498 NOVUM OROANUM. [BOOK n. 



effecting the miracles of nature is more obscure. Great care, 

 however, must be taken, that they do not depress the under 

 standing, and fix it, as it were, to earth. 



For there is some danger, lest the understanding should bo 

 astonished and chained down, and as it were bewitched, by such 

 works of art, as appear to be the very summit and pinnacle of 

 human industry, so as not to become familiar with them, but 

 rather to suppose that nothing of the kind can be accomplished, 

 unless the same means be employed, -with perhaps a little more 

 diligence, and more accurate preparation. 



Now, on the contrary, it may be stated as a fact, that the ways 

 and means hitherto discovered and observed, of effecting any 

 matter or work, arc for the most part of little value, and that all 

 really efficient power depends, and is really to be deduced from 

 the sources of forms, none of which have yet been discovered. 



Thus (as we have before observed), had any one meditated on 

 balistie machines, and battering rams, as they were iiscd by the 

 ancients, whatever application lie might have exerted, and though 

 lie might have consumed a whole life in the pursuit, yet would 

 he never have hit upon the invention of flaming engines, acting 

 by means of gunpowder; nor would any person, who had made 

 \\oollcn manufactories and cotton the subject of his observation 

 and reflection, have ever discovered thereby the nature of the 

 silkworm or of silk. 



Hence all the most noble discoveries have (if you observe) 

 come to light, not by any gradual improvement and extension of 

 the arts, but merely by chance; whilst nothing imitates or anti- 

 pates chance (which is wont to act at intervals of ages) but the 

 invention of forms. 



There is no necessity for adducing any particular examples of 

 these instances, since they arc abundant. The plan to be pursued 

 U this : all the mechanical, and even the liberal arts (as far as 

 i hey arc practical), should be visited and thoroughly examined, 

 ;:nd thence there should be formed a compilation or particular 

 history of the great masterpieces, or most finished works in each, 

 :.s well as of the mode of carrying them into effect. 



Nor do we confine the diligence to be used in such a compila- 

 1 ion to the leading works and secrets only of every art, and such 

 ::3 excite wonder ; for wonder is engendered by rarity, since that 

 which is rare, although it be compounded of ordinary natures, 

 always begets wonder. 



On the contrary, that which is really wonderful, from some 

 specific difference distinguishing it from other species, is carelessly 

 observed, if it be but familiar. Yet the singular instances of art 

 Kiiould be observed no less than those of nature, which we have 

 before spoken of: and as in the latter we have classed the sun, 

 the moon, the maguct, and the like, all of them most familiar to 



