NEW SYSTEM 299 



most generous and exemplary way ; and having approved 

 a number of my propositions, he praetermitted his cen- 

 sure as regards the others, to which he was still unable 

 to agree. Since that time I have continued my medi- 

 tations, as I had opportunity, in order that I might give 

 to the public only well-tested opinions, and I have also 

 endeavoured to meet the objections raised against my 

 essays on Dynamics, which have some connexion with 

 this 6 . And in short, as some people of consideration 

 have desired to see my opinions 7 more elucidated, I have 

 ventured upon these meditations, although they are by no 

 means popular nor such as to be relished by every kind 

 of mind. I have been led to this mainly in order that 

 I may profit by the judgment of those who are en- 

 lightened in these matters ; since it would be too trouble- 

 some a task to seek out and call to my aid individually 

 those who might be disposed to give me suggestions, 

 which I shall always be glad to receive, provided they 

 are marked by a love of truth rather than by a passion for 

 preconceived opinions 8 . 



2. Although I am one of those who have worked much 

 at mathematics, I have none the less meditated upon 

 philosophy from my youth up ; for it always seemed to 

 me that there was a possibility [moyen] of establishing 

 something solid in philosophy by clear demonstrations. 

 I had penetrated far into the country of the Scholastics, 

 when mathematics and modern authors brought me out 

 again, while I was still quite young. The beauty of 

 their mechanical explanations of nature charmed me, 



6 Leibniz's principal essay on Dynamics is the Specimen Dyna- 

 micum, published in the Acta Eruditorum for April, 1695. (Gr. Math, 

 vi. 234.) 



7 The First Draft has in addition the words: 'Which they 

 think may be useful in harmonizing faith with reason as regards 

 matters of importance.' 



8 ' I desire objections to be made against me, which oblige me 

 to go beyond what I have already said. Objections of this kind 

 are instructive and I like them because I may profit by them 

 and make others profit by them ; but it is not easy to make them.' 

 Lettre a Masson (1716) (G. vi. 629). 



