THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE WORK. 23 



models calculated to place, as it were, before our eyes the 

 whole process of the mind, and the continuous frame and 

 order of discovery in particular subjects selected for their 

 variety and importance. For we recollected that in mathe 

 matics, with the diagram before our eyes, the demonstra 

 tion easily and clearly followed, but without this advantage 

 every thing appeared intricate and more subtile than was 

 really the case. We devote, therefore, the FOURTH PART 

 of our work to such examples, which is in fact nothing more 

 than a particular and fully developed application of the 

 second part. 



But the FIFTH PART is only used for a temporary purpose, 

 whilst the rest are being perfected, and is paid down as 

 interest, until the principal can be raised. For we rush not 

 so blindly to our object, as to neglect any thing useful on 

 our way. We compose this fifth part of the work therefore 

 of those matters which we have either discovered, tried, or 

 added ; without, however, employing our own method and 

 rules for interpretation, but merely making the same use of 

 our understanding as others are wont to do in their inves 

 tigations and discoveries. For from our constant inter 

 course with nature, we both anticipate greater results from 

 our meditations than the mere strength of our wit would 

 warrant ; and yet such results as have been mentioned may 

 also serve as inns upon the road for the mind to repose it 

 self awhile on its way to more certain objects. We protest, 

 in the mean time, against any great value being set 

 upon that which has not been discovered or proved by 

 the true form of interpretation. There is no reason, how 

 ever, for any one to be alarmed at such suspense of judg 

 ment in our method of teaching, which does not assert ab 

 solutely that nothing can be known, but that nothing can 

 be known without a determined order and method ; and in 

 the mean time has settled some determined gradations of 

 certitude, until the mind can repose in the full developement 

 of causes. Nor were those schools of philosophers, who 

 professed absolute scepticism, inferior to the others which 

 took upon themselves to dogmatise. They did not, how 

 ever, prepare helps for the senses ami understanding as we 

 have done, but at once abolished all belief and authority, 

 which is a totally different, nay almost opposite matter. 



Lastly, the SIXTH PART of our work (to which the rest 

 are subservient and auxiliary) discloses and propounds that 

 philosophy which is reared and formed by the legitimate 

 pure and strict method of investigation previously taught 



