CXXX LIFE OF BACON. 



expression of &quot; Distempers of Learning,&quot; to which, that the 

 metaphor may be preserved, he has appended various other 

 defects, under the more quaint term of &quot; peccant Humours 

 of Learning, &quot;(b) 



His observations upon the advantages of learning, al 

 though encumbered by fanciful and minute analysis, abound 

 with beauty ; for, not contenting himself with the simple 

 position with which philosophy would be satisfied, that 

 knowledge teaches us how to select what is beneficial and 

 avoid what is injurious, he enumerates various modes, 

 divine and human, by which the happiness resulting from 

 knowledge ever has been and ever will be manifested. 



After having stated what he terms divine proofs of the 

 advantages of knowledge, he says, the human proofs are : 



1 . Learning diminishes afflictions from nature. 



2. Learning diminishes evils from man to man. 



3. There is a union between learning and military virtue. 



4. Learning improves private virtues. 



1. It takes away the barbarism of men s minds. 



2. It takes away levity, temerity, and insolency. 



3. It takes away vain admiration. 



4. It takes away or mitigates fear. 



5. It disposes the constitution of the mind not to 



be fixed or settled in its defects, but to be sus 

 ceptible of growth and reformation. 



5. It is power. 



6. It advances fortune. 



7. It is our greatest source of delight. 



8. It insures immortality. 



(b) See next page for the Analysis. 



