286 NOVUM ORGANUM 



reports, but without rashness and credulity, with an anx 

 ious and, as it were, hesitating degree of reliance. There 

 remains one species of harmony which, though simple in 

 its mode of action, is yet most valuable in its use, and must 

 by no means be omitted, but rather diligently investigated. 

 It is the ready or difficult coition or union of bodies in com 

 position, or simple juxtaposition. For some bodies readily 

 and willingly mix, and are incorporated, others tardily and 

 perversely; thus powders mix best with water, chalk and 

 ashes with oils, and the like. Nor are these instances of 

 readiness and aversion to mixture to be alone collected, 

 but others, also, of the collocation, distribution, and diges 

 tion of the parts when mingled, and the predominance after 

 the mixture is complete. 



7. Lastly, there remains the seventh, and last of the 

 seven, modes of action; namely, that by the alternation 

 and interchange of the other six; but of this, it will not 

 be the right time to offer any examples, until some deeper 

 investigation shall have taken place of each of the others. 

 The series, or chain of this alternation, in its mode of appli 

 cation to separate effects, is no less powerful in its operation 

 than difficult to be traced. But men are possessed with the 

 most extreme impatience, both of such inquiries, and their 

 practical application, although it be the clew of the laby 

 rinth in. all greater works. Thus far of the generally useful 

 instances. 



LI. The twenty-seventh and last place we will assign 

 to the magical instances, a term which we apply to those 

 where the matter or efficient agent is scanty or small, in 

 comparison with the grandeur of the work or effect pro 

 duced; so that even when common they appear miraculous, 

 some at first sight, others even upon more attentive obser- 



