34 NOVUM OllGANUM. 



properly and regularly abstracted from particulars, easily 

 point out and define new particulars, and therefore impart 

 activity to the sciences. 



25. The axioms now in use are derived from a scanty 

 handful, as it were, of experience, and a few particulars of 

 frequent Occurrence, whence they are of much the same 

 dimensions or extent as their origin. And if any neglected 

 or unknown instance occurs, the axiom is saved by some 

 frivolous distinction, when it would be more consistent 

 with truth to amend it. 



26. We are wont, for the sake of distinction, to call that 

 human reasoning which we apply to nature, the anticipa 

 tion of nature (as being rash and premature); and that 

 which is properly deduced from things the interpretation 

 of nature. 



27. Anticipations are sufficiently powerful in producing 

 unanimity, for if men were all to become even uniformly 

 mad, they might agree tolerably well with each other. 



28. Anticipations again will be assented to much more 

 readily than interpretations ; because being deduced from a 

 few instances, and these principally of familiar occurrence, 

 they immediately hit the understanding, and satisfy the 

 imagination ; whilst, on the contrary, interpretations, being 

 deduced from various subjects, and these widely dispersed, 

 cannot suddenly strike the understanding; so that, in 

 common estimation, they must appear difficult and discord 

 ant, and almost like the mysteries of faith. 



29. In sciences founded on opinions and dogmas it is 

 right to make use of anticipations and logic, if you wish to 

 force assent rather than things. 



30. If all the capacities of all ages should unite and 

 combine and transmit their labours, no great progress will 

 be made in learning by anticipations ; because the radical 

 errors, and those which occur in the first process of the 

 mind, are not cured by the excellence of subsequent 

 means and remedies. 



31. It is in vain to expect any great progress in the 

 sciences by the superinducing or engrafting new matters 

 upon old. An instauration must be made from the very 

 foundations, if we do not wish to revolve for ever in a circle, 

 making only some slight and contemptible progress. 



32. The ancient authors, and all others, are left in un 

 disputed possession of their honours. For we enter into 

 no comparison of capacity or talent but of method ; and 

 assume the part of a guide rather than of a critic. 



