tte Subject Propounded; 3 



on which I might have fpent a great many years* 

 or even my whole life, and not be able at laft to 

 place them in a clear light, and free from every 

 objection. \ « .. 



One of my views in this undertaking was to 

 fet a pattern to others, who may happen to have 

 better helps, than I can well challenge* to 

 profecute this fubject to a greater length. Ano- 

 ther, to engage the attention of mankind in 

 the ftudy of nature : a folid and ufeful knowledge 

 of which is rather to be hoped for in this man- 

 ner, than from the books commonly wrote on 

 the fubjecl:. But from this track . we are gene- 

 rally diverted, either by pur prefent method of 

 education, confiding for the moft part in learn- 

 ing the application of lines and angles, as the 

 neareft ftep towards the attainment of the know- 

 ledge of bodies, whereby we entirely difregard the 

 ftudy of nature in herfelf ; that is, in the forms,, 

 mixtures, and qualities of bodies ; tho' by far the 

 moft important and ufeful. Or, thro' a remark- 

 able degree of indolence, notwithftanding the 

 pleafure attending the purfuit, chufe to forego 

 the trouble, generally accompanying the making 

 proper experiments and obfervations ; efpecially 

 procefTes by fire, where every circumftance is to 

 be regiftered, or fet down with the greater!: care* 

 and accompanied with proper remarks. Nay, 

 where a fingle over-fight, the fpringing of a 

 glafs, or even a groundlefs fcruple, after the proof 

 or trial is over, may occafion the repetition of an 

 experiment, perhaps, feveral times. Tho' this 

 very trouble is abundantly compenfated, by the fo- 

 lid knowledge and experience we derive from 

 thence to ourfelves : hereby we have a lively and 

 clear conception of things, in cafes where books 

 prove ufelefs, nay fallacious -, and are enabled 

 to pronounce with boldnefs and certainty concern- 

 B 2 m% 



