign'd thereto, and after that exhibited toAilembHcs ^ that fo what fliall beapprov'd, may by liiffragcs be efta-
blifbt and fetlcd.
AVHOB.ISM LVI.
And let there not be too (crupulous and anxious pains taken in re-
conciling Contrary titles of Lajv, and of Salving (as they term it) ali
points by fubtil and ftudied Diftinftions. For this is the Web ofWit ; and however it may carry a fhew of Modefty and Reverence,yet it is to be reckoned in the number of things Prejudicial j as be-
ing that which makes the whole body of Law ill-forted, and inco-
herent. It were far better that the vvorlk Titlet were cancel'd, and the
seft (tagd in force.
APHORISM LVIL
ObColete Larvs, and fuch as are grown out of ufe, as well as Afiti-
nomies, Ciould be propounded by delegaieSjas a part of their charge
to be repeal'd : for feeing exprefs Statute cannot regularly be void-
ed by Difufe 5 it falls out that through a Difeftimation of OhJoleH
Latps^ the authority of the reft is fomewhat embafed 5 and Mt%e»ti^
MS Torture entues 5 that Laws alive are kjlled veith the embracements ofLaws dead : but above all beware ofa Gangreen in Laws.
APHORISM LVJir.
So likewife for Obfolete Laws andStatutes^ and fuch as are not late-
ly publillit 5 letthe Pretorian Courts ha.ve power : in the mean Ipace,
to define contrary to them : for although it hath been faid not im-
pertinently, »0 man ought to make himfclf wifcr than the Laws 5 yet
this may be underftood of Laws, when they are awake, not wheathey are afleep. On the other fide, let not the more recent Statutes^
which are found prejudicial to the Law-public^, be in the Power ofthe Judges 5 but in the Power of Kings and Counfellors of Eftate,
and fupreme Authorities for Redrefs, by fufpending their execution
through Edicts and Acis j until Parliamentary Courts, and fuch HighAffemblies meet again, which have power to abrogate them, left
the fafety of the Common-wealth fhould in the mean while be en-
djinger'd.
Qit
504 Of the Advancement of Learning, Lib. VIII.
Of New Digefts of Laws,
AP HORISM LIX.
BUt if Latps accumulated upon Lavos^ fwell into fuch vaft Volumes^
or be obnoxious to fuch confufion , that it is expedient to
revife them anew , and to reduce them into a found and folid
body 5 intend it by all means j and let fuch a work be reputed
an Heroical noble work ; and let the Authors of fuch a work , berightly and defervedly ranckt in the number of the Founders andRejionrs of Laws.
AV HORISM LX.
This Purging of Laws, and the contriving of a new Digeft is five
ways accomplifht. Firji, let Obfolete Laws , which Jujiinian termsold Fables be left out. Secondly^ let the moft approved of -^«rt-
nomks be received 5 the contrary abolifht. Thirdly, let a\\ Co-
incident Laws , or Laws which import the fame, and are nothing
elfe but repetitions of the fame thing, be expung'd, and fome one,
the moft perfeft among them, retain'd inftead of all the reft. Fourth'
ly, if there be any Laws which determine nothing, but only propoundQueftions , and fo leave them undecided , let thele likewife becafher'd. Lafily, let Laws too wordy and too prolix be abridged
into a more narrow compafi.
AP HO RISM LXL
And it will import very much for u(e , to compole and fort apart
in a new DigeU of Laws, Lawrecepted for Common Law, which in
regard of their beginning are time out of mind 3 and on the other
fide Statutes fuperaddcd from time to time : (eeing in the delivery
of a Juridical fentence, the interpretation of Common Law, and Sta^
tute-Laws in many points is not the fame. This Trebonianns did in
the Digefts and Code.
APHOR ISM LXir.
But in this Regeneration and new firu3ure of taws, retain pre-
cifely the Words and the Text of the Ancient Laws, and of the Books
of Law 5 though it muft needs fall out that fuch a colledion muft
be made by centoes and ftnaller portions ; then fort them in order.
For although this might have been performed more aptly, and (if
you refped: right reafon)- more truly, by a l^ew Text, than by (uch
a confarcination 5 yet in Laws, not fo much ihefiile and defcription ,
as Authority, and the Patron thereof. Antiquity, are to be regarded:
ol\ie.xvj\{k fuch a work^ might feema fcholajiic/i bufinefs and method ^
father than a body of commanding Laws.
APHO'
L I B.VIII. Ofthe AdvancementofLearning. 005
APHORISAi LXIII.
In vMx^New Digeft of Lates^ upon good advifement a caveat hathbeen put in; that the Ancient volum\:s of Law fhould not be utterly
cxtinguiflit, and perifti in oblivion j but fhould at leaft remain in Li-
braries j though the common and promifcuous ufe thereof might beretain'd. For in Cafes of weighty confequence , it willnot beamifsto confult and look into the mutations and continuations of Law/paji : and indeed it is ufual to fprinkle modern matters with Anti-quity. Ai'd this netv corps of Larv, muft be confirmed only by fuch,
who in every Rate have the power of making Laws ; left perchanceunder colour of Digefii»g Ancient Larvs, neiv Laxps^ under-hand beconiveyed in.
APHORISM LXIV.
It could be wifht that this Injiauration ofLaws, might fall out, andbe undertaken in y>/cA times ^ as, for learning and experience ex-cel t/jofe More Ancient times, whole ACts and Deeds they recognize :
which fell out otherwife in the works oi' Jujiinian. For it is a greatunhappines, when the works of the Ancient, are maimed, and re-
compiled, by the judgement and choice of a lefs wife and learnedAge: but oft times that is neceflary which is not thebeft.
Thns much befpol^n of the Obfcurityof Laves,ariftngfrom the excejfivs
and confufed accumulation thereof. Now let usjpea\ ofthe dark^ anddoubtful Dejcripion of them.
Of the Pcrplcxt and Obfcurc Defcriptions
of LAJyS.
APHORISAi LXVo
Obfcure Defcriftion of Laws arifes either from the Loquacity or Ver^
bofity ofthem j or again from extream Bfevity-j or from the Pre-f
amble of a Law repugnant with the Body of a. Law.
APHORISM LXVL
It follows that we-now fpeakof the obfcurityof Law, arifing froma corrupt and crooked defcription thereof The Loquacity and I'roUx'
ity, which hath been ufed in fetting down Laws, we dijli^e .• neither
doth fuch a writer any way compals what hedefires,and labours forj
but rather the quite contrary. For while a man endeavours to pur-
fue and exprefs every Particular cafe inapt andproper terms, hoping to
gain more Certitude thereby; contrariwife it falls out,that throughmany words,multJtHde vf^eUions are ingendred , fb as a more foundand folid interpretation of Law, according tojthe genuine fenfe andmind thereof, is much intercepted through the noife of words.
Q^q APHQ-
3
3o6 Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b. VIII.
ATHORISM LXVII.
And yet notwithftanding a tooConcife and ajfe&ed Brevity for Majefties lake, or as more Imperial, is not therefore to be approvedfpecially in thefe times ^ left Law become perchance, a Lesbian Rule
Wherefore a middle temper dfiile is to be embraced 5 and a generality
of words well ftated to be fought out 5 which though it do not fo
throughly purfue cafes comprehended, yet it excludes cafes not com-prehended clearly enough.
AP HORISM LXVIir.
Yet in ordinary and Politick Laws and Edids, wherein for moft
part no man advifeth with his Counfel, but trufteth to his own judg-
ment, al\iho\i\d he more amply explicated andpointed out, as it jvere^
with thefnger^ even to the meaneft capacity.
ATHORISM LXIX.
So neither fhould we allow of Preambles to Laws, which amongft
the ancients were held impertinencies, and which introduce Dif-
puting and not commanding Laws , if we could well away with
ancient cuftom. But thefe Prefaces commonly (as the times are now)are neceflarily prefixt, not fo much for explication of Law, as for
perfwalion that fuch a Law may pals in the folemn meeting of a
State J and again, to give fatisfadiion to the communalty. Yet fo
far as poffible may be, let Prologues be avoided^ and the Law begin mthto command,
APHORISM LXX.
The Mind and Meaning of a Law, though fbmetimes it may bedrawn not improperly from Prefaces and Preambles ( as they term
them ;) yet the latitude and extention thereof , muft not be fetcht
from thence. For a Preamble by way of example, fometimes fetch-
eth in, lays hold upon fbme of the plaufible and moft fpecious paf-
fages 5 when yet the Law comprifeth many more ; or on the contra-
ry, the Law retrains and limits many Cafes, the reafbn of whichlimitations to infert in the Preface wexefuperfiuoKs. Wherefore the
dtmenfion and latitude of a Law muft be taken from the Body of a
Law ; for a Preamble oftenfalls eitherfijort, or over.
APHORISM LXXL
And there is a very vitious manner of Recording of Laws, that is,
when the cafe at which the Law aimethjis exprefi at large in the pream-
/i/ejafterward from the force of the vioxdi(Tbelike)oxfome fuch term
of relation, the Body of a Law is reverft into the Preamble ; lb as the
Treahtble is inferted and incorporated into the Law it felfj which is
an
Lib. VIII. Of the Advancement ofLearning. 207
an obfcure and not fo dk a courfe • becaufe the fame diligence ufeth
not to be taken in pondering and examining the words of a PramUeas there ufeth to be done in the Bodji of a Law it felf. , This part
touching the Inccrtainty of Ljvps proceeding from an /// Dsfcripion
ofthem we fhall handle more at large hereafter, when we come to
treat of the Interpretation of Law/. Thus rriuch of the' obfcure
Deferjption of Law/. Now let us (peak of the ways of expoundingLaws.
OOf the divers ways of expounding Law and
folving Doubts.
AVHORISM LXXII.
