t^ 





130 KOVUM ORGAKUM. [eoOK 1 



and collected into naturalliistory, wliicli, tLougli of no use in 

 tlieniselves, assist materially in the discovery of causes and 

 axioms; vrhicli experiments we liave termed enlij^jlitening, to 

 distinguisli tliem from tliose wliicli are profitable. TJiey possess 

 tMs Tvonderful property and nature, that tliey never deceive or 

 fail you ; for being used only to discover the natural cause of 

 some object, whatever be the result, they equally satisfy your 

 aim by decyJing the question, 



C. We must not only search for, and procure a greater 

 \ number of experiments, but also introduce a completely different 

 I method, order, and progress of continuing and promoting ex- 

 l perience. Por vague and arbitrary experience is (as we have 

 \ observed), mere groping in the dark, and rather astonishes than 

 instructs. But when experience shall proceed regularly and un- 

 interruptedly by a determined rule, we may entertain better 

 hopes of the sciences. 



CI. But after having collected and prepared an abundance 

 and store of natural history, and of the experience required for 

 the operations of the understanding cr philosophy, still the un- 

 derstanding is as incapable of acting on such materials of itself, 

 with the aid of memory alone, as any person would be of 

 retaining and achieving, by memory, the computation of an 

 almanack. Yet meditation has hitherto done more for discovery 

 than writing, and no experiments have been committed to paper. 

 We cannot, however, approve of any mode of discovery without 

 writing, and when that comes into more general use, we may 

 have further hopes. 



CII. Besides this, there is such a multitude and host, as it 

 were, of particular objects, and lying so widely dispersed, as to 

 distract and confuse the understanding ; and we can, therefore, 

 hope for no advantage from its skirmishing, and quick move- 

 ments and incursions, unless we put its forces in due order and 

 array, by means of proper and well arranged, and, as it wore, 

 living tables of discovery of these matters, which are the subject 

 of investigation, and the mind then apply itself to the ready 

 prepared and digested aid which such tables afford. 



cm. When we have thus properly and regularly placed 

 before the eyes a collection of particulars, we must not imme- 

 diately proceed to the investigation and discovery of new 

 particulars or effects, or, at least, if we do so, must not rest 

 satisfied therewith. !For, though we do not deny that by trans- 

 ferring the experiments from one art to another (when all the 

 experiments of each have been collected and arranged, and have 

 been acquired by the knowledge, and subjected to the judgment 

 of a single individual), many new experiments may be discovered 

 tending to benefit society and mankind, by what we term literate 

 experience ; yet comparatively insignificant results are to be ex- 



