PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE LEIBNITZ'S IDEAS. 31 



modern research dwell in the general philosophy of Nature 

 only; it reaches also to special branches of knowledge, 

 which often exhibit the existence as facts of what were 

 conjectures on the part of the author of the " New Essays." 

 Thus the slow progress of these sciences has reached the 

 revelation of truths seized by the thinker's rapid intuition. 

 This consideration increases our admiration for that daring 

 genius who pierces with so natural an ease to the knowl- 

 edge of the secret springs of the world, as if he had won 

 his way to communion with the absolute. 



Leibnitz's intellect, indeed, could not tolerate either 

 the geometrical exactness or the unyielding persistence 

 displayed by that of Descartes. All the ideas of the latter 

 are deduced by rule and method; all his systems are rigid- 

 ly disposed in order; he reveres precise lines and clear 

 drawing. Leibnitz has the ways of a colorist ; he goes on 

 without rule, or sequence, or control, almost by starts, 

 flinging out his ideas here and -there, as his fancy bids, 

 whensoever and howsoever reflection or impulsive intuition 

 hint them to him. Incessantly diverted from one thought 

 to another, he expatiates on the various subjects that at- 

 tract him, instead of arranging his conceptions in an order- 

 ly whole. For him, philosophy seems like a contrasting 

 relief from the profound and tedious studies that employ 

 his sustained attention and the controversies in which he 

 displays extraordinary activity. He loves action and social 

 intercourse. He aims at being a statesman. If he gives 

 himself up to metaphysics, he handles the most intricate 

 questions with simple ease, but in a manner indirectly, and 

 solves them by deep sayings. Clearly that pursuit is not 

 the great business of his life, but is its dignified amuse- 

 ment. In matter and in manner alike, Descartes and 

 himself are opposed. They agree neither as to methods 

 nor as to conclusions. They are at variance upon first 

 causes, upon final causes, upon man, the world, the soul, 



