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led and hurried to oppose her through the ignorance of some 

 and the imprudent zeal of others. 



90. Again, in the habits and regulations of schools, univer- 

 sities, and the like assemblies, destined for the abode of learned 

 men and the improvement of learning, everything is found to 

 be opposed to the progress of the sciences; for the lectures 

 and exercises are so ordered, that anything out of the common 

 track can scarcely enter the thoughts and contemplations of the 

 mind. If, however, one or two have perhaps dared to use their 

 liberty, they can only impose the labor on themselves, without 

 deriving any advantage from the association of others ; and if 

 they put up with this, they will find their industry and spirit of 

 no slight disadvantage to them in making their fortune; for 

 the pursuits of men in such situations are, as it were, chained 

 down to the writings of particular authors, and if anyone dare 

 to dissent from them he is immediately attacked as a turbulent 

 and revolutionary spirit. Yet how great is the difference be- 

 tween civil matters and the arts, for there is not the same danger 

 from new activity and new light. In civil matters even a change 

 for the better is suspected on account of the commotion it 

 occasions, for civil government is supported by authority, unan- 

 imity, fame, and public opinion, and not by demonstration. In 

 the arts and sciences, on the contrary, every department should 

 resound, as in mines, with new works and advances. And this 

 is the rational, though not the actual view of the case, for that 

 administration and government of science we have spoken of 

 is wont too rigorously to repress its growth. 



91. And even should the odium I have alluded to be avoided, 

 yet it is sufficient to repress the increase of science that such 

 attempts and industry pass unrewarded; for the cultivation 

 of science and its reward belong not to the same individual. 

 The advancement of science is the work of a powerful genius, 

 the prize and reward belong to the vulgar or to princes, who 

 (with a few exceptions) are scarcely moderately well informed. 

 Nay, such progress is not only deprived of the rewards and 

 beneficence of individuals, but even of popular praise ; for it is 

 above the reach of the generality, and easily overwhelmed and 

 extinguished by the winds of common opinions. It is not won- 

 derful, therefore, that little success has attended that which has 

 been little honored. 



92. But by far the greatest obstacle to the advancement of 

 the sciences, and the undertaking of any new attempt or depart- 

 ment, is to be found in men's despair and the idea of impos- 

 sibility ; for men of a prudent and exact turn of thought are 

 altogether diffident in matters of this nature, considering the 

 obscurity of nature, the shortness of life, the deception of the 

 senses, and weakness of the judgment. They think, therefore, 



