36 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING. 



they seem strange to our assent ; but being demonstrate, oui 

 mind accepteth of them by a kind of relation (as the lawyers 

 speak) as if we had known them before. 



Another error, that hath also some affinity with tht 

 former, is a conceit that of former opinions or sects, aftei 

 variety and examination, the best hath still prevailed, anc 

 suppressed the rest ; so as, if a man should begin the 

 labour of a new search, he were but like to light upor 

 somewhat formerly rejected, and by rejection broughl 



10 into oblivion : as if the multitude, or the wisest for the 

 multitude's sake, were not ready to give passage rather tc 

 that which is popular and superficial, than to' that which is 

 substantial and profound ; for the truth is, that time 

 seemeth to be of the nature of a river or stream, wind 

 carrieth down to us that which is light and blown up, anc 

 sinketh and drowneth that which is weighty and solid. 



Another error, of a diverse nature from all the former 

 is the over early and peremptory reduction of know' 

 ledge into arts and methods ; from which time com 



20 monly sciences receive small or no augmentation. But as 

 young men, when they knit and shape perfectly, do seldoir 

 grow to a further stature ; so knowledge, while it is ir 

 aphorisms and observations, it is in growth : but when il 

 once is comprehended in exact methods, it may perchance 

 be further polished and illustrated, and accommodated foi 

 use and practice; but it increaseth no more in bulk and 

 substance. 



Another error which doth succeed that which we lasl 

 mentioned, is, that after the distribution of particular art* 



30 and sciences, men have abandoned universality, or philo- 

 sophia prima : [first philosophy /] which cannot but cease and 

 stop all progression. For no perfect discovery can be made 

 upon a flat or a level : neither is it possible to discover the 

 more remote and deeper parts of any science, if you stand but 

 upon the level of the same science, and ascend not to a 

 higher science. 