THe ways of expounding Lax» and fohing Doubts, are five. Forthis is done either by Court-Rolls and Records j or by Authen-
tick^Writs j or hy fubftdiary Bookt h or by Prele&ions , or by Refponfes
and Refolutions of Wife men. All thefe, if they be well inftituted
and fet down, will be Angular helps at hand againft the obfcarityof
Laws.
Of the reporting of Judgements.
APHORISM LXXIII.
ABove all, let the Judgements delivered in higher, arid Principal
Courts of Judicature, and in matters of grave importance, Spe-
cially Dubious, and which have fome Difficulty and Nervne/ in them,be taken with faith and diligence. For Decrees are the Anchors of
of Lave, as Laws are of the Republic^.
APHORISM LXXIV.
The manner of collediing fuch Judgements and Reporting them, let
be this. Regifler the cafe precifely j the Judgements exactly j annexthe R£afons of the Judgements alleadged by the Judges , mingle notAuthorities of Cafes brought for example with Cafes Principal. As for
Perorations of Pleaders, unlefs there be fomething in them very re-
markable, pals them over with filence. _ t
AP HORISM LXXV.
The Perfbns which fhould Colleft thefe Judgements , Let thembe of the order aqd rank of the learnedji Advocates, and let themreceive a liberal Remuneration from the State. Let not the Judgestherafelves meddle, at all, with thefe Reports '-^ left perchance, de-
voted to their own opinions, and fupported by their own Authori-
ty, they tranfcend the limits of a Reporter.
Ctq 2 APHO'
q 08 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. VIII.
APHORISM LXXVI.
Digeft thefe Judgf^ents according to the order and cofitinnatioJi
of time , not according to Method and Titki : for voriti»gs of this
nature are, as it were, the Hijiories and Reports of Laws 5 not do the
Decree alope, but their times alfogive light to a wife Judge.
Of Authcntick Writers.
'"^ APHORISM LXXVir. '^
LEt the Bodj/ of Lar» be built only upon the Laws themfelves 3
which conftitutethe comtnon Law ^ next of Decrees or Statutes^
in the third place of Judgements enrolled j befides thefe, either let
there be no other Authentickj at all, or fparingly entertain d.
APHORISM LXXVIII.
Nothing fo much imports Certainty of Laws (of which we nowdifcourfe) as that Authentickj Writings be confined within moderate
bounds j and that the excejjivc multitude of Authors and Dodiors of
the Laws , whereby the mind and fentence of Laws are diftrafted j
the Judge confounded 3 proceedings are made immortal 5 and the
Advocate himfelf, defpairing to read over and conquer fo manyBooks, betakes himfelfto Abridgements 5 be difcarded. It may befome good glofs, and fome few of Claffick Writers, or rather fome
finall parcel of few Writers, may be received for Authentickj. Yet
of the ref/, fome ufe maybe made in Libraries, where Judges or
Advocates, may as occalion is offered read their Difcourfes : but in
caufes tabe pleaded, let them not be permitted to be brought and
alleaged in the Court, nor grow up into Autority,
Of Auxiliary Books.
APHORISM LXXIX.
Et ndt the knowledge and praftice of Law be deftituted, but ra-
' thet well provided of y4«x///4ry Book/. They are in general
fix forts, Inftitutes 5 of the fignification of Words; of the Rules ofLaw 3 Ancient Records ; Abridgements, Forms of Pleading.
APHORISM LXXX.
Young Students and Novices are to be enter 'd by Iniiitntes ; that
they may the more profoundly and orderly draw and take in the
knowledge and Difficulties of the Laws. Compofe thefe Injiitufes
after a clear and perfpicuous manner. In thefe elementary Books run
over the whoUprivate Law ; not paffing by fome Titles, and dwelling
too long upon others i but briefly touching fbmething in all 3 that
coming
L I B.VIII. Ofthe AdvancementofLearnina, qod
coming to read through the whole bodj ofLivcs^ nothing may be pre-fented altogether ftrange j b\it what hath been tafted , and pre-conceiv'd by fome (light notion. Touch not the Pnhlick. Ljm in In-JiitKtCT, but let that be deduced from the Fcuntains ofthemfeheT.
AP HORISM LXXXI.
Compile a Commentary upon the Tcrvrs of Law : Be not too cu-*
ridusand tedio\is in the explication thereof 5 aiad of rcndring theirfenle 5 for the (cope here, is not exadily to feek out the Definition ofWords^ b\3t (iich explications only , as may clear the paliage to thereading of the Books of Larv. Digeft not this Treatife by the letters
of the Alphabet : leave that to fome Index; but let fuch words as im-port the fame thing be forted together ; xhzt in the comprehenlion ofthe fenfe, one may adminifter help upon the other.
? *«^ .'^qmi (.
APHORISM LXXXir.
H-iA found and well-labbur'd Treatife oi the divert Rules of Lat»^
conduceth (if any thing dothJ to ihe cert.tintp of L^ms, A workworthy the Pen of the greatelt Wits^and wifeiljtj rifts. Nor do tve
approve what is extant in this kind. And not ody aoted and com-mon Rules^ are to be colleded, but alio others moxe fubtil and ab-
ftrule, v/hich may be abftracted out of the Harmony of Laves , andfudged Cafes ; fuch as are (braetimes found in the beji Rubrics ; andthe(e are the general Dilates of Reafo/i^ and the S.tlLtJi, as it wereof Law.
AP HO RISM LXXXIII.
But all Decrees and Placiis of Lam, mu(t not be taken for Rules,
as is wont to be, abfurdly enough : for if this fhould be admitted,
then fo maKy Laws, fo tnany Rules j for a Law is nothing elle, than a
commanding Rule. But accept thole for Rules which cleave to the
very Form of Jujiice, from whence for moft part the (ame Rules are
commonly found through the civil Laws of Different States , unlels
perhaps they vary for the reference to the Format of public^ Covern-
t»ents.'
, 'V"~grAPHORISM LXXXIV.
After xh&Rule is divided in a brief and fubftantialcomprehenlion
of words j let there be, /<7r explication, annext extmples, and mofl
clear and luculent Deciftons of Cafes 5 Diflinciionj and exceptions for
limitations j Points concurrent in fence , for Amplification of the
fctjMe Rule,
AP HOR ISM LXXXV.
It is well given in Precept, that a Law fljould not be drawn fromRifles j but the Rule from the Law in force. Neither is a Proof to be
taken from the words of a Rule, as if it were a Texi of Law ; for a
Rule (as the fea-man's needle doth the Poles) indicat&s onlyj not De-
termiaes Laws,^^FHC«
3 lo Ofthe Advauioement of Learning. L i b. Vlll.
A? HO R ISM LXXXVI.
Bcfides the BtJ^/y of Larv^ it will avail alfo, to furvey the Antiqui-
ties or ancient Records of Larvs, whofe Authority, though it be va-
niftit, yet their Reverence remains ftill. And let the Writings and
Judgements concerning Laves, be received for the Antiquities of Lavps^
which in time preceded the Body of Laws i whether they were
publitht or not : for thefe muft not be loft. Therefore out of thefe
Records feleft what ever is moft ufeful (for there will be found much
vain and frivolous matter in them)and digeft them into one volume 5
left old fables^ ( as Trebonianns calls them ) be mixt with the Laves.
themfelves.
APHOR^ISM LXXXVII.
And it much imports the praftick part of Laws, that the whole
Law be Digejied into Places and Titles 5 whereto a man may have
(as occafion (hall be given) a fudden recourfe , as to a furniiht
Promptuary for prefent pradiicef. Thefe Bookj of Abridgements^ both
reduce into OriJer what was difperfedj and abreviate v^hsti wasdif-
fufed and Trolix in Law. But caution muft be taken that thefe Bre-
viaries, make not men prompt for xhtpra&ick^part, and flothful for
the knotfledge it feif : ior their proper ufe and office is this, that by
them the Lave may be tilled over again, and not throughly learned.
And thefe Summaries muft by all means be colleded with great dili-
gence, faith and judgement, left they commit Felony again^tbe Lave,
APHORISM LXXXVIII.
Make a CoUeftion of the divers Forms of Pleading in every kmd
:
for this conduceth much to thepradick Part: and certainly thefe
Forms do difcover the Oracles and fecret Myfteries of Laws : for
there are many things which lie hidden in Laws 3 But in Forms of
Pleadings, they are better and more largely dilplayed, —•like the
fiii to the Palm.
OfRefponfes and Refolutions of Doubts.
APHORISM LXXXIX.
SOme courfe muft be taken for tht cutting off, and dtisfy'lng particu'
lar Doubts which emerge from time to time : for it is a hard cafe
that they which defire to fecurc themfelves from error,(houId find noguide to the way : but that prefent bufinefles fhould be hazarded 5
and there fhould be no means to know the Law before the matter be
diipatcht.
APHO Rl SM XC.
That the Refolutions ofthe Wife ,given to Clients touching point
ofLaw, whether by Advocates or Profejfors^ fhould be of fuch Autho-
tity, that it may not ht lawful for the Judge to depart from their
opinion, we cannot approve. Let Law be derivedfrom/ivorn Judges.
APHO'
L I B. VIII. Ofthe Achancement of Learning, ^ 1
1
APHORISM XCI.
To Feel and (bund Judgements by feigned Caufes and Perfons^that
by this means, men might find out what the Courfe and proceedingofLaw will be, we approve not: for it difhonoureth the Majefty ofLjirs, and is to be accounted a kind ofprevarication or donble deal-
ing j and it is afoulfight tofeeplaces ofJudicature to horror» af?v thing
front thejiage.
APHORISM XCir.
