PRINCIPLES OF SCIENCE. 13 



observes, that in the investigation of principles, 

 we are first taught to learn that every science, 

 as arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, &c. 

 may be resolved into its theorem, every theo- 

 rem into its syllogism, every syllogism into its 

 proposition, and every proposition into certain 

 simple or single terms. 



If we were to begin the discussion of any 

 branch of science before we had attained a 

 knowledge of simple terms, which are in them- 

 selves irresolvable, it is evident that we should 

 begin in the middle ; and, if we were to begin 

 at the theorem itself, before we had attained 

 a precise knowledge of a syllogism, and of a 

 proposition, we should begin not merely at the 

 middle, but at the very end. Simple terms, 

 therefore, constitute the base, the punclum 

 saliens, whence all scientific knowledge ought 

 to commence ; to begin from other data, not 

 only leads to hypothesis, but is an inverted 

 order of learning. 



It is by the previous attainment of this sim- 

 ple knowledge, that we become qualified to 

 learn the connecting media, of which the most 

 compound knowledge is formed, and that the 

 extreme parts, the beginning and the end are 

 united, so as to compose one whole. It is in 

 this investigation that the office of science con- 

 sists ; and forms the true object of its pursuit. 

 Science, therefore, begins from principles, and 



