198 ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



tics. And here, though the things themselves are common, 

 yet the philosophy and causes thereof are usually neglected, 

 perhaps because men are persuaded that such masteries over 

 nature are only obtainable either from a peculiar and natural 

 disposition in some men, which comes not under rules, or by 

 a constant custom from childhood, which is rather imposed 

 than taught. And though this be not altogether true, yet it 

 is here of small consequence to note any deficiency, for the 

 Olympic games are long since ceased, and a mediocrity in 

 these things is sufficient for use, while excellence in them 

 serves commonly but for mercenary show. 



The arts of elegance are divided with respect to the two 

 senses of sight and hearing. Painting particularly delights 

 the eye; so do numerous other magnificent arts, relating 

 to buildings, gardens, apparel, vessels, gems, etc. Music 

 pleases the ear with great variety and apparatus of sounds, 

 voices, strings, and instruments; and anciently water-organs 

 were esteemed as great masterpieces in this art, though now 

 grown into disuse. The arts which relate to the eye and 

 ear, are, above the rest, accounted liberal; these two senses 

 being the more pure, and the sciences thereof more learned, 

 as having mathematics to attend them. The one also has 

 some relation to the memory and demonstrations; the other, 

 to manners and the passions of the mind. The pleasures 

 of the other senses, and the arts employed about them, are 

 in less repute, as approaching nearer to sensuality than mag 

 nificence. Unguents, perfumes, the furniture of the table, 

 but principally incitements to lust, should rather be cen 

 sured than taught. And it has been well observed, that 

 while states were in their increase, military arts flourished; 

 when at their heights, the liberal arts ; but when upon their 

 decline, the arts of luxury. With the arts of pleasure, we 

 join also the jocular arts: for the deception of the senses 

 may be reckoned one of their delights. 



And now, as so many things require to be considered 

 with relation to the human body, viz., the parts, humors, 

 functions, faculties, accidents, etc., since we ought to have 