Wherefore let, as well the Decrees^ as the anfwers and Counfcls pro-ceed from the Judges alone: thofe offuits depending 5 thefe of dif-
ficult points of Law, in the general. Require not theCc Decifiom^
whether in caufes private or publick, from the Judges themfelvcs,
(for this were to make the Judge an Advocate) but of the Prince, orofthe State. Frof» thefe let the order be direded unto the Judges:and let the Judges thus authorized, hear the reafonr on bothfides j
both of the Advocates or of the Comiuittccs, deputed by the parties to
whom the matter appertaineth^ or of them afligned by the Judgesthemfelves j if neceffity fo require : and weighing the CaufCjIet themdeliver the Law upon the cafe and declare it. Let thefe verdi&s andcounfcls, be recorded and notified amongft Cafes adjudged^ and beofequal authority.
Of Prele£lions.
APHORISM XCIIL
IEt the Leciures ofLan>,3nd the exercifes ofthofe that addrefs them-
_^felves to theftudiesofLaw, befo inftituted and ordered, that
all may tend rather to the laying afleep, than the awaking of Qiiefti-
ons and Controverfies in Law. For (asthe matter is now carried)
a School is fet up, and open amongft all, to the multiplying ofAl'
tercations and ^ejiions in Larv'j as if their aim was only to makeoftentationof wit. And this is an old difeafe,for even amongft the
Ancients, it was, as it were, a glory, by Sefts and Fadlions, to
chcrij}} rather than extinguip many quejiions concerning Law. Pro-
vide againft this inconvenience.
Of the I nftability of Judgements,
AP HORISM XCIV.
IVdgements become incertain, either through immature and tooprc"
cipitateproceedingtofentence^ or through Emulation of Courts'^ or
through ill and «»/4//fK/re^7i7r/»^ of Judgements--^ or becaufe there
is a too eafic and cxpedit vpay open of Reverfing and Refcinding tfkm.
Wherefore it muft be provided, that Judgements iflue forth not with-
out zfiaiddelibe'ration had afore-hand --j and that Courts bear a Reve-
rent
312 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. Lib.VIII.
rent refpeS to one another ; and that Decrees be draron up faithfully
and wifely ; and that the rvaj to repeal Judgements be narrow^ rocky
and ftrewed, as it were, with fharp ftones.
AVHORISM XCV.
If a Judgement have been awarded upon a Cafe'iw any Principal
Court ; and the like cafe intervene in another Court 5 proceed not
Xofentence before the matter be advifed upon in Comefolemn AjJetMy
of Judges: foT ifJudgements awarded mufi needs be repeal'd^ j/et let
them be interred with Honour.
APHORISM XCVI.
For Courts to be at debate and variance about Jurisdi^ions is a hu-
mane frailty j and- the more becaufe this intemperancCj through a
mifpriffion and vain conceit (that it is the part of ajiout refoUtte Judgeto enlarge the priviledges of the Court) is openly countenanced andfpur'don, whereas it hath need of the Bridle. But that out of this
heat of ftomach, Courts fhould fo eafily reverfe on both fides Judge-
ments atvarded, which nothing pertain to JurisdiSion, is an infuffe-
rable evil, which by all means Ihould be repres'd and punifht 5 byKings or Counfels of State, or the form of Government. For it is a
Prefident of the worft example, That Courts, that pould diiiribute
Peace, fjould themfelves practice Duels.
APHORISM. XCVIL
Let there not be a too eafieand free palJage made to the Repealing
of Judgements by Appellations, and vprits ofError, or Re-examination^
and the like. It is maintained by fome, that a Suit may be broughtinto a Higher Court, as entire and untried, the Judgement paft up-
on it, fet ajtde and abfolutelyfufpended: others are ofopinion that the
Judgement itfelf mayjiaad in force, but the execution thereof may be
Jiaid: neither of thefe is to be allowed, unlefsthe Courts wherein
the Judgement was awarded, were of a bafc and inferior order : but
rather that both the JudgementJiand, and that the execution there-
ofgoon ; foa Caveat be put in by the Defendant for Damages ^ndcharges ifthe Judgement (hould be reverji.
But this Title touching the Certainty ofLaws (hall fuffice for a pre-
lident to the reft ofa * Digeft, which we with care and diligence
s«..^/«^?t'i.e endeavour to contrive. And now have we concluded Civil Know-•ronpium-.opus iedgc({'o far as we thought fit to entreat thereof) and together with it
JT^ondum"' Humane Thilofophy, as alfo with Humane Philofophy^ Thilofophyiu Ge-to»djtum;^»od neral. Wherefore being now at length at fome paufe, and lookingruo feculo Ex-
j^ j^ j^jQ jj^^j. ^g j^^yg 1^ through 5 this our writing feems to us irot
principum. In- much uulikc thofc fouudsand Preludes, which Mujictans make whileft„uyandum: t|^ejiare tuning their Infirumentsj which is harlh and unpleafing to
Swlw' hear, but yet is a caufe why the Mujic^ is fweeter afterwards.
tonjecratnium OOrtjirv.ititr.
L I B. IX. Of the Advancement ofLeaniincf. 2 1 -•
So have we been content to employ our pains in tuning the hiftruKient
of the /I////?/,and to fct it unto a true Harmony, that afterwards theymay play who have better hands. Snrclj, when I fct before mc thecondition of thcfe times, in which Lcariung fecms to have made herthird Circuit x^o Men; and withal diligently behold, with what va-
rious fupplies and fupports being furniflit, Ihe hath madr.hcr vifitati-
on •, as arc, the height and vivacity o'imany Wits in this our Age j the
excellent monuments ofAncient writers, which as (b many great lights
(hine before us j the Art of Printing, which communicates Books witha liberal hand to men of all fortunes j the travel'dbofont of the Ocean
and of the world, opened on all parts, whereby multitudes of expe-riments unknown to the Ancients- have been difclofed^ and Natural
Hijiory, by the accefs of an infinite Vlafs advanced : the kafure where-with the Kingdoms and States ofEurope every where abound, notimploying men fo generally in Civil Eiifinejfes, as the States ofGr^^Azdid inrefpeft of their Popularitjij eras the (late of the Romans didin refpeft of their Monarchy: the Peace which at this prefenr,Britta-
ny, Spain, Italy, as alfb at this inftant France and many other Coun.tries enjoy : The Confuniption and Exanimtion of all that can be imagi-
ned or flid in controverfix's of Religion, which now (b long have taken
up (b many Wits, and diverted them from the ftudies of other Scien-
ces : i!:e Elevation and Perfe&ion of Tonr Alajefiies Learning-^ aboutwhom (as the Birds about the Phsnix) whofe vollies ofwits flock andafTtmble : Lajily the infeparable property which attends time it felf,
which is, ever more and more to difclofe truth : when we think,I fay,
on thefe advantages ; we cannot but be raifed to this Pcrfwa(ion,that
this third period of Learning, will far furpafs thofe two former ofthe Grecian and Roman Learning. Only ifmen will but well and wifely-
know their own ftrength and their own weaknels both j and takcjone
from the other, light of Inventions:, and not Fire-brands of contra'
di&ion j and efteem of the Inquifition of Truth.as a noble enterprife,
and not as a delight or ornament ; and imploy wealth and magnifi-
cence to things ofworth and excellency,and not to things vulgar andofpopular eftimation.
As for my Labours, if any man fhall pleafehimfelf or others in the
reprehenfion of them, certainly they (hall caufe me put up that anci-
ent requ';ft, but of great patience, verbera, fed Audi •-, let men repre-
hend as theypleafe, fo they objerve and neigh what isfpok^n. Verily the
Appeal is lawful (though, it may be, for this matter, not fo need»
fill) if it be made/r<?w thefirii cogitations of men unto thefccond^ and
from the neerer times, to the times farther off".
Now let us come unto the Learning, which thofe two ancient Peri-
ods oftime were not fo bleft as to know, I mean Sacred and Divine»
fyinfpired Theology, the noblcji Sahoath and Port of aU mens Labours
and Peregristations,
?v T The
3'5
THE
Ninth BookO F
FRANCIS L. V E RV L A MVicoUNT S'ALBAN:
OF THE
Dignity and Advancement
O F
LEARNING.To the KING.
Chap. I.
The Partitions o/Infpired Divinity are omitted^only accents made to
/y&ree Deficients. I. The Doftrine of the right u(e of HumaneRea(bn in matters Divine. II. The Doftrine of the Degrees
ofUnity in the City of God. III. And the Emanations of SS.
Scriptures,
iND now (^ntoji excellent King') we have with a fraall
Bark, fuch as we were able to fet out, fail'd about the
univerfal circumference, as well of the old as the «en»
,
World efSciences--,\\''it\\ how profperous winds and courfe,
'^ we leave to Pofterity to Judge. What remains but that
having accomplifht our Defigns, we fhould pay our
vows? But there refts yet behind Sacred-in/pired-Divinitj' > where-
of if we fliould proceed tointreat, we (hould depart out of the Pi»-
nace of Humane Reafon, and go into the JJjip of the Church ^ whichmuft alone be governed by a Divinefca-ncedle^ to direft her courfe
aright : for the Stars oj Philofophy which hitherto ftiined forth unto
usj and were our chief guide, here fail us : it were then meet, weR. r 2 kept
manse in DIVINlS.
Gen. 18.
9 16 Ofthe Advancement of Learning, L i b. IX.
kept filence in this facred fubjea. Wherefore we fhall omit the juB
partitions of this /{Korvlcilge 5 yet notwithftanding fomewhat we will
caft into this treafury, by way of good wifhes according to the pro-
portion ofour flender hability. This we do the rather becaufe wefind nocoaft or fpace of ground in the whole Body of Divimty ly'mg
vacant and untilled; fo diligent have men been, either in fowingof
Goodfeed^ orfoxptng of Tares.
§ wherefore we will propound three Appendices ofTheology^Xitsnxng^
not of the matter informed of by Divinity , or to be informed of,
but only of the manner of information : neither will we annex ex-
amples, or fet down precepts concerning thefe Traftates, as our
manner was to do in the reft , that we refer to Divines 5 for thefe are
(as hath been faid) liks nteer vows only.
