DISTRIBUTION OF THE WORK. 11 



prehend not only the things already invented and known, 

 but also those omitted and wanted ; for the intellectual 

 globe, as well as the terrestrial, has both its frosts and 

 deserts. It is therefore no wonder if we sometimes depart 

 from the common divisions. For an addition, whilst it alters 

 the whole, must necessarily alter the parts, and their sections ; 

 whereas the received divisions are only fitted to the received 

 sum of the sciences, as it now stands. With regard to the 

 things we shall note as defective ; it will be our method to 

 give more than the bare titles, or short heads of what we 

 desire to have done ; with particular care, where the dignity 

 or difficulty of the subject requires it, either to lay down 

 the rules for effecting the work, or make an attempt of our 

 own, by way of example, or pattern, of the whole. For it 

 concerns our own character, no less than the advantage 

 of others, to know that a mere capricious idea has not 

 presented the subject to our mind, and that all we desire and 

 aim at is a wish. For our designs are within the power of 

 all to compass, and we ourselves have certain and evident 

 demonstrations of their utility. We come not hither, as 

 augurs, to measure out regions in our mind by divination, 

 but like generals, to invade them for conquest. And this is 

 the first part of the work. 



When we have gone through the ancient arts, we shall 

 prepare the human understanding for pressing on beyond 

 them. The second object of the work embraces the doc 

 trine of a more perfect use of reason, and the true helps 

 of the intellectual faculties, so as to raise and enlarge the 

 powers of the mind; and, as far as the condition of humanity 

 allows, to fit it to conquer the difficulties and obscurities of 

 nature. The thing we mean, is a kind of logic, by us called 

 The Art of interpreting Nature ; as differing widely from 

 the common logic, which, however, pretends to assist and 

 direct the understanding, and in that they agree : but the 

 difference betwixt them consists in three things, viz., the end, 

 the order of demonstrating, and the grounds of inquiry. 



The end of our new logic is to find, not arguments, bub 

 arts ; not what agrees with principles, but principles them 

 selves : not probable reasons, but plans and designs of works 

 a different intention producing a different effect. In one the 

 adversary is conquered by dispute, and in the other nature 



