136 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



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 com 

 parison, 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 intellectual 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 

 zvertorta ? f sciences, I purpose (if God give me 

 literata, and leave) hereafter to propound, having 

 interpretatio digested it into two parts ; whereof the 



one I term experientia literata, and the 

 other interpretatio naturae : 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. 



6. The invention of speech or argument is not pro 

 perly an invention : for to invent is to discover that we 

 know not, and not to recover or resummon that which 

 we already know : and the use of this invention is no 

 other but, out of the knowledge whereof our mind is 

 already possessed, to draw forth or call before us that 

 which may be pertinent to the purpose which we take 

 into our consideration. So as to speak truly, it is no 