* I. The Prerogative of God comprehends the whole man j and is
SOPHRON extended as well to the Reafqn, as to the will of Man ; that is, thatfi^e
r''«A'' man renounce hiralelf wholly, and draw.near unto God : wherefore
TiONis hii- as we are to obey his larv, though we find a reluftation in our wi//^
Co we are to believe his word^ though we a find a reluftation in our
Reafon : for if we believe only that which is agreeable unto our Rca^
fon^ we give aflfent to the Matter^ not to the Author 5 which is nomore than we would do towards a fufpeded and difcredited witness i
but that Faith which was accounted unto Abraham for Righteoufnefs ^
was of fuch a point, as whereat Sarah laughed , who therein was an
Image of Natural Reafon. By how much therefore any Divine My-7?me is more difcondanr, and incredible, by fo much the more Ho-nour is giv«n to God in Believing^ and the viftory of our Faith is
made more noble; Nay, even finners by how much the more they
are furcharg'd in confcience, and yet repofe a truft in the metcies of
God for their falvation,by this do more honour GoA^for all defperatioK
is a reproach of the Deity. Nay fartherj(ifwe truly confider the point)
it is an Aft more great and high to believe^ than to know, as we nowknow : for in knowledge man's mind fufiers fromfenfe^wh'ich. refults from
things materiate ; but in£e//e/thefpirit fufFers from (pirit, which is
the worthier Agent ; the caTe is otherwife in theJiate of Glory, for
then Faith flicill ceafe, and we pall know, as we are known. Where-fore we may conclude, that Sacred Theology is grounded on, and
muftbe deduced from the Oracles of Cod--, and not from the light ofNature, or the DiBates of Reafon : for it is written. The Heavens de-
clare the Glory of God, but we never find it written , The Heavens
declare the will of God : of the will of God , it is faid, Ad legem &TeUimonia 5 /? nonfecerint fecundum lUud, &c. This holds not only
in thofe great Myfteries concerning the Deity, the Creation, the Re-
demption, but appertains alfo to a more perfeft interpretation of the
Mat.v, Law Moral, Love your Enemies i, do good to them that hate you, 8cc.
that you may be the children of your heavenly Father, who commandsthe rain to fall upon the juji and nnjuB, which words certainly de-
ferve that applaule. Nee vox hominem fonat : For it is a voice beyondthe light of Nature. So likewife we fee the Heathen Poets elpeci-
.-illy, when they fall upon a paffion, do ftill expoftulate with Lares
and Moralities (which yet are fir more free and indulgent than di-
vine
t Cor.xiii.
Pfal.xis.
L I B. IX. Of the Advancement ofLearning. qij
vine Laws) as if in a kind of malignity, they were repugnant to theliberty of nature,
Et ijuoclnatura nmittit f'" «^ '" "^
Invid^tjuru ncgant-
So (aid Dc»clamis the Indian, unto Alexanders Meffengers, That he
had kcurdjomcivhat of the name of Fythagoras^ and fome other ofthe
TPJfcmcn ofGrech, and that he held the»/for excellent men j hut they
had one faulty jvbichrvas^ that they had in too great Reverence and Ve-
neration^ an imaginary thing they called Law and Manners. So it muflbe confeft, that a great part of the Law Moral is of that perfeftion,
vvhcreunto the light of nature cannot afpire: yet notwithftanding,
that men are (aid to have^even from the Light and Law of Nature^Come
notions and conceits of virtue^ vice^ justice^ ^'{/«'75 Rood and evil^
is moft true and certain. Yet we mu(t underftand that this light ofNature is ufed in two feveral fenles 5 fir^, as it (prings from fenfe. In-
duction, Rcafon, Arguments, according to the Laws ofHeaven andEarth j Secondly, as it is imprinted and (hincs upon the fpirit ofManby an inward inltindl according to the Law of Confcicnce, which is a
fpark, and, as it were, the Remains of a Priftine and Primitive Pu-
rity : in which latter (enfe principally, the foul is participant of(bmelight to behold and difcern the perfedion of the Aloral Law ^ whichlight is not altogether fo clear, but fuch as in fome meafure rather re-
prehends y/ce/, than fully informes us concerning Duties: So then
the Religion as well Moral as Mystical depends upon Divine Revelati-
on.
^ The «/t', notwithjlanding, ofHHmancReafon in mattersfpiritnal, ^ ^ „._
is without queftion, manifold, very fpacious, and general ; and it Hookerum de
is not for nothing that the Apoftle calls Religion, onrreajonablejer' i^ EccI.PoH-
vice ofGod^ Let it be rcmembred that the(hadows and Figures of the ,x.u.§ViV»old Law, werefill/ of Reafon and fignification, much differing from 'x.
the ceremonies of Idolatry and magick, which were furd and mute ;^"•"•^i'*
oftentimes inftrucling nothing,no not (b much as inlinuating any thing.
The Chrijlian Faith efpecially, as in all things, fo in this is eminent, and ^
deferves highly to be magnified, that it holds a golden Alediocrity touch-
ing the ufe of Reafon and Difputation, rchich is the ofifpring of Reafon ,
between the Law of the Heathen and the Law of Mahomet, which have
imbracedthetwo extremes'-) for the Religion oi the Heathen, had noconftant beliefor confeflion ; on the contrary in the Religion o^Ma-homet, all Difputation was interdifted : fo as one hath the very face
of wandring and multifarious error ^ the other ofcunning and caute-
lous impolture 5 whereas the Holy Chrijiian Faith doth both admit andXQ)tSi Difputation, but according to due bounds.
§ The ufe ofhumane Reafon in matter pertaining to Religion is oftwoforts 3 the one in the explication and conception of the Miflery j the o-
ther in Illations and Inferences derivedfrom thence. As touching the
Explication of Afiiieries, we (ee that God vouchfafeth to defcend
to the weaknels of our capacity , fo exprefling and unfolding
his Mdieries as they may be beft comprehended by us 5 aid inocula-
ting
5 1
8
Of the Advancement of Learning, L i b . I
ting, as it were, his Revelations, upon the Conceptions and Notions of
our Reafon j andfo applying his infpirations to open onr underjianding,
as the form of the key isfitted to the ward of the lock^. In which re-
fpeft notwithftanding, we ought not to be wanting to our felves ,
for feeing God himfelf makes ufe of the faculty and funftion of ife^-
fon in his Illuminations ; we ought alfo every way to impioy and im-
prove the fame, whereby wc may become more capable to receive
and draw in fuch holy My(ieries : with this caution, that the mind
for its Module be dilated to the amplitude of the My Series 5 and
not the Myfteries beftreightned and girt into the narrow compafs of
the Mind.
§ Asfor illations,we ought to know that there is allowed usa »/e
of Reafon and Argument, in regard of Myjieries, Secondary and Re- .
fpeftive ; not Primitive and Abfolute : for after the Articles and
Trinciples of Religion are placed in their feats , fo as they ftand al-
together exempt from the examination of Reafon , it is then indeed
permitted unto us to make derivations and inferences from them, ac-
cording to the Analogy of them. In things Natural this holds not 5,
for both the Principles are liable to examination,by InduBion I mean,
though not by Syllogifm ; and the fame Principles have no repugnancy
with Reafon, but that the firft and middle Propofitions may be de-
rived from the lame Fountain. But it is otherwife in the Do&rine of
Religion, where the firft propofitions are their own fupporters and
fubfiftent by themfelves 5 and again, they are not regulate by that
Reafon, which inferreth coniequent propofitions. Nor holdeth this
in Religion alone, but alfb in other Sciences , both of greater and
fmaller nature 5 namely rphere the Primarie Propofitions are Placita.
rot Pofita 5 becaufe in thefe alfo the ufe of Reafon cannot be abfolute.
For infiance n>e fee in Games , as Chefs , or the like , that the firfi
Draughts and Laws of the Play are merely pofitive (^ adplacitum,which
tftuU abfolutely be accepted, and not dijputed 5 but that thereupon you
may win the Game, and with the heji advantage manage your Play, is
a thing artificial and rational. So it is likewile in Humane Laws ,
wherein there be many Maximes (as they ftile them) that is, mere
Placita Juris, grounded more upon Authority than Reafon ; neither
come they into difceptation : but what is «/^ 7///?, not abfolutely
but relatively, (that is from the Analogie of thefe Ildaximes) that
indeed is Rational, and affords a large field of Difputation. Such
therefore is that fecondary Reafon, which hath place in facred Theology^
that is, which is grounded upon the Placits of God.
§ And as there is a double ufe of humane Reafon in matters Divine^
fo in the fame ufe there is a double excefs -, the one where there is made
a more curious enquiry into the manner of the Myjiery.than is befeemingj
the other when equal Authority is attributed to Derivations , which is
to Principles. For both he, may feem to be Nicodemus Difciple, who
Joan. u!. pertinacioully enquires. How can a man be born when he is old? and
he in no wife can be accounted Pauls Difciple, which may not forae-
i Cgr VII. times interlace his inftruftions with Ego non Dominus, or that. Accord-
ing to my Judgment 5 for to many Illations that ftile is well applied:
wherefore to my underftanding it would be a wholefome and very
pro-
Lib. IX. Ofthe AdvancementofLearning. 9 lo
profitable courfe, if there were a (bber and diligent Tradate com-piled, which as a kind of Divine DialcSick^ might give direftions,
concerning the true liifiits and life of Kcajoti in mafters Divine:) whichwould be a kind of Opiate Akdicine^ not only to quiet and hy afiecp the
vanity of Aery jpecnlationt ^ Tvherctvith the Schools jometime lahour^
but hbsvpije not d little culm^ and mitigate thefm-iesandragcofCon'troverfies^ rrhich raife fidings and faciions in the Church. A Trentife
of this nature we (et down as De/Fcient, and term it Sophron or the
the right ufe of Hn//iane Kcafon in m.itters Divine.
