vitt. 3]. THE SECOND BOOK. 125 
the works or fruits of nature or art) which are now 
extant, and whereof man is already possessed; out of 
which doth naturally result a note, what things are yet 
held impossible, or not invented: which kalendar will 
be the more artificial and serviceable, if to every reputed 
impossibility you add what thing is extant which cometh 
the nearest in degree to that impossibility; to the end 
that by these optatives and potentials man’s inquiry may 
be the more awake in deducing direction of works from 
the’ speculation of causes. And secondly, that those ex- 
periments be not only esteemed which have an immediate 
and present use, but those principally which are of most 
universal consequence for invention of other experiments, 
and those which give most light to the invention of causes. 
For the invention of the mariner’s needle, which giveth 
the direction, is of no less benefit for navigation than the 
invention of the sails which give the motion. 
4. Thus have I passed through natural philosophy 
and the deficiences thereof; wherein if I have differed 
from the ancient and received doctrines, and thereby 
shall move contradiction, for my part, as I affect not 
to dissent, so I purpose not to contend. If it be 
truth, 
Non canimus surdis, respondent omnia sylvz ; 
the voice of nature will consent, whether the voice of 
man do or no. Andas Alexander Borgia was wont to 
say of the expedition of the French for Naples, that 
they came with chalk in their hands to mark up their 
lodgings, and not with weapons to fight; so I like better 
that entry of truth which cometh peaceably with chalk 
to mark up those minds which are capable to lodge 
and harbour it, than that which cometh with pugnacity 
and contention. 
