Page:Mathematical collections and translations, in two tomes - Salusbury (1661).djvu/68

 profitable to the publick, to build a great part of their esteem and reputation on the credit of Aristotle he is much puzzled and perplexed: and methinks I hear him say, To whom then should we repair for the decision of our controversies, if Aristotle were removed from the chair? What other Author should we follow in the Schools, Academies and Studies? What Philosopher hath writ all the parts of Natural Philosophy, and that so methodically without omitting so much as one single conclusion? Shall we then overthrow that Fabrick under which so many passengers find shelter? Shall we destroy that Asylum, that Prytaneum, wherein so many Students meet with commodious harbour, where without exposing themselves to the injuries of the air, with the onely turning over of a few leaves, one may learn all the secrets of Nature? Shall we dismantle that fort in which we are safe from all hostile assaults? But I pitie him no more than I do that Gentleman who with great expence of time and treasure, and the help of many hundred artists, erects a very sumptuous Pallace, and afterwards beholds it ready to fall, by reason of the bad foundation; but being extremely unwilling to see the Walls stript which are adorned with so many beautifull Pictures; or to suffer the columns to fall, that uphold the stately Galleries; or the gilded roofs, chimney-pieces, the freizes, the cornishes of marble, with so much cost erected, to be ruined; goeth about with girders, props, shoars, butterasses, to prevent their subversion.

But alass, Simplicius as yet fears no such fall, and I would undertake to secure him from that mischief at a far less charge. There is no danger that so great a multitude of subtle and wise Philosophers, should suffer themselves to be Hector'd by one or two, who make a little blustering; nay, they will rather, without ever turning the points of their pens against them, by their silence onely render them the object of universal scorn and contempt. It is a fond conceit for any one to think to introduce new Philosophy, by reproving this or that Author: it will be first necessary to new-mold the brains of men, and make them apt to distinguish truth from falshood. A thing which onely God can do. But from one discourse to another whither are we stray'd? your memory must help to guide me into the way again.

I remember very well where we left. We were upon the answer of Anti-Tycho, to the objections against the immutability of the Heavens, among which you inserted this of the Solar spots, not spoke of by him; and I believe you intended to examine his answer to the instance of the New Stars.