NOVUM ORGANUM 103 



measure to the method of discovering the quality and con 

 dition of the subject matter of investigation. 



CXXVIII. Let none even doubt whether we are anxious 

 to destroy and demolish the philosophy, arts, and sciences, 

 which are now in use. On the contrary, we readily cherish 

 their practice, cultivation, and honor; for we by no means 

 interfere to prevent the prevalent system from encouraging 

 discussion, adorning discourses, or being employed service- 

 ably in the chair of the professor or the practice of common 

 life, and being taken, in short, by general consent as cur 

 rent coin. Nay, we plainly declare, that the system we 

 offer will not be very suitable for such purposes, not being 

 easily adapted to vulgar apprehensions, except by effects 

 and works. To show our sincerity in professing our regard 

 and friendly disposition toward the received sciences, we 

 can refer to the evidence of our published writings (espe 

 cially our books on the Advancement of Learning). We 

 will not, therefore, endeavor to evince it any farther by 

 words; but content ourselves with steadily and professedly 

 premising, that no great progress can be made by the 

 present methods in the theory or contemplation of science, 

 and that they cannot be made to produce any very abun 

 dant effects. 



CXXIX. It remains for us to say a few words on the 

 excellence of our proposed end. If we had done so before, 

 we might have appeared merely to express our wishes, but 

 now that we have excited hope and removed prejudices, it 

 will perhaps have greater weight. Had we performed and 

 completely accomplished the whole, without frequently 

 calling in others to assist in our labors, we should then 

 have refrained from saying any more, lest we should be 

 thought to extol our own deserts. Since, however, the 



