ALPHABET OF NATURE. 209 



which the order of this alphabet is disposed, should have 

 s.o much authority given to them, as to be taken for true 

 and fixed partitions of things. That were to profess we 

 already knew the things after which we inquire; for no 

 man does truly dispose of things into their several classes, 

 who does not beforehand very well understand the nature 

 of them. It is sufficient, if these titles be conveniently 

 adapted to the order of inquiry; the thing which is at 

 present designed. 



The Rule, or Form of the Alphabet. 



After this manner we compose and dispose our alphabet. 



We begin solely with history and experiments. These 

 if they exhibit an enumeration and series of particular 

 things, are disposed into tables ; otherwise they are taken 

 separately, and by themselves. 



But seeing we are often at a loss for history and experi 

 ments, especially such as are luciferous, pr instructive, 

 and, as we call them, instances of the cross ; * by which 

 the understanding might be helped in the knowledge of 

 the true causes of things: we propose the task of making 

 new experiments. These may serve as an history in de 

 sign. For what else is to be done by us who are but 

 breaking the ice ? 



For the mode of any more abstruse experiment, we ex 

 plain it, lest any mistake arise about it; and to the intent 

 also that we may excite others to excogitate better me 

 thods. 



Also we interspect certain admonitions and cautions 

 concerning such fallacies of things, and errors in invention, 

 as we meet with in pur way. 



We subjoin our observations upon history and expe 

 riments, that the interpretation of nature may be the more 

 in readiness and at hand. 



Likewise we lay down canons (but not such as are fixed 

 and determined) and axioms which are, as it were, in 

 embryo: Such as offer themselves to us in the quality of 

 inquirers, and not of judges. Such canons and axioms 

 are profitable, though they appear not yet manifest, and 

 upon all accounts true. 



* See Nov. Organ. 1. 2. Aph. 36. 

 VOL. XV. P 



