THE SECOND BOOK. 125 



the greatest matters are many times carried in the weakest 

 ciphers. 



(7) In the enumeration of these private and retired arts it 

 may be thought I seek to make a great muster-roll of sciences, 

 naming them for show and ostentation, and to little other 

 purpose. But let those, which are skilful in them, judge 

 whether I bring them in only for appearance, or whether in 

 that which I speak of them (though in few words) there be not 

 some seed of proficience. And this must be remembered, that 

 as there be many of great account in their countries and 

 provinces, which, when they come up to the seat of the estate, 

 are but of mean rank and scarcely regarded ; so these arts, 

 being here placed with the principal and supreme sciences, 

 seem petty things : yet to such as have chosen them to 

 spend their labours and studies in them, they seem great 

 matters. 



XVII. (1) For the method of tradition, I see it hath moved 

 a controversy in our time. But as in civil business, if there be 

 a meeting, and men fall at words, there is commonly an end of 

 the matter for that time, and no proceeding at all; so in 

 learning, where there is much controversy, there is many 

 times little inquiry. For this part of knowledge of method 

 seemeth to me so weakly inquired as I shall report it deficient. 



(2) Method hath been placed, and that not amiss, in logic, 

 as a part of judgment. For as the doctrine of syllogisms 

 comprehendeth the rules of judgment upon that which is 

 invented, so the doctrine of method containeth the rules of 

 judgment upon that which is to be delivered ; for judgment 

 precedeth delivery, as it followeth invention. Neither is the 

 method or the nature of the tradition material only to the use 

 of knowledge, but likewise to the progression of knowledge : 

 for since the labour and life of one man cannot attain to 

 perfection of knowledge, the wisdom of the tradition is that 

 which inspireth the felicity of continuance and proceeding. 

 And therefore the most real diversity of method is of method 

 referred to use, and method referred to progression : where 

 of the one may be termed magistral, and the other of pro 

 bation. 



(3) The latter whereof seemeth to be via deserta et inter- 

 clusa. For as knowledges are now delivered, there is a kind 

 of contract of error between the deliverer and the receiver. 

 For he that delivereth knowledge desireth to deliver it in such 

 form as may be best believed, and not as may be best 

 examined ; and he that receiveth knowledge desireth rather 

 present satisfaction than expectant inquiry ; and so rather riol 



