PREFACE 



rather than talents and excellence. The first admonition 

 relates to persons, the next to things. 



We make no attempt to disturb the system of philosophy 

 that now prevails, or any other which may or will exist, 

 either more correct or more complete. For we deny not 

 that the received system of philosophy, and others of a 

 similar nature, encourage discussion, embellish harangues, 

 are employed, and are of service in the duties of the pro 

 fessor, and the affairs of civil life. Nay, we openly express 

 and declare that the philosophy we offer will not be very 

 useful in such respects. It is not obvious, nor to be under 

 stood in a cursory view, nor does it flatter the mind in its 

 preconceived notions, nor will it descend to the level of the 

 generality of mankind unless by its advantages and effects. 



Let there exist then (and may it be of advantage to 

 both), two sources, and two distributions of learning, and 

 in like manner two tribes, and as it were kindred families 

 of contemplators or philosophers, without any hostility or 

 alienation between them; but rather allied and united by 

 mutual assistance. Let there be in short one method 

 of cultivating the sciences, and another of discovering 

 them. And as for those who prefer and more readily re 

 ceive the former, on account of their haste or from motives 

 arising from their ordinary life, or because they are unable 

 from weakness of mind to comprehend and embrace the 

 other (which must necessarily be the case with by far the 

 greater number), let us wish that they may prosper as they 

 desire in their undertaking, and attain what they pursue. 

 But if any individual desire, and is anxious not merely to 

 adhere to, and make use of present discoveries, but to pene 

 trate still further, and not to overcome his adversaries in 

 disputes, but nature by labor, not in short to give elegant 



