PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE—LEIBNITZ’S IDEAS. 31 
modern research dwell in the general philosophy of Nature 
only; it reaches also to special branches of knowledge, 
which often exhibit the existence as facts of what were 
conjectures on the part of the author of the “ New Essays.” 
Thus the slow progress of these sciences has reached the 
revelation of truths seized by the thinker’s rapid intuition. 
This consideration increases our admiration for that daring 
genius who pierces with so natural an ease to the knowl- 
edge of the secret springs of the world, as if he had won 
his way to communion with the absolute. 
Leibnitz’s intellect, indeed, could not tolerate either 
the geometrical exactness or the unyielding persistence 
displayed by that of Descartes. All the ideas of the latter 
are deduced by rule and method; all his systems are rigid- 
ly disposed in order; he reveres precise lines and clear 
drawing. Leibnitz has the ways of a colorist; he goes on 
without rule, or sequence, or control, almost by starts, 
flinging out his ideas here and there, as his fancy bids, 
whensoever and howsoever reflection or impulsive intuition 
hint them to him. Incessantly diverted from one thought 
to another, he expatiates on the various subjects that at- 
tract him, instead of arranging his conceptions in an order- 
ly whole. For hima, philosophy seems like a contrasting 
relief from the profound and tedious studies that employ 
his sustained attention and the controversies in which he 
displays extraordinary activity. He loves action and social 
intercourse. He aims at being a statesman. If he gives 
himself up to metaphysics, he handles the most intricate 
questions with simple ease, but in a manner indirectly, and 
solves them by deep sayings. Clearly that pursuit is not 
the great business of his life, but is its dignified amuse- 
ment. In matter and in manner alike, Descartes and 
himself are opposed. They agree neither as to methods 
nor as to conclusions. They are at variance upon first 
causes, upon final causes, upon man, the world, the soul, 