If. It imports exceedingly the Peace of the Church , that the *League of Chrijlians, prcfcribed by our Saviour in thofe two claufes ^.'^^^''^-us,
which (eem to crolsone the other, were well and clearly expound- dibus imitatis
ed 5 whereofthe one defines thus, He that is not with m is againjl »" Civitat*
us : the other thus : He that is not against us is with »s. From thofe Lnc'^ ,x.
two feveral alTcrtions it plainly appears, that there are fome Articles Luexi.
vphercin mhofoever dtj/cnteth, is to be held as not comprehended in the
league : and there are other Articles^ vphercin a man may diffent , andyet the league be i^ept entire. For the bounds of Chriftian communityare let down ^ One Faith^ one Eaptijntj and not^one Kile^ one Opinion. Ephef.iv:
We (eelikewife the Coat ofour Saviour ?r:/jeH//rcn?;7/j(?«;ye4w; but joan.x x.
the garment of the Church was of divers Colours. The Chaff mu{\ rfal.xiv,
be fever' d from the corn in the ear , but theTares may not pre(ent-
ly bepuUd up from the Corn in the Field. When Alofes Cxw aaEgyptian fighting with an Ifi-aelite, he did not fay, why ftrive you?but drew his fword and fle»? the Egyptian 3 but when he (aw twoIfraelites fight,though it could not poffible be that both parties had a
juft caufe ; yet he "thus befpeaks them both^Tou are brethren^whyfirive Exod lu/<?«.<? Whereforeifthele things be well obferved, it will be founda matter of great moment and ufe to define what, and of what la-
titude thofepoints are, which difcorporate men from the body ofthe Church, and caftthem out and quite caftiier them from the com-munion and fellowfhip of the faithful. And if any think that this
hath been done now long ago, let him leriouQy confider with whatfincerity, and moderation the fame hath been perform'd. In the
mean fpace it is very likely, that he that makes mention of Peace^
(hall bear away that anfvver 'jehu gave to the Meflenger , // it Peace
Jehu ^ IVhat haji thon to do with Peace ^ turn and follow me. Peace ^^-Z-^^'
is not the matter that many feek after, but parties and fiding : Not-withftanding we thought good to fet down amongft Deficients^ as a
wholfome and profitable work, a Treatife touching the Degrees ofV-fiity in the City of Cod.
III. Seeing the Parts ofSacred Scripture touching the Information *
of Theology. :ite fuch and fo grcat^let us fpecially conlidcr thelnterpre- utres
tion thereof5 nor do we here fpeak of the Authority of interpretingsr^s^^iive
the^, which is eftabli(htby the confent of the Church, but of the Emanationes
manner of Interpreting. This is of two forts. Methodical 5 and Solute^ Scripiuraium.
or at large : for this divine water, which infinitely excels that
of Jacobs wel/-, K drawn forth and deliver'd much after the famemanner as Naturalwaters ufe to be out of {Veils 5 for thefe at thefirffc
draught are either rcceiv'd into Cijierns, and fo may be conveyed,
and
520 Ofthe Advancement of Learning. L i b. IX.
Mat.xxiv.
and deriv'd by many Pipes for publick and private ufe , or is pour*
ed forth immeditately in Buckets and Veffels, to be us'd out ofhand,
as occafion requires.
^ Now this former Methodical manner hath at length brought
forth unto us Scholaiiical Theology^ whereby Divwity hath been col-
lefted into an Art, as into a Cijiern 5 and the ftreams of Axioms andFoJltiofiSy diftributed from thence into all parts.
^ But in folnte Manner of Interpreting, two extreams intervene,
the one prefuppofethfuch aperfeQionin Scriptures, as that all Philofo'
phy ought to be fctcht and deriv'd from thofe facred Fountains ; as if all
other rhilofophy vpere an iinhallovped and Heathenijh thing. This di-
ftemperature hath prevail'd elpecially in the School of Paracclfus,
and fome others 5 the (burce and (pring whereof flowed from the
Rabbins and Cabalifts. But the(e mfn have not attain'd their pur-
pofe j nor do they give honour (as they pretend) to Scriptures, but
rather embaie and difl:ain them. For to (eeka materiate Heaven and
Earth in the Word of God, whereof it is faid Heaven and Earth JJull
paf^ but my wurdpall not paj?, is indeed to purfue Temporary things
amongft eternal : for as tojee^ Divinity in rhilofophy, is as if yon
tfiouldfeek^the living amongfi the Dead 5 fb on the other fide , tojee^
rhilofophy in Divinity , is all one as to fee\ the dead amongfi the
living.
§ The other tnanner of Interpreting, which We fe£ ddv/n as an ex-
cels, ieems at firfl: fight fober and chafte , yet notwithftanding it
both diftonoureth Scriptures , and ^•great prejudice and detri"
ment to the Church 3 and it is, to (peMfffa^vvord, when Divinely-in-
fpir'd Scriptures are expounded afte^he fa^te n^ner that humani
writings are. For it rauft be remembred, thfat thAe are two points,
known to God the Author of Scripture, \vhich man's ^'M|fture cannot
comprehend ; that is. The fecrets of the J^art •-, and tmlfij^ccejfion ofTimes. Wherefore leeing the Precepts and Di(!tates bfocr^tureswere written and dire&edto the Heart and Thoughts of nten,'aim<om-
prehend the viciffitudes of all Ages , with an eternal and certain
fore-fight of all Herefies, Contradt3ions , differing and mutabfe e-
[fates of the Church , as well in general , as of the Eledt in fpe-
cial 5 they are to be interpreted according to the Latitude anid the
proper fence of the place, and refpeftively toward that«^prefent
occafion whereupon the words were utter'd 5 or in precifd/pongrui-
ly from the Context of the precedent and fubfequenc words , .or in
contemplation of the principal fcope of the place j but fo as we con-
ceive them to comprehend, not only totally or colledively, butdi-
ftributively, even in claufes, and in every word, infinite fprin^s and
{freams of Do(3:rine to water every part of the Church, and thefpi-
rits of the Faithful. For it hath been excellently obferved, that the
Anfwersof our Saviour, to many of the queftions which were pro-
pounded to him, fecm not to the purpofe, but, as it were, imper-
tinent to the (fate of the queffion demanded. The Reafons hereof
are two : the one, that being he knew the thoughts of thofe that pro-
pounded the Qucftions, not from their words, as we men ufe to do,
but immediately, and of himfelf^ hemade anfwer to their thoughts,
noc
Ofthe Advancement of Learning, 221—1_ —; __—. _not to their words. The other Reafon is , that he fpake not only id
them that were then prefent, but to us alio who now live , and to
men of every Age and Place to whom thcGofpel (hould be preacht:
which fenfe in many places of Scripture mu(l take place.
^ Thcfc thus brieHy toucht and fore-talted, come we now to that\
Treatile which we report as Definentt There are found indeed a»
TC^Q'iX'^^hLolflgicdl writings X.00 vsway Book} of Coatroverfies^ an in»
finite Mafs of that Divinity which we call Pojitivc ,' as Common-places 5 PArticular Treatife :, Cajes of Confeience 5 Sermons , Homilies 5
and many Prolix Commentaries upon the Books of Scripture : but the
Form of writing Deficient is thik', namelyy«a;/z5 and found Colle&i'
on^ and that rvitb judgement, of Annotations and Obfervations upoti
particular Texts of Scripture j not dilating into common-places ^ or
chafing after Co^ifoverjies j or reducing them into method of Art : but
xphicb be altogetl^er fcattered and Natural j a thing indeed now and
then expreft in more learned Sermons, which for mod part vaniOii
but which as yet, is not colleftcd into Books that (hould be tranf-
mitted to Pofterity. Certainly as Wines which at firft piaffing run
gently, yield a more pleafant tafte, than thofe where the Wine-prefi
is hard wrought ^ becaufe thofe fomewhat relifli of the ftone andskin of the Grape j Co thofe obfervations are moft wholfome andfweet, which flow from Scriptures gently expreftj and naturally er-
pounded , and are wrefted or drawn afide to common places or
Controveifies , (uch a Treatife we will name. The Emanations ofScripture.
" § Thus have we made, as it viexe^zfmaBGlobe of the Intelle&u-'^'^ al world, as faithfully as we could, together with a defignation
."and defcription of thofe parts which I find not constantly occu-'' pate, or not well converted by the Induftry and Labours of men.'^'In which work if I have any where receded from the opini-
" on of the Ancients, I defirethat Pofterity would fo judge of my" intentions, as that this was done with a mind of further Progrejfion,
" and Proficience in meliui 5 and not out of a humour of Innovation^'• or Tranfmigration z« «//W.* for I could not be true and conftant
" to my felf, or the Argument which I have in hand, if I had not re-
"= folvedly determin'd, To add to the Inventions of others, (b far asl'= was able. And I am as willing, and as fincerely wifh, that later
*= ages may go beyond me hereafter , as I have endeavoured to go" beyond others now. And how faithfully I have dealt in this bu-'^ finefsmay appear even by this, thatl have propounded ray opini-
" ons every where naked and unarmed, not feeking to prejudicate'' the liberty of others by the pugnacity of confutations. For in a-
"ny thing which I have well fet down, lam in good hope that it
'• will come fo to pat", that if in the firft reading a fcruple or objefti-
^'on be mov'd, in the fecond reading an anfvver will be ready made,"^ and in thole things v^^herein I have chanc'd to err, I am (iirel have" not prejudiced the right by litigious arguments, which common-"ly are of this nature , that they procure Authority to error, and dero-
^' gatefrom Goodinvetitions 5 for from Diibitation Error acquires Ho-
S f " nour.
o 22 Ofthe Advancent of Learning.
