3i8 OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING 



And the fifth is concerning the syntax and disposition of 

 studies; that men may know in what order or pursuit to read. 



For Pedantical knowledge, it containeth that difference 

 of Tradition which is proper for youth ; whereunto apper- 

 tain divers considerations of great fruit. 



As first, the timing and seasoning of knowledges ; as 

 with what to initiate them, and from what for a time to 

 refrain them. 



Secondly, the consideration where to begin with the 

 easiest and so proceed to the more difficult ; and in what 

 courses to press the more difficult and then to turn them 

 to the more easy : for it is one method to practise swim- 

 ming with bladders, and another to practise dancing with 

 heavy shoes. 



A third is the application of learning according unto the 

 propriety of the wits; for there is no defect in the faculties 

 intellectual but seemeth to have a proper cure contained in 

 some studies : as for example, if a child be bird-witted, 

 that is, hath not the faculty of attention, the Mathematics 

 giveth a remedy thereunto ; for in them, if the wit be 

 caught away but a moment, one is new to begin. And as 

 sciences have a propriety towards faculties for cure and 

 help, so faculties or powers have a sympathy towards 

 sciences for excellency or speedy profiting ; and therefore 

 it is an inquiry of great wisdom, what kinds of wits and 

 natures are most apt and proper for what sciences. 



Fourthly, the ordering of exercises is matter of great 

 consequence to hurt or help; for as is well observed by 

 Cicero, men in exercising their faculties, if they be not 

 well advised, do exercise their faults and get ill habits as 

 well as good ; so as there is a great judgment to be had in 

 the continuance and intermission of exercises. It were too 

 long to particularise a number of other considerations of 

 this nature, things but of mean appearance, but of singular 

 efficacy. For as the wronging or cherishing of seeds or 

 young plants is that that is most important to their thriv- 

 ing ; and as it was noted that the first six kings being in 

 truth as tutors of the state of Rome in the infancy thereof, 

 was the principal cause of the immense greatness of that 



