154 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [XH 4 
the humour of Tiberius in his beginnings, that would 
reign, but would not acknowledge so much. And in the 
later Academy, which Cicero embraced, this opinion also 
of acafalepsia (I doubt) was not held sincerely: for that 
all those which excelled in copie of speech seem to have 
chosen that sect, as that which was fittest to give glory to 
their eloquence and variable discourses ; being rather like 
progresses of pleasure, than journeys to an end. But 
assuredly many scattered in both Academies did hold it 
(in subtilty and integrity. But here was their chief error; 
| they charged the deceit upon the senses; which in my 
|judgement (notwithstanding all their cavillations) are very 
\sufficient to certify and report truth, though not always 
immediately, yet by comparison, by help of instrument, 
-and by producing and urging such things as are too 
" subtile for the sense to some effect comprehensible by 
the sense, and other like assistance. But they ought to 
have charged the deceit upon the weakness of the intel- 
lectual powers, and upon the manner of collecting and 
concluding upon the reports of the senses. This I speak, 
not to disable the mind of man, but to stir it up to seek 
help: for no man, be he never so cunning or practised, 
can make a straight line or perfect circle by steadiness of 
hand, which may be easily done by help of a ruler or 
compass. 
5. This part of invention, concerning the invention of 
Experientia . sciences, I purpose (if God give me leave) 
literata, and hereafter to propound, having digested it into 
interpretatio two parts; whereof the one I term exjerien- 
oye: tia literata, and the other zx/erpretato nature: 
the former being but a degree and rudiment of the latter. 
But I will not dwell too long, nor speak too great upon a 
promise. 