^'nour. Truthfufferrepulfe. And now I call to mind ah Anfwer r£>e/»z-
^^fiocles made, whojwhen an Ambaflador in a fet fpeech bad boafted
"great matters of a fmall Village, takes him up thus , Frieticl, ymr'^ words xoould. reqHtre a City. Surely I fuppofe it may be juftly ot>-
** jefted to me, that tftji words require art Age, a whole Age perchance*=' to prove them,and many Ages to perfeft them. Notwithftanding"= feeing the greateft matters are owing unto their Principles, it is
*^enoughtome that I have Sowen unto Pojlerity, and the immortal
" God:, wbofe divine Majefty I humbly implore through his Son and" our Saviour , that he would vouchfafe gracioufly to accept thefc
**and (uch likefacrijices ofUnmane underjiauding feafoned with Reli'
" gion as with fait, and incenfed to his Glory.
A
NEW WORLDO F
SCIENCESOR
D E F I C
LIB. IL
* 'J^Rfores Nature ' Or the
ti Hiftory of Preter-GenC'
tionsj Cap.2. Se9.^,
* VittcuU Natur£ , Experi-
mental or Mechanical Hiftory,
* Hjjioria IndnSwa, Natural
Hiftory for the building up of
Philofophy, Cap. 3. SeCf.i.
* Oculus Polyphemi^ Or the Hi-
ftory of Learning from age to
age, Cap.^. SeCf.i,
* Hiiioria ad Prophetiat , TheHiftory of Prophefie, Cap. 11.
Se3.2.
* Sapientia Veternm , Philofo-
phy according to ancient para-
bles, Cap.i^. Se3.^
LIB. ilt,
* ThilofophU Prima. , Or the
THE
I E N T S
Common and General Axioms ofSciences, Cap. i. Se^.:^.
* Ajlronomia Viva^ Living A-ftronomy, Cjp.4. SsU.<^. § 1.
* AUrologia. Sana , Sound A-ftrologie, Cap.^. Se^.^. § 2.
* Problemes Natural, a conti-nuation thereof, (:4/>.4. Se3.^.
* VUcHes of ancient Phildfc-phers, Cap.Ot. Self.y § i.
* Form<e Rerum : A part ofMetaphyfick, of the Forms ofthings, Cap.^. SeB,6.
* Magia Naturalis t Or thefetting of Formes on work. Cap,
5. Se^.i.^ I.
* Inveniarium Opura Humana'rum^ An Inventary of the Eftate
ofManj Cap.^.Se&.-i.
* Catalogus Polychrefiorum , aCatalogue of Things of multifa-
rious life and App'lication, Cap.^i
SeCf.i. ^i.
Sfi M
A Catalogue of Deficients.
j* Of the Difference between
LIB. IV.jPerception and Sence , Cap. 3,
* Triuf»phi Hominii^ or of the I
Stimmities and higheft pitch of -^ Radik Fcrfpei^wce, The ori-
Humane Nature, Cap.i- Se^.2.'gi„alofthc Ferfpe^ives^ or ofthe
§2.
* J^hftognomja Corporis in Mo-
/«,' a Phyfical difcovery of the
Body upon Motion, Cap.x. SeB.^-
* Narrationcf Mcdicinales ,
Medicinal Repdrts , or Hiftorical
obfervations in Phyfick, Cap. 2.
SeBS' § I-
* Anatomia Comparata^ Cotrl-
parative Anatomy, -Cap.^- SeB.3.
§2.
* Morbi iufanabiks :,Of the
curing of Difeafes counted in-
curable, Cap.2. SeCf.2. § 5-
* De EHthanafta exteriore. Of
a fair and eafie'outward paflage
out of life, Cap.i. Se&.^. § 6-
* Of Authentick_ and approved
Medicines, Cap.a.- Se9.^. § 7.
* Artifcial Imitation ofNatu-
ral Baths, Cap.'i. Se^.i^. § 8.
* Filum Medicinak , An or-
derly courfe and fequel in Phy-
fick, Cap.2. Se&.^' § 9.
* Frolongation of the fpace or
courfe of life, Cap.2. Secf.^,
* Of the fubftance of the
Senfihle , or meerly produced
Soul:, Cap.'^.Sc&.i.
* Ofthe lmpulfionofthe.S'/>7-
J•7* in voluntary Motion, Cap. 3,
Se&.i.
Form of light, Cap.-^. Se&.^. §, 4.
LIB. V.
* Venatio Tanir , Or Literate
experience, Cap.2. Seff.i. § 1,2.
* Organum Novuht^ Or true Di-redions for the Interpretation ofNature, Cap.^.SeEt.:^. § vult.
* Topic£ ParticuUres^ Or Places
of Invention^ appropriate to Par-ticular Subjefts and Sciences, Cap,
3. Seii.2. § I.
* Eknchns idolorum , Sophifm-Imagesj impofed upon the under-ftanding from the nature of Man,General, Particular, or Commu-nicative, Cap.^.Seif.^.
uV'vv'Ayiti'
* Analogy of Defaonjirationt
according to the naturt of the
Subj eft, Cap.\. Se^.^.
LIB. VL
* Notes or Imprejfions ofThingSy
from Congruity, or from ad Pla-
citum^Cap.u Se^.l- § 2.
* A Philofophical Grammar^ Orthe Analogy between Words andThings, Cap.i. Se^.2. § I.
* Traditio LaMpadis ^ Or the
Method deliver'd unto the Sons of
Wifdom, Cap.2. SeH.i. § I.
* Of the Wifdom of private
Speech
A Catalogue ofDedcknts.
speech j Or refpedive Deliveries
of a man's felf, Cap.^. SeQ.i. § i.
* The Colours of Good and £-
vil in appearance.limple and coni-
par'd, Cjp.^.SeCf.2. § i.
* AntJtheta. Rerum, the Con-tre-poGtioa of things, Cup. 3.
* Formnlx Minores, leflTer f^rms
or ftiles of Speech, Cap.'^. SeB.:^.
LIB. VII.
* Satyra Seria , or of fubtil
Reaches, Cautels, and Impoftures
inProfeffions, Cap.2, SeS-^. § 3.
* Georgia Animi^ the culture
ofthe mind, Cdp.:i^. Seci.i,
LIB. VIIL
* AmznHen^s Vit£ , or of
Sp.irfcd Occajioas , Cap.2. Se3.i.
§1.
* Faber Fortnȣ, the Contriver
of Fortune 5 or the cour/e of life
for advancement, Cap.2. Se3 1.
* Conful Paludatus ; Or thethe Art of enlarging the boundsof a Kingdom or State, Cip. 3,
* Idea Jujiiti£ Vniverftlis , Orthe Fountains of Law , Cap. 3:
Sel^.2.
LIB. IX.
^' Sophron'% Or ofthe right ufe
ofHumane Reafon in matters Di»vine, Cap.i.se£f.i.
* Iren£us^ Or of the degrees ofUnity in the City of God, Cap.i.
Se£i.i.
* Vtres Celejiesy Or the Ema-nations of SS. Scriptures, Cap. i,
Sea,^,
The
THE
INDEXO F
HUMANE AUTHORSCenfured, Praifed, Cited.
A.
/f-' Sop. Fab. p. 19,45,147,
/XL 188,194, ib.
Agel.N. A. 161,190.
Agrippa, p.98.
Alcoran. Azorara.5.p.3i7.
Alhazen. p.85.
Ariftoteles, p. 20, 22, 24, 52, 53,
71.84,85, loOj 10I5 104, 105,
109, 114, iiSj 118, 119, 127,
140, 152, 157, 159, 160, 162,
1(56, 190, 22O5 221, 232, 2365ib.237,239.
B.
Bacon, p.34,78,159, 160,287.
Boetiusy p.85-
C.
Campanella. p. 13^.
J.Capitol, p.57.
Cardan, p.137.282.
CcIfusMed. p. 124,142.
Cicero, p. 13,24,35.45,48,49,66,
70,78,104,115.142, 144,152,i53;i6o, 1685 182, 186, 192,
229, 230,232, 237,244,245,247, lb. 252, 268, 2705 273,278, ib. 282,288,290.
Claud, p.70.
DeCoramines, p.255.Gollius, P=i35-
D.
Demon:.p.i3o,i53,i§9ji9052 2o,
271,279,280.'
P. Diaconus, p. 29.
Dion, p.30,32, 180,384.Dion. Areop. p. 2 6.
Donius, p.133.
E.
Epi(fV. p.38,i8932245273528r.
Epiphan. p. 160.
Euclid, p.84,158.Eurip. p.4f.8o.
F,
Florus, p. 2 3 1.
Find. p. 119.
Tt 2 O
The Index of Hnmane Authors,
Gilbert.p.735155
N.
Herodian. P.303I25.Kerodat. P.765I 67-
Hefiod. p.ipo*
Hipp, p.85 51 50^2 32.
Hift. Ger. p. 115»
Hifr. Hen. ytb. p. 285.
Homer. p.6.693725883i 145I 19.
Hooker, p. 3 1 7.
Horat. p. 205 142, 1783 1863 191
271,283.
Nonn. p.8o.
O.
Orpheus, p,8o.
Ovid. p. 25, 37.41570,7^0 785^0,1215140,1423182,2673276.
I.
Jac R. p.47,5336131163 229, ib.
Iambi, p.223.
P. Jud. p. 5.
Jul. p.29.
Juven. p. 2 283 2 3 7. 2 70.
L.
Lagrt.p.i 2,15,20, 53570,71,75»88,223,245.
Livius, p.i2j22368ji65,23i, 289.Lucan. p.90.
Lucian. p. 15.
Lucret. p.40.
Lullius, p, i8o'
M.
Mach. difcorfe (bpra Liv. lib. i.
cap. 10Machiav. p.ii,85!,258, 260,267,
279,280,282,286.Mart. Ep. p.743i 69.Meteran. p.115.
Mori vit. p. 11 6.
Mount, p-273.
. P.
Pancirol. p.i4 2,i48'
Paracel.p.84,89,ii93i35, i6o«Paufan. p.77.
Perf p. 143.
