DrSTRIBUTION OF THE WORK. 19 



the continued structure and order of invention, in the most 

 chosen subjects, after the same manner as globes and machines 

 facilitate the more abstruse and subtile demonstrations in 

 mathematics. We assign the fourth part of our work to 

 these examples, which are nothing else than a particular 

 application of the second part of our undertaking.'^ 



TJie fifth part is only temporary, or of use but till the res+ 

 are finished ; whence we look upon it as interest till th 

 principal be paid ; for we do not propose to travel hood- 

 winlced, so as to take no notice of what may occur of use in 

 the way. This ])art, therefore, vrill consist of such things as 

 we have invented, experienced, or added, by the same 

 common use of the understanding that others employ. For 

 as we have greater hopes from our constant conversation 

 with nature, than from our force of genius, the discoveries 

 we shall thus make may serve as inns on the road, for the 

 mind to repose in, during its progress to greater certainties. 

 But this, without being at all disposed to abide by anything 

 that is not discovered, or proved, by the true form of 

 induction. Nor need any one be shocked at this suspension 

 of the judgment, in a doctrine which does not assert that 

 nothing is knowable ; but only that things cannot be knowr. 

 except in a certain order and method : whilst it allows parti- 

 cular degrees of certainty, for the sake of commodiousness and 

 use, until the mind shall enter on the explanation of causes. 

 Nor were those schools of philosophers,^ who held positive 

 truth to be unattainable, inferior to others who dogmatized 

 at will. They did not, however, like us, prepare helps 

 for the guidance of the senses and understanding, as we 

 have done, but at once abolished all belief and authority, 

 which is a totally different and almost opposite matter. 



The sixth and last part of our work, to which all the rest 

 are subservient, is to lay down that philosophy which shall 

 flow from the just, pure, and strict inquiry hitherto proposed. 

 But to perfect this, is beyond both our abilities and our 

 Hopes, yet we shall lay the foundations of it, and i-ecommend 



- This part is what the author elsewhere terms &cala intellectus, or 

 the progress of the understanding, and was intended to be supphed Ijy 

 him in the way of monthly productions. See his dedication of the 

 •'History of the Winds" to Prince Charles. Shaw. 



* The lifter Academy, wiio held the dKaTa\ti\yia. 

 Q'2 



