154 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. [XIII. 4. 



the humour of Tiberius in his beginnings, that would 

 reign, but would not acknowledge so much. And in the 

 later Academy, which Cicero embraced, this opinion also 

 of acatalepsia (I doubt) was not held sincerely : for that 

 all those which excelled in copie of speech seem to have 

 chosen that sect, as that which was fittest to give glory to 

 their eloquence and variable discourses ; being rather like 

 progresses of pleasure, than journeys to an end. But 

 assuredly many scattered in both Academies did hold it 

 in subtilty and integrity. But here was their chief error ; 

 they charged the deceit upon the senses; which in my 

 judgement (notwithstanding all their cavillations) are very 

 sufficient to certify and report truth, though not always 

 immediately, yet by comparison, by help of instrument, 

 and by producing and urging such things as are too 

 subtile for the sense to some effect comprehensible by 

 the sense, and other like assistance. But they ought to 

 have charged the deceit upon the weakness of the intel 

 lectual powers, and upon the manner of collecting and 

 concluding upon the reports of the senses. This I speak, 

 not to disable the mind of man, but to stir it up to seek 

 help : for no man, be he never so cunning or practised, 

 can make a straight line or perfect circle by steadiness of 

 hand, which may be easily done by help of a ruler or 

 compass. 



5. This part of invention, concerning the invention of 

 Experientia sciences, I purpose (if God give me leave) 

 literata, and hereafter to propound, having digested it into 

 interpretatio two p ar t s whereof the one I term experien- 

 natnra, ^ m era ^ an( j t h e other interpretatio natures: 



the former being but a degree and rudiment of the latter. 

 But I will not dwell too long, nor speak too great upon a 

 promise. 



