154 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



one general inquiry (which seems to me deficient) 

 touching the wisdom of tradition. 



12. But unto this part of knowledge, concerning 

 method, doth further belong not only the architecture 

 of the whole frame of a work, but also the several beams 

 and columns thereof ; not as to their stuff, but as to 

 their quantity and figure. And therefore method con- 

 sidereth not only the disposition of the argument or 

 subject, but likewise the propositions : not as to their 

 truth or matter, but as to their Umitation and manner. 

 For herein Ramus merited better a great deal in reviving 

 the good rules of propositions, Kad()\ov irpSiTovyKaTaiTavToi, 

 &c., than he did in introducing the canker of epitomes ; 

 and yet (as it is the condition of human things that, 

 according to the ancient fables, ' the most precious things 

 have the most pernicious keepers') it was so, that the 

 attempt of the one made him fall upon the other. For 

 he had need be well conducted that should design to 

 make axioms convertible, if he make them nob withal 

 circular, and non-promovent, or incurring into them- 

 selves ; but yet the intention was excellent. 



13. The other considerations of method, concerning 

 propositions, are chiefly touching the utmost proposi- 

 tions, which limit the dimensions of sciences : for every 

 knowledge may be fitly said, besides the profundity 

 (which is the truth and substance of it, that makes it 

 solid), to have a longitude and a latitude ; accounting 

 the latitude towards other sciences, and the longitude 

 towards action ; that is, from the greatest generality to 

 the most particular precept. The one giveth rule how 

 far one knowledge ought to intermeddle within the 

 province of another, which is the rule they call KaBavru ; 

 the other giveth rule unto what degree of particularity 

 a knowledge should descend : which latter I find passed 

 over in silence, being in my judgement the more material. 

 For certainly there must be somewhat left to practice ; 

 but how much is worthy the inquiry. We see remote 

 and superficial generalities do but offer knowledge to 

 scorn of practical men ; and are no more aiding to 

 practice, than an Ortelius' universal map is to direct the 



