GREA T 1NSTA URA TIOX. 4 1 3 



After the understanding has been thus aided and fortified, we shall 

 be prepared to enter upon philosophy itself. But in so difficult a task, 

 there arc certain things to be observed, as well for instruction as for 

 present use. The first is to propose examples of inquiry and investi 

 gation, according to our own method, in certain subjects of the noblest 

 kind, but greatly differing from each other, that a specimen may be 

 had of every sort. By these examples we mean not illustrations of 

 rules and precepts, but perfect models, which will exemplify the second 

 part of this work, and represent, as it were, to the eye, the whole 

 progress of the mind, and the continued structure and order of inven 

 tion, in the most chosen subjects, after the same manner as globes and 

 machines facilitate the more abstruse and subtile demonstrations in 

 mathematics. We assign the fourth part of our work to these 

 examples, which arc nothing else than a particular application of the 

 second part of our undertaking. 



The fifth part is only temporary, or of use but till the rest are 

 finished ; whence we look upon it as interest till the principal be paid ; 

 for we do not propose to travel hoodwinked, so as to take no notice of 

 what may occur of use in the way. This part, therefore, will consist 

 of such things as we have invented, experienced, or added, by the 

 same common use of the understanding that others employ. For as 

 we have greater hopes for our constant conversation with nature, than 

 from our force of genius, the discoveries we shall thus make may serve 

 as inns on the road, for the mind to repose in, during its progress to 

 greater certainties. But this, without being at all disposed to abide 

 by anything that is not discovered, or proved, by the true form of 

 induction. Nor need any one be shocked at this suspension of the 

 judgment, in a doctrine which does not assert that nothing is know- 

 able ; but only that things cannot be known except in a certain order 

 and method : whilst it allows particular degrees of certainty, for the 

 sake of cor.imodiousncss and use, until the mind shall enter on the 

 explanation of causes. Nor were those schools of philosophers, who 

 held positive truth to be unattainable, inferior to others who dogma 

 tized at will. They did not, however, like us, prepare helps for the 

 guidance of the senses and understanding, as we have done, but at 

 once abolished all belief and authority, which is a totally different and 

 almost opposite matter. 



The sixth and last part of our work, to which all the rest arc sub 

 servient, is to lay down that philosophy which shall flow from the just, 

 pure, and strict inquiry hitherto proposed. But to perfect this, is 

 beyond both our abilities and our hopes, yet we shall lay the founda 

 tions of it, and recommend the superstructure to posterity. We 

 design no contemptible beginning to the work ; and anticipate that 

 the fortune of mankind will lead it to such a termination as is not 

 possible for the present race of men to conceive. 1 he point in view 

 is not only the contemplative happiness, but the whole fortunes, and 

 affairs, and powers, and works of men. For man being the minister 

 and interpreter of nature, acts and understands so far as he has 

 observed of the order, the works and mind of nature, and can proceed 



