NOVUM ORGANUAf. 



2;; 



the subtlety of Nature very far exceeds the subtlety of argument. But 

 axioms duly and regularly abstracted from particulars easily again point 

 out and mark down new particulars, and so render the Sciences active. 



xxv. The Axioms which are in use have been drawn from a scanty 

 and unassisted experience, and from a few particulars which most 

 frequently occur, and are commonly made and extended according to 

 their measure, so that it is not astonishing that they do not lead to 

 new particulars. But if, by chance, some instance not hitherto re 

 marked upon or known offers itself, the axiom is saved by some 

 frivolous distinction, when it would have been more truthful to have 

 corrected it. 



xxvi. It is our custom, as a sort of guide, to call the method which 

 men ordinarily apply to Nature Anticipations of Nature, because it 

 is hasty and premature ; but that method which is elicited from things 

 by legitimate means we call Interpretation of Nature. 



xxvii. Anticipations are sufficiently strong to ensure consent, inas 

 much as if men were even to go mad after one uniform fashion, they 

 would be able to agree tolerably among themselves. 



xxviii. Moreover, Anticipations are far more effective in winning 

 assent than Interpretations, because, as they are collected from a 

 few instances, and mostly from those which are of familiar occur 

 rence, they immediately dazzle the intellect and fill the imagination ; 

 while, on the other hand, Interpretations, being collected over a wide 

 field from things exceedingly different and lying far apart, cannot 

 strike the intellect suddenly : so that for opinions they must seem 

 harsh and discordant almost like mysteries of faith. 



xxix. In the sciences which are based on opinions and arbitrary 

 views, the use of Anticipations and Logic is good, since it is their 

 business to subdue assent, not things. 



xxx. No great progress could be made in the Sciences by means of 

 Anticipations, even if all the abilities of all ages were to unite and to 

 combine their labours and transmit them downward ; because errors 

 which are radical, and have their seat in the first digestive process of 

 the mind, cannot be cured by the excellence of the functions and 

 remedies which are subsequent. 



xxxi. It is vain to expect a great increase in knowledge from the 

 superinducing and ingrafting of new things upon the old ; but a new 

 beginning must be made from the lowest foundations, unless we wish 

 to be continually revolving in a circle, with a trifling and almost con 

 temptible advance. 



xxxii. The honour of the ancient authorities, and indeed of all, 

 remain untouched ; for the comparison now introduced is not one of 

 abilities or powers, but of method ; and we ourselves do not sustain 

 the character of a judge, but of a guide. 



xxxiii. No correct judgment (we must speak openly) can be formed, 

 either of our method or the discoveries made in conformity with it, by 

 means si Anticipations (I mean the method which is in use), since we 

 ought not to be required to come under judgment of that very system 

 which we are calling in question. 