Philoft. p.3i,ri5.
P-ind.p.i79, a34,244#
Platin. p.8.
Plato.
193,227,269.Plaut. p.2345268.
Plin. ren.32,52,143.
Plin. jun. p.6 1,230,239.Plut.p.io, 13,15,33, 34, 35, 36,
3§5 63,77, 184, 193, 231, 243,
244, 250, 259, 268. ib. 277. ib.
282, 285,286. ib- 317.
Quint, p.19,115.
R.
Ramus, p. 17 9.
Renovard-p.77,8o.
S.
Saluft. p.J 2,13,134,224, 268,273,
Selden.
Sands, p.75,77,78.
Cenfnred^ Praifed, Cited.
Selden. p.290.
Senec. p.9,14,22,38,72, 114,140,158, 195,220,221,225, 226,232.
Socrat. p.55.
Spart. p, 16.
Strab. p.77.
Sueton. p.32,35,56,63, loi, 115,
125,167,195, 268,269,278.
T.
Tacit. p.2,i 2,20,41,90,101, 115,
216,255,2595 265, ib. 270, ib.
271, ib. 272, 274,275,278,ib.
Telef^ P'i33.
V.
AVift. p,32.
64,74,85,S7,9i5>o3,io5, no,119,120,136,142, ib. 185,189,221,226,240,268, 270,283,286,287.
Zcnophon. p.36,1 15,239.
Dedlori
LECTORI ACADEMICO S.
CErte Philofophia Naturalis omnium SchnttarHm
nobilijjima ejij Certiffima ac anTfli^ima ^ utpote
fuo ambttn CompleSiens 'vohimtn illud magmim
^ admiranclnm Operum Dei ac Creaturarum j
eoritmq\ varietatem^ Conjiantiam ac ornaium. Caralogus
vcroifte, qui Capita (^ fumma Rerum Continctj omnium
qui tfnquam prodiere-, perfeSiijfimm efl , maxime ordinatur
ac dtfinitHs : <jfi?imaginem Mundi compofitus ac Rerum.
non intclledus C?^ fpeculationum, ^«<7r«/;/ non eUordo^ nu-
merufjffeq'-i finis ^ Catafogus re'verd ad imnfutam uni'Verfi
C^ cxperimentorum ita accommodatH^j utnaturamin iiatu-
ra quxrat, eamq\Jn omnef ejusformat mutatam conjlringat^
omnefq--, ejuf flatus comprehendat ; libertatem , errores,
vincu'.a^ in fpcciebu? fuis, in monftris, in mechanicis. De-
«/^jlndex eft incoyfiparabilis^acfummo judicio elaborates.Adfyl<vam ^ fupelleBilem Hifioriarum Naturalinm Colligen*
dam-, nullus itberior; ad^ fic colleSiam , in locos Com, (^proprias claffes digerendam, nnllus Concinnior j ad., fic di-
gefiam^ tnemoriter retinendam^ nullus efficacior unquam ex-
titit j ifel humano ingenio ac indnUria excooitari poteji. In-
tcripresfic cogitavit} quod juwemut'i Acadi.m.icx ac veri-
tatis amantibus notum fieri., ipforum interejfc puta'vit. E-
runtfortajps Pedarii Senatores., qui., modernis methodis ad-
fuetij aliam fe?itentiam ferent ; atqueferant aliam , Scd ju-
ftificata eft fapientia a filiis fuis.
CAT.
CATALOGUHifloriarum Particularum.
Secundum Capita.
«
Iftoria CcEleftium 5 five Aftronomica.
2 Hiftoria configurationis Coeli 8c partium ejus5
versus Terrain & partes ejus ; five Cofraographica.
3 Hiftoria Cometarura.
4 Hiftoria Meteororum ignitorum.
5 Hiftoria Fulgurum, FluminurajTonitruum, 8c Corufcationum.
6 Hiftoria Ventorum, 8c Flatuum repentinorum, 8c UndulationumAeris.
7 Hiftoria Iridum.
8 Hiftoria Nubium, prout fuperne confpiciuntur,
9 Hiftoria ExpanfionisCosrulex, Crepufculi, plurium Solium, pluri-
um Lunarura, Halonum, Colorum variorum Solis Sc Luns ; atq^
oranis varietatis Coeleftiura ad afpeftum, qu^e fit ratione Medii.
Hiftoria Pluviarum Ordinariarum, ProceHofarum, Sc Prodigio-
farum ; etiam Cataraftarum (quas vocantj Coeli, 8c fimilium.
Hiftoria Grandinis, Nivis, Gelu, Pruinje, Nebuljfj Roris, Sc fi-»
milium.
Hiftoria omnium aliorum Cadentium five Defcendentium ex
alto, Sc fuperne generatorum.
Hiftoria Sonituum in alto (fi raodo fint aliqui) prater Tonitrua.
Hiftoria Aeris, in Toto, five in Configuratione Mundi.
Hiftoria Tempeftatum, five Temperaraentorum Anni , tarn (e-
cundum rariationes Regionura,quam fecundum accidentia
Temporura, Sc periodos Annorum j Diluviorum, Fervorum5Sic-
citatum, Sc fimilium.
16 Hiftoria Terrs Sc Maris ; Figurse Sc Ambitus ipforum, 8c Confi-
gurationis ipforum inter fe, atq^Exporreftionis ipforum in latumaut
10
II
15
15
Catalogm Hiftoriarum Tarticularium.
aut anguftum ; Inftilarum Terr^e in Mari, Sinuum Maris, 8c La-
cuum falforum in Terra, Ifthmorum, Promontoriorum.
17 Hiftoria Motuum (fi qui fint) globi Terr« & Maris 5 & ex qui-
bus Experimentis illi colligi poffint.
18 Hiftoria Motuum majorum & Perturbationum in TerrS ^ Mari,
nempe Terrje Motuum & Tremorum & Hiatuum, Infularum de
novo enafcentium, Infularum fluftuantium, Abruptionum Terra-
riim per ingrefium Maris, Invafionura 8c IlluVionum, Sc contra
Defertionum Maris 5 Eruptionum ignium e terra, Eruptionum
fubitanearum Aquarum e Terra, £c fimilium.
19 Hiftoria Geographica Naturalis, Montium , Vallium , Sylvarum,
Planitierum , Arenarum, Paludum, Lacuum, Fluviorum, Tor-
rentium, Fontium , 8c omnis diverfitatis fcaturiginis ipforum,
8c fimilium: miffis Gentibus, Provinciis, Urbibus,8c hujufino-
di Civilibus.
20 Hiftoria Fluxuum 8c Refluxuum Maris, Euriporum, Undulatio-
num 8c Motuum Maris aliorum,
21 Hiftoria cxterorura Accidentium Maris 5 Salfuginis ejus, Colo-rum diverforum, Profunditatis ; 8c Rupium, Montium, Valli»
um fubmarinarum, 8c fimilium.
Sequuntur HiJiori£ Majjarum majorum,
2 2LJ[Iftoria Flammae, 8c Ignitorum.
23*" ^ Hiftoria Aeris, in fubftantia, non in Configuratione.^
34 Hiftoria Aquae, in fiibftantia, non in Configuratione.
25 Hiftoria Terrse 8c diverfitatis ejus in Subftantia , non in Coinfiguratione.
Stqmntur HiJiori£ Specieruw.
2(5lJrftoriaMetaUorura perfeftorum,Auri, Argentij8c Minerarum,** Venarum, Marcafitarum eorundem : Operaria quoque in Mt-neris ipforura.
27 Hiftoria Argenti Vivi.
28 Hiftoria Fofirlium 5 veluti Vitrioli, 8c Sulphuris, &c.
29 Hiftoria Gemmarum 3 veluti Adamantis, Rubini, d*r.
30 Hiftoria Lapidum ; ut Marmoris, Lapidis Lydii, Silicis, &c,
31 Hiftoria Magnetis.
32 Hiftoria Corporum Mifcellaneofum, qux nee fiint Foflilia pror-
fus s nee Vegetabilia ; ut Salium , Suecini , Ambrs-grifese,
33 Hiftoria Chymiea circa Metalla 8c Mineralia.
34 Hiftoria Plantarum, Arborum, Fruticum, Herbarum : 8c Parti-
um eorum, Radicum, Caulium, Ligni, Foliorum, Florum, Fru-
ftuum, Seminum, Lachrymarum, &c.
3 5 Hiftoria Chymiea circa Vegitabilia.
36 Hiftoria Pifcium, 8cPartium ae Generationis ipforura.
37 Hiftoria Volatilium, 8c Partiumae Generationis ipforum.
38 Hirtoria
Secundum Capita,
38 Hiftoria Qiiadrupedum , &: Partium ac Generationis ipfo-
rum,
39 Hiftoria Serpentum^ Vermium, Mufcarunij & Cc-eterorum In(e(^o-
runi^ & partium ac generationis ipforum.
40 Hiftoria Chymica circa ea qucelumuntur abAnimalibus.
ScquHntur HiJlori£ Homims.
41 LJIftoria Figurx , &: Membrorum externorum Hominis 3 Sta-* •* tutc-E , Compagis 3 Vultus , Lineamentorum j eorumq^ va-
rietatis fecundurn Gentes & Climata , aut alias minores Dif-
ferentias.
42 Hiftoria Ph\ fiognoraica fuper ipfa.
43 Hiftoria Anatomica, five Membrorum internorurn Hominis; &varietatis ipforum, quatenus invenitur in ipsa naturali Compage& Struftura, nontantum quoad Morbos Sc Accidentia prxterna'
turalia.*
44 Hiftoria partium fimilarium Hominis ; ut Carnis, Oflium , Mem-branarum e^f.
45 Hiftoria Huraorum in Hominej Sanguinis, Bilis, Spermatis,&c.
46 Hiftoria Excrementorum ; Sputi , Urinarum, Sudorum , Se-
dimentorum 5 Capillorum, Pilorum, Reduviarum, Unguium,8c fimilium.
