NOVUM ORGANUM. 161 



without the telescope. By the telescope, also, we can 

 behold the revolutions of smaller stars round Jupiter, whence 

 it may be conjectured that there are several centres of 

 motion among the stars. By its assistance, also, the irre 

 gularity of light and shade on the moon s surface is more 

 clearly observed and determined, so as to allow of a sort of 

 Selenography. By the telescope we see the spots in the 

 sun, and other similar phenomena ; all of which are most 

 noble discoveries, as far as credit can be safely given to 

 demonstrations of this nature, which are on this account 

 very suspicious, namely, that experiment stops at these few, 

 and nothing further has yet been discovered by the same 

 method, among objects equally worthy of consideration. 



We have instances of the third kind in measuring rods, 

 astrolabes, and the like, which do not enlarge, but correct 

 and guide the sight. If there be other instances which 

 assist the other senses in their immediate and individual 

 action, yet if they add nothing further to their information 

 they are not apposite to our present purpose, and we have 

 therefore said nothing of them. 



40. In the seventeenth rank of prerogative instances 

 we will place Citing instances (to borrow a term from the 

 tribunals), because they cite those things to appear, which 

 have not yet appeared. We are wont also to call them 

 invoking instances, and their property is that of reducing 

 to the sphere of the senses objects which do not imme 

 diately fall within it. 



Objects escape the senses either from their distance, or 

 the intervention of other bodies ; or because they are not 

 calculated to make an impression upon the senses ; or be 

 cause they are not in sufficient quantity to strike the senses ; 

 or because there is not sufficient time for their acting upon 

 the senses ; or because the impression is too violent ; or 

 because the senses are previously filled and possessed by 

 the object, so as to leave no room for any new motion. 

 These remarks apply principally to sight and next to touch : 

 which two senses act extensively in giving information, and 

 that too upon general objects, whilst the remaining three 

 inform us only, as it were, by their immediate action, and 

 as to specific objects. 



There can be no reduction to the sphere of the senses in 

 the first case, unless in the place of the object, which 

 cannot be perceived on account of the distance, there be 

 added or substituted some other object, which can excite 



VOL. xiv. M 



