[xvi] NOTE I. 



whereas new things piece not so well; but, though they help by 

 their utility yet they trouble by their inconformity : besides, 

 they are like strangers, more admired, and less favoured.&quot; Again, 



&quot; For otherwise, whatsoever is new is unlocked for ; 

 and ever it mends some, and pains other, and he that is 

 holpeii takes it for a fortune, and thanks the time ; and he that 

 is hurt for a wrong, imputeth it to the author.&quot; 



Caution teaches that changes ought not to be adventured 

 upon, without a comprehensive discernment of the conse 

 quences, without a knowledge as well of the remote tendency 

 as of the immediate design. The courage of a statesman 

 should resemble that of a commander, who, however regard 

 less of personal danger, never forgets that, with his own, he 

 commits the lives and fortunes of a multitude; and who does 

 not consider it as any proof of zeal or valour, to stake the 

 safety of other men upon the success of a perilous or desperate 

 enterprize. 



NOTE I. 



There is surely a great difference between arts and civil 

 affairs .- for the danger is not the same from new light, as from 

 new commotions. In civil affairs, it is true a change even for 

 the better is suspected, through fear of disturbance: because 

 these affairs depend upon authority, consent, reputation and 

 opinion, and not upon demonstration: but arts and sciences 

 should be like mines, resounding on all sides with new works : 

 and thus it ought to be: but the case, in fact, is otherwise. 



See Traites De Legislation De Jeremie Bentham, par et 

 Dumont, vol. 2, page 134. Chapitre des egards dus aux institu 

 tions existantes. 



Bacon in enumerating the Errors of Learning, says, 



And as for the overmuch credit that hath been given unto 

 authors in sciences, in making them dictators, that their words 

 should stand, and not consuls, to give advice ; the damage is 

 infinite that sciences have received thereby, as the principal 

 cause that hath kept them low, at a stay, without growth or 

 advancement. For hence it hath come, that in arts mechanical 

 the first deviser comes shortest, and time addeth and per- 



