374 BACON 



certain ; as when we arrive at the elements of letters, and the 

 simple tones of concords. The investigation of nature is best 

 conducted when mathematics are applied to physics. Again, let 

 none be alarmed at vast numbers and fractions, for in calcula- 

 tion it is as easy to set down or to reflect upon a thousand as 

 a unit, or the thousandth part of an integer as an integer itself. 



9. From the two kinds of axioms above specified, arise the 

 two divisions of philosophy and the sciences, and we will use the 

 commonly adopted terms which approach the nearest to our 

 meaning, in our own sense. Let the investigation of forms, 

 which (in reasoning at least, and after their own laws), are 

 eternal and immutable, constitute metaphysics, and let the in- 

 vestigation of the efficient cause of matter, latent process, and 

 latent conformation (which all relate merely to the ordinary 

 course of nature, and not to her fundamental and eternal laws), 

 constitute physics. Parallel to these, let there be two practical 

 divisions ; to physics that of mechanics, and to metrT>hysics that 

 of magic, in the purest sense of the term, as applied to its ample 

 means, and its command over nature. 



10. The object of our philosophy being thus laid down, we 

 proceed to precepts, in the most clear and regular order. The 

 signs for the interpretation of nature comprehend two divisions, 

 the first regards the eliciting or creating of axioms from ex- 

 periment, the second the deducing or deriving of new experi- 

 ments from axioms. The first admits of three subdivisions into 

 ministrations: I. To the senses. 2. To the memory. 3. To 

 the mind or reason. 



For we must first prepare as a foundation for the whole, a 

 complete and accurate natural and experimental history. We 

 must not imagine or invent, but discover the acts and properties 

 of nature. 



But natural and experimental history is so varied and dif- 

 fuse, that it confounds and distracts the understanding unless 

 it be fixed and exhibited in due order. We must, therefore, 

 form tables and co-ordinations of instances, upon such a plan, 

 and in such order, that the understanding may be enabled to act 

 upon them. 



Even when this is done, the understanding, left to itself and 

 to its own operation, is incompetent and unfit to construct its 

 axioms without direction and support. Our third ministration, 

 therefore, must be true and legitimate induction, the very key 

 of interpretation. We must begin, however, at the end, and go 

 back again to the others. 



11. The investigation of forms proceeds thus : a nature being 

 given, we must first present to the understanding all the known 

 instances which agree in the same nature, although the subject 

 matter be considerably diversified. And this collection must be 



