NOVUM ORGANUM 17 



point out and define new particulars, and therefore impart 

 activity to the sciences. 



XXV. The axioms now in use are derived from a scanty 

 handful, as it were, of experience, and a few particulars of 

 frequent occurrence, whence they are of much the same 

 dimensions or extent as their origin. And if any neglected 

 or unknown instance occurs, the axiom is saved by some 

 frivolous distinction, when it would be more consistent with 

 truth to amend it. 



XXVI. We are wont, for the sake of distinction, to call 

 that human reasoning which we apply to nature the antici 

 pation of nature (as being rash and premature), and that 

 which is properly deduced from things the interpretation of 

 nature. 



XXVII. Anticipations are sufficiently powerful in pro 

 ducing unanimity, for if men were all to become even uni 

 formly mad, they might agree tolerably well with each 

 other. 



XXVIII. Anticipations again, will be assented to much 

 more readily &quot;than interpretations, because being deduced 

 from a few instances, and these principally of familiar oc 

 currence, they immediately hit the understanding and sat 

 isfy &quot;the imagination; while, on the contrary, interpretations, 

 being deduced from various subjects, and these widely dis 

 persed, cannot suddenly strike- the understanding, so that in 

 common estimation they must appear difficult and discord 

 ant, and almost like the mysteries of faith. 



XXIX. In sciences founded on opinions and dogmas, it 

 is right to make use of anticipations and logic if you wish to 

 force assent rather than things. 



XXX. If all the capacities of all ages should unite and 

 combine and transmit their labors, no great progress will be 



