PREFACE 



Like all great philosophical works, the Advancement 

 of Learning is constructed on a systematic plan, of 

 which the analysis is as follows : — 



Book I. The Dignity of LEARNiNa. 



To the King : introductory (p. 3). 



A. Negative part : the discredits of learning 



(pp. 6-40). 



1. —from divines (p. 6). 



2. —from politics (p. 11). 



3. — from learned men themselves (p. 18). 



ll from their fortune (p. 18). 



2) from their mannere (p. 21). 



3) from their studies (p. 26), including — 



(1) three diseases of learning (p. 26). 



(2) its peccant humours or errors 



(p. 35). 



B. Positive part: the dignity of knowledge (pp. 40- 



66). 



1. Divine evidences (p. 40). 



2. Human proofs (p. 47). 



Book II. The Survey op Learning. 



To the King: acts performed by Kings and others 



for the advancement of learning (p. 67). 

 Three parts of human learning (p. 75) : — 



A. History (p. 76). 



1. Natural. 



2. Civil. 



