182 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [XIX.1._ 
tradition of knowledge, the one critical, the other pedant- 
‘ ical. For vall_knowledge is cither delivered by teachers, 
YY or attained by men’s proper endeavours: and therefore 
‘as the principal part of tradition of knowledge | concerneth 
chiefly ‘writing of books, so 30 the relative > part thereof f con- 
cerneth reading of books ; whereunto appertain incidently 
ard these considerations. The first is concerning the true 
4 correction and edition of authors; wherein nevertheless 
rash diligence hath done great prejudice. For these , 
critics have often presumed that that which they under- 
stand not is false set down: as the priest that, where 
he found it written of S. Paul Demzssus est per sportam, 
mended his book, and made it Demzssus est per portam ; 
because sfor/a was an hard word, and out of his reading: 
and surely their errors, though they be not so palpable 
and ridiculous, yet are of the same kind. And therefore, 
as it hath been wisely noted, the most corrected copies 
are commonly the least correct. 
The second is concerning the exposition and explic- 
ation of authors, which resteth in annotations and com- 
mentaries: wherein it is over usual to blanch the obscure 
places and discourse upon the plain. 
The third is concerning the times, which in many cases 
qd give great light to true’ interpretations. 
The fourth is concerning some brief censure and judge- 
ment of the authors; that men thereby may make some 
election unto themselves what books to read. 
And the fifth is concerning the syntax and disposition 
of studies; that men may know in what order or pursuit 
to read. 
2. For pedantical knowledge, it containeth that differ- 
ence of tradition which is proper for youth; whereunto 
appertain divers considerations of great fruit. 
