Page:Mathematical collections and translations, in two tomes - Salusbury (1661).djvu/277

 do for the most part close with those produced by the grave Authours first above mentioned. But albeit that the Peripatetick Hypothesis, by reason of its antiquity, hath had many followers and fautors, and the other very few; first, for its obscurity, and next, for its novelty, yet methinks I discover amongst those many, and particularly amongst the modernes some, who for the support of the opinion by them esteemed true, have introduced other reasons sufficiently childish, I could say ridiculous.

I have met with the like, and so much worse than yours, that I blush to rehearse them, not so much to spare the fame of their Authours, the names of whom might be perpetually concealed, as because I am ashamed so much to stain the honour of mankinde. In observing of these men, I have found that some there are who preposterously reasoning, first stablish the conclusion in their fancy, and (either because it is their own, or else belongs to a person whom they much confide in) so firmly imprint it in their opinions, that it is altogether impossible ever wholly to efface it: and those reasons which they themselves stumble upon, or which they hear others to alledge in confirmation of the conceit entertained, though never so simple and insipid, instantly find credit and applause with them: but on the contrary, those which are brought against their opinion, though ingenuous and concluding, they receive not only with nauseating, but with disdain and bitter indignation, yea, you shall have one of these so inraged, as that he will not be backward to try all wayes to suppress and silence their adversaries: and of this I my self have had some experience.

Indeed these men deduce not the conclusion from the premises, nor confirme them with reasons, but accomodate, or to say better, discommodate and distort the premises and arguments to make them speak in favour of their pre-assumed and pertinacious conclusions. It is not good therefore to contract familiarity with these men; and the rather, for that their conversation is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. Yet let us continue our conference with Simplicius however, whom I have known this long while for a man of great ingenuity; and altogether void of malice: besides he is well verst in the Peripatetick Doctrine; so that I may assure my self, that what shall not fall within the reach of his reason for the support of the Aristotelian Hypothesis, will not easily be found out by others. But see yonder he comes, quite out of winde, whose company we have so long desired: we were just now speaking against the small hast you made to come to us.

You must not blame me, but Neptune, for this my long stay; which in the ebbe of this mornings tide hath in a manner drain'd away the waters, for the Gondola that brought me, being entered not far from hence into a certain Channel, wanting depth,