/ 1

.

V '

">%4 "^:

^ JT 2.

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2009 with funding from

University of Toronto

http://www.archive.org/details/ofadvancementprOObaco

ex

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»

fioicfl

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 refpe&eth. 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 refpe&eth 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-

ImifM aiir

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 refpe&eth. 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

I

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 refpe&eth 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 refpe&eth 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

SACRED SCRIPTURESIlluftrated or Alleged.

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.

VA

f-tjvuffirf