382 PREFACE. 



the same course as they have done, we could never, by any artifice, con 

 trive to avoid the imputation ot having engaged in a contest or ri\alry 

 as to our respective wits, excellencies, or talents ; which, though 

 neither inadmissible or new (for why should we not blame and point 

 out anything that is imperfectly discovered or laid down by them, of our 

 own right, a right common to all), yet however just and allowable, 

 would perhaps be scarcely an equal match, on account oi the dispro 

 portion of our strength. But since our present plan leads up to open 

 an entirely different course to the understanding, and one unattempted 

 and unknown to them, the case is altered. There is an end to party 

 zeal, and we only take upon ourselves the character ot a guide, which 

 requires a moderate share of authority and good fortune, rather than 

 talents and excellence. The first admonition relates to persons, the next 

 to things. 



We make no attempt to disturb the system oi 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 ha 

 rangues, are employed, and are of service in the duties ot the professor, 

 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 understood 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 af learning, and in like manner two tribes, 

 and as it were kindred families of contemplators or philosophers, with 

 out any hostility or alienation between them ; but rather allied and 

 united by mutual assistance. Let there be in short one method of cul 

 tivating the sciences, and another of discovering them. And as for 

 those who prefer and more readily receive the former, on account oi 

 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 un 

 dertaking, and attain what they pursue. But if any individual desire, 

 and is anxious not merely to adhere to, and make use of present dis 

 coveries, but to penetrate still further, and not to overcome his 

 adversaries in disputes, but nature by labour, not in short to give 

 elegant and specious opinions, but to know to a certainty and demon 

 stration, let him, as a true son of science (ii such be his wish), joiii with 

 us ; that when he has left the antichambers ot nature trodden by the 

 multitude, an entrance may at last be discovered to her inner apart 

 ments. And in order to be better understood, and to render our 

 meaning more familiar by assigning determinate names, we have accus 

 tomed ourselves to call the one method the anticipation 01 the mind, 

 and the other the interpretation of nature. 



We have still one request left. We have at least reflected and taken 

 pains in order to render our propositions not only true, but of easy and 

 familiar access to men s minds, however wondenally prepossessed and 

 limited. Yet it is but just that we should obtain this favour from 



