212 NOVUM ORGANUM 



XXXYIII. Next follow five classes of instances which 

 we are wont to call by the general term of instances of the 

 lamp, or of immediate information. They are such as assist 

 the senses; for since every interpretation of nature sets out 

 from the senses, and leads, by a regular fixed and well- 

 established road, from the perceptions of the senses to those 

 of the understanding (which are true notions and axioms), 

 it necessarily follows, that in proportion as the representa 

 tives or ministerings of the senses are more abundant and 

 accurate, everything else must be more easy and successful. 



The first of these five sets of instances of the lamp, 

 strengthen, enlarge, and correct the immediate operations 

 of the senses; the second reduce to the sphere of the senses 

 such matters as are beyond it; the third indicate the con 

 tinued process or series of such things and motions, as for 

 the most part are only observed in their termination, or in 

 periods; the fourth supply the absolute wants of the senses; 

 the fifth excite their attention and observation, and at the 

 same time limit the subtilty of things. We will now pro 

 ceed to speak of them singly. 



XXXIX. In the sixteenth rank, then, of prerogative 

 instances, we will place the instances of the door or gate, 

 by which name we designate such as assist the immediate 

 action of the senses. It is obvious, that sight holds the 

 first rank among the senses, with regard to information, 

 for which reason we must seek principally helps for that 

 sense. These helps appear to be threefold, either to enable 

 it to perceive objects not naturally seen, or to see them from 

 a greater distance, or to see them more accurately and dis 

 tinctly. 



We have an example of the first (not to speak of spec 

 tacles and the like, which only correct and remove the in- 



