Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/339



Aving gone through with the most considerable Branches of Natural and Mathematical Knowledge, I am now to enquire into the Comparative Excellency of Ancient and Modern Books of Philosophy, thereby to see in which of them Nature, and its Operations, are explained best. Here I shall first enquire into the several Methods of Philosophizing; and afterwards, into the Intrinsick Worth of the Doctrines themselves. Moderns here are taken in a very strict Sence. I shall mention none who have made any (a) Entries upon this noble Stage of Nature above LXXX. Years ago, since the Time of those first Flights of the Restorers of Learning, that are so exceedingly applauded by Sir William Temple. For Natural Philosophy was the last Part of Knowledge which was cultivated with any particular Care, upon the Revival of Learning; though Natural History, which is a principal Ground-work, had been long before increasing, and a considerable