298 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



the principle, which they term a Probation ostensive ; the 

 other when the contradictory of the proposition is reduced 

 to the contradictory of the principle, which is that which 

 they call -per incommodum, or pressing an absurdity; the 

 number of middle terms to be as the proposition standeth 

 degrees more or less removed from the principle. 



But this art hath two several methods of doctrine ; the 

 one by way of direction, the other by way of caution : 

 the former frameth and setteth down a true form of 

 consequence, by the variations and deflexions from which 

 errors and inconsequences may be exactly judged ; toward 

 the composition and structure of which form, it is incident 

 to handle the parts thereof, which are propositions, and the 

 parts of propositions, which are simple words ; and this is 

 that part of logic which is comprehended in the Analytics. 



The second method of doctrine was introduced for 

 expedite use and assurance sake ; discovering the more 

 subtle forms of sophisms and illaqueations with their 

 redargutions, which is that which is termed Elenches. 

 For although in the more gross sorts of fallacies it 

 happeneth (as Seneca maketh the comparison well) as in 

 juggling feats, which though we know not how they are 

 done, yet we know well it is not as it seemeth to be ; yet 

 the more subtle sort of them doth not only put a man 

 besides his answer, but doth many times abuse his judgment. 



This part concerning Elenches is excellently handled 

 by Aristotle in precept, but more excellently by Plato 

 in example, not only in the persons of the Sophists, but 

 even in Socrates himself ; who professing to affirm nothing, 

 but to infirm that which was affirmed by another, hath 

 exactly expressed all the forms of objection, fallace, and 

 redargution. And although we have said that the use 

 of this doctrine is for redargution, yet it is manifest the 

 degenerate and corrupt use is for caption and contradic- 

 tion ; which passeth for a great faculty, and no doubt is 

 of very great advantage : though the difference be good 

 which was made between orators and sophisters, that the 

 one is as the greyhound, which hath his advantage in the 

 race, and the other as the hare, which hath her advantage 



