408 GREA T INSTA URA T1ON. 



DISTRIBUTION OF THE WORK. 



IN SIX TARTS. 



1. Survey and Extension of the Sciences ; or, the Advancement of Learning. 



2. Novum Orgnnum ; or, Precepts for the Interpolation of Nature. 



3. Phenomena of the Universe ; or, Natural and Experimental History, on which 



to found Philosophy. 



4. Ladder of the Understanding. 



5. Precursors, or Anticipators, of the Second Philosophy. 



6. Second Philosophy ; or, Active Science. 



WE divide the whole of the work into six parts : the first whereof 

 gives the substance, or general description of the knowledge which 

 mankind at present possess : choosing to dwell a little upon things 

 already received, that we may the easier perfect the old, and lead on to 

 new ; being equally inclined to cultivate the discoveries of antiquity, 

 as to strike out fresh paths of science. In classing the sciences, we 

 comprehend not only the things already invented and known, but also 

 those omitted and wanted ; for the intellectual globe, as well as the 

 terrestrial, has both its frosts and deserts. It is therefore no wonder 

 if we sometimes depart from the common divisions. For an addition, 

 whilst it alters the whole, must necessarily alter the parts, and their 

 sections ; whereas the received divisions are only fitted to the received 

 sum of the sciences, as it now stands. With regard to the things we 

 shall note as defective ; it will be our method to give more than the 

 bare titles, or short heads of what we desire to have done ; with 

 particular care, where the dignity or difficulty of the subject requires 

 it, either to lay down the rules for effecting the work, or make an 

 attempt of our own, by way of example, or pattern, of the whole. For 

 it concerns our own character, no less than the advantage of others, 

 to know that a mere capricious idea has not presented the subject to 

 our mind, and that all we desire and aim at is a wish. For our designs 

 are within the power of all to compass, and we ourselves have certain 

 and evident demonstrations of their utility. We come not hither, 

 as augurs, to measure out regions in our mind by divination, but like 

 generals, to invade them for conquest. And this is the first part of the 

 work. 



When we have gone through the ancient arts, we shall prepare the 

 human understanding for pressing on beyond them. The second 

 object of the work embraces the doctrine of a more perfect use of 

 reason, and the true helps of the intellectual faculties, so as to raise 

 and enlarge the powers of the mind ; and, as far as the condition of 

 humanity allows, to fit it to conquer the difficulties and obscurities of 

 nature. The thing we mean, is a kind of logic, by us called The Art 

 of interpreting Nature ; as differing widely from the common logic, 

 which, however, pretends to assist and direct the understanding, and 



