NOVUM ORGANUM. 159 



time and space without any body, since it exists neither in 

 the extreme nor in the intermediate bodies. Hence the 

 magnetic action may be taken as an instance of divorce of 

 corporeal nature and natural action : to which we may add 

 as a corollary and an advantage not to be neglected, that it 

 may be taken as a proof of essence and substance being- 

 separate and incorporeal, even by those who philosophise 

 according to the senses. For if natural power and action 

 emanating from a body can exist at any time and place en 

 tirely without any body, it is nearly a proof that it can also 

 emanate originally from an incorporeal substance. For a 

 corporeal nature appears to be no less necessary for sup 

 porting and conveying than for exciting or generating na 

 tural action. 



38. Next follow five classes of instances which we are 

 wont to call by the general term of instances of the Lamp, 

 or of immediate information. They are such as assist the 

 senses. For since every interpretation of nature sets out 

 from the senses, and leads, by a regular fixed and well 

 established road, from the perceptions of the senses to 

 those of the understanding (which are true notions and 

 axioms), it necessarily follows, that in proportion as the 

 representatives or ministerings of the senses are more abun 

 dant and accurate, every thing else must be more easy and 

 successful. 



The first of these five sets of instances of the lamp 

 strengthen, enlarge, and correct the immediate operations of 

 the senses. The second reduce to the sphere of the senses 

 such matters as are beyond it. The third indicate the con 

 tinued process or series of such things and motions, as for 

 the most part, are only observed in their termination, or in 

 periods. The fourth supply the absolute wants of the 

 senses. The fifth excite their attention and observation, 

 and at the same time limit the subtilty of things. We will 

 now proceed to speak of them singly. 



39. In the sixteenth rank then of prerogative instances, 

 we will place the instances of the Door or Gate, by which 

 name we designate such as assist the immediate action 

 of the senses. It is obvious, that sight holds the first 

 rank among the senses, with regard to information, for 

 which reason we must seek principally helps for that sense. 

 These helps appear to be threefold ; either to enable it to 

 perceive objects not naturally seen, or to see them from a 

 greater distance, or to see them more accurately and dis 

 tinctly. 