47 Hiftoria Facultatum •, Attradionis, Digeftionis, Retentionis, Ek-puliionis, Sanguificationis, Affimilationis alimentorum in mem-bra, Verfionis Sanguinis &: Floris ejus in Spiritum, d^c.
48 Hiftoria Motuum Naturalium 8c Involuntariorum ; ut Motus
Cordis, Motus Pulfuum, Sternutationis, Motus Pulmonum, Mo-tus Ereftionis Virgx, C^c.
49 Hiftoria Motuum mixtorum ex Naturalibus 8c voluntariis 5 velu-
ti Refpirationis, Tuffis, Urinationis, Sedis, c^c.
50 Hiftoria Motuum Voluntariorum; ut Inftrumentorum ad voces
articulatas ; ut Motuum Oculorum, Lingua?, Faucium,Manuum,
Digitorum; Deglutionis, &c.
51 Hiftoria Somni 6c Infomniorum.
52 Hiftoria diverforum Habituum Corporis ; Pinguis , Macilenti
;
Coraplexionum(quas vocant,) &c.
53 Hiftoria Generationis Hominum.
54 Hiftoria Conceptionis, Vivificationis, Geftationis in utero, Par-
tus, &€.
55 Hiftoria Alimentationis Hominis, atq^ omnis Edulii 8c Potabilis,
atq; omnis Distx j 8c Varietatis ipforum, fecnndum Gentes aut
minores difFerentias. .
56 Hiftoria Augmentationis 8c Incrementi Coporis in Toto 8c Parti-
bus ipfius.
57 Hiftoria Decursus T^tatis i Infantis, Pueritis, Juventutis,Sene-
dlutisj Longjevitatis, Brevitaiis Vitx, 8: fimilium, fecundurn Gen-
tes Sc minores differentias.
Vv 58 Hiftoria
Cdtalogus Hifloriarum Particularium
58 Hiftoria Vitae & Mortis.
5p Hiftom Medicinalisj Morborum, & Syraptomatum ScSignorumeorundem.
60 Hiftoria Medicinalis, Cur^e, 8c Hemediorum, 8c Liberationum aMorbis.
61 Hiftoria Medicinalis eorum qu^e confervant Corpus 8c Sanita-
tem.
S2 Hiftoria Medicinalis eorum quse pertinent ad FormamSc DecusCorporis, c^c.
63 Hiftoria Medicinalis eorum qus corpus alterant, 8c pertinent ad
Regimen Alterativura.
64 Hiftoria Pharmaco-polaris.
6$ Hiftoria Chirurgica.
66 Hiftoria Chymica circa Medidnas. r
07 Hiftoria Visus 8c vifibilium, five Optica.
68 Hiftoria Pidur^e, Sculptoria, Plaftica, &c.69 Hiftoria Auditus 8c Sonorum.
70 Hiftoria Mufica.
71 Hiftoria Olfaftus, 8c Odorum.72 Hiftoria Guftus 8c Saporum.
75 Hiftoria Tadus Sc ejus Objeftorum. •
74 Hiftoria Veneris, ut fpeciei Taftus.
75 Hiftoria '~»olorum corporeorum, ut (peciei Tadlus;
y6 Hiftoria Voluptatis ScDoloris in genere.
77 Hiftoria Affeftuum :, ut Irs, Amoris, Verecundis, &c.78 Hiftoria Facultatum Intelleftualium , Cogitative, Phantafia^j
Difcursiis. MemoriiCj ^c79 Hiftfiria DivinationumNaturalium.
80 Hiftoria Dignotionnm, five Diacrifium occultarum Naturaliutn ,
81 Hiftoria Coquinaria 5 8c Artium fijbfervientium, veluti Macel-
Jarii, Aviaria, di^c.
82 Hiftoria Piftoria^ScPanificiorum 5 Sc Artium fubfervientium, ut
Molendinaria, d>^c.
83 Hiftoria Vinaria.
84 Hiftoria Cellaria, 8c diverfbrum generum Potus.
85 Hiftoria Bellariorum 8c Confedturarum.
86 Hiftoria Mellis.
8j Hiftoria Sacchari.
88 Hiftoria Lafticiniorum.
89 Hiftoria Balneatoria, 6c llnguentaria.
90 Hiftoria Mifcellanea circa curam corporis , Tonfbrum, Odora-riorura, d^c.
91 Hiftoria Auri-fabrilis, Sc Artium fubfervientium.
92 Hiftoria LaniHciorum, Sc Artium fubfervientium.
93 Hiftoria Opificiorum e Serico Sc Bombyce, 8c Artium iubfervi-
entium.
94 Hiftoria Opificiorum ex Lino, Cannabio, Goffipio, Setis, Scaliis
Fi!aceis3 Sc Artium fubfervientium.
95 Hiftoria Plumificiorum.c/6 Hiftoria Textoria, Sc Artium fubfervientium.
97 Hiftoria
Catalogiis Hifioriarum Varticularium,
97 Hiftoria Tinftoria.
98 Hiftori.iCoriaria, Alutaria^ & Artiutn fubfervientiurn;
99 Hiftoria Culcitraria fvPlumaria. »
100 Hiltoria Fcrri-Fabrilis.
1 01 Hiftoria Latomis live Lapicidarum-
102 Hiftoria Lateraria, 8«: Tegularia.
103 Hiftoria Figularis.
10+ Hiftoria C?mentaria, 6c Cruftaria.
105 Hiftoria Ligni-tabrilis,
io5 Hiftoria Plumbaria.
107 Hiftoria Vitri Sc omnium Vitreorum, & Vitriaria.
108 Hiftoria Architcfturar in genere.
109 Hiftoria Plauftraria Rhedaria, Ledicaria, €^r,
no Hiftoria Typographica, Libraria, Scriptoria, Sigillatoria , Atra-menti. Calami, Papyri, Membra nje,^:^^.
111 HiftoraCcr^e-
112 Hiftoria Viminaria.
113 Hiftoria Storearia J Opihciorum ex Stramine, Scirpis , & fi-
milibus.
114 Hiftoria Lotricaria, Scoparia, C^c.
115 Hiftoria Agricultura?, Pafcuarice, Cultus Sylvarum, d^c.
n6 Hiftoria Hortulana.
117 Hiftoria Pifcatoria. . -
118 Hiftoria Venationis & Aucupii.
119 Hiftoria Rei Bellies, &: Artium fubfervientium , Armamenta-ria, Arcuaria , Sagittaria ScJopetaria, Tormentaria, Baliftaria,
Machinaria, d^c.
120 Hiftoria Rei Nautics , & Praclicarum , & Artiura fubfervi-
tium.
121 Hiftoria Athletica , & omnis generis Exercitatioaum Ho-minis.
122 Hiftoria Rei Equeftris.
123 Hiftoria LudoVum omnis generis.
1 24 Hiftoria Prxftigiatorum& Circulatorum,
125 Hiftoria Mifcellanea diverfarum Materiarum Artificialium 5 ut
Efmaltc-E, Porcellans, compiurium Csmentorum, &c.126 Hiftoria Salium.
127 Hiftoria Mifcellanea diverfarum Machinarum , & Mo-tuum.
128 Hiftoria Mifcellanea Experimentorum Vulgarium j quse noncoaluerunt in Artem.
Etiam Muthcfiiaticarnf/t purarum Hiitori,e confcribend£ fnntj licetJlnt
potius OhJcrvJtioKCs qnam Experimenta,
129 Hiftoria naturarum Sc poteftatum Numerorum.
130 Hiftoria naturarumSc poteftatum Figurarum.
Vv 2 N<?»
Secundum Cafita,
^'*0« abf re fHerit admonere, quod, cum necejfe fit multa ex Expert-
ij mentis ftib duobus Titulis vel flnrihns cadere^ (velttti Hlftona
Plantarura& Hiftoria Artis Hortulanx tnulta hahebnntfere communia^
commordiorflt inquifttio per Artes.Djfpofltio vero per Corpora Taru^
enim nobis CHr£ ejide Artibns ipfis Mechanicis, fed tanium dens qu^
sfferunt ad infiruendam Vhilojophiam. Vcrum hac e re n^ta. mehus
regentur,
FINIS.
4Mi^*Mi.M=Mft
• Tyjograjhus LeBorL
UNa aut altera Pagina vacante in damnum Bibilopo-
IsE, ad implendam arcolam inancm, Nobiliff. Au-thoris Literas, fuo Collcgio miflas ac propria manu muni-
tas, fubjungere vifumcft. Quod vivit Chartula hsec peri-
tura, id noftrum munus eft i Tuum,Ledor, fi vigeat. Suc-
cinfta pagina eft,fedfolida : & cxcellentium virorum.etiam
Reliqui^ confervandae. Vale.
mmmmm-^mm-mmm^^^^
,.w . .«CZE
F R A. De FERVLAMIOVice-Comes S^^ ALBAN I
Percelebri Collegio San£l3e & Individuas Trinitatis.
CANTABRIGIA. S.
RE/ o»2«fJ earHmq\ frogreffus initiisfuu de-
bentur : It^hq-y cnm initia Scientiarum e
Fontibm veflru hauferimy incr^enta if-
farum vohis rependenda exiftimavi, Sfero itidem fo-
re^ut h£c noflra afud voy tanqnam in Solo nmvo Fe-
licihfuccrefcant. Quamohrem &- vos hortor] utJaU
va animi modefiia ^ d^ erga veterey reverentia , iffi
quoq^ Scientiarum Augmentis non defitis : vernm
ut fofi 'volmnimfacra uerbi Dei & Scrifturamm
,
fecundo loco volwnen illud magnum vpemm Dei c^
Creaturarum ^ ftrenue^ &' fr£ omnibus lihris, qui fro
Commentariis tantiim haberi debent , evolvatir.
Valete.