294 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



of acatalepsia (I doubt) was not held sincerely : for that all 

 those which excelled in copie of speech seem to have chosen 

 that sect, as that which was fittest to give glory to their 

 eloquence and variable discourses ; being rather like pro- 

 gresses of pleasure than journeys to an end. But assuredly 

 many scattered in both Academies did hold it in subtlety 

 and integrity. But here was their chief error ; they charged 

 the deceit upon the Senses ; which in my judgment (not- 

 withstanding all their cavillations) are very sufficient to 

 certify and report truth, though not always immediately, 

 yet by comparison, by help of instrument, and by producing 

 and urging such things as are too subtle for the sense to 

 some effect comprehensible by the sense, and other like 

 assistance. But they ought to have charged the deceit upon 

 the weakness of the intellectual powers, and upon the 

 manner of collecting and concluding upon the reports of 

 the senses. This I speak not to disable the mind of man, 

 but to stir it up to seek help : for no man, be he never so 

 cunning or practised, can make a straight line or perfect 

 circle by steadiness of hand, which may be easily done by 

 help of a ruler or compass. 



This part of invention, concerning the invention of 

 Experientia sciences, I purpose (if God give me leave) here- 

 i$%io after to propound; having digested it into two 

 Naturae. parts ; whereof the one I term Experitntia literata^ 

 and the other Interpretatio Naturae : the former being but 

 a degree and rudiment of the latter. But I will not dwell 

 too long, nor speak too great upon a promise. 



The invention of speech or argument is not properly 

 an invention : for to invent is to discover that we know 

 not, and not to recover or resummon that which we already 

 know ; and the use of this invention is no other but out of 

 the knowledge whereof our mind is already possessed, to 

 draw forth or call before us that which may be pertinent to 

 the purpose which we take into our consideration. So as, 

 to speak truly, it is no Invention, but a Remembrance or 

 Suggestion, with an application ; which is the cause why 

 the schools do place it after judgment, as subsequent and 

 not precedent. Nevertheless, because we do account it a 



