Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/118

 Preference in those Arts and Sciences which have hitherto been considered: But for the Precedency in those Parts of Learning which still remain to be enquired into, the Moderns have put in their Claim, with great Briskness. Among this Sort, I reckon Mathematical and Physical Sciences, considered in their largest Extent. These are Things which have no Dependence upon the Opinions of Men for their Truth; they will admit of fixed and undisputed Mediums of Comparison and Judgment: So that, though it may be always debated, who have been the best Orators, or who the best Poets; yet it cannot always be a Matter of Controversie, who have been the greatest Geometers, Arithmeticians, Astronomers, Musicians, Anatomists, Chymists, Botanists, or the like; because a fair Comparison between the Inventions, Observations, Experiments and Collections of the contending Parties must certainly put an End to the Dispute, and give a more full Satisfaction to all Sides.

The Thing contended for on both Sides is, the Knowledge of Nature; what the Appearances are which it exhibits, and how they are exhibited; thereby to show how they may be enlarged, and diversified, and Impediments of any sort remo-