Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/389

 Books belonged to. Which Disputes, though many Times very pedantically managed, and with an Heat mis-becoming Learned Men, yet has had this good Effect, that while some were zealous to secure the Glory of the Invention of Things already discovered, to their own Countries; others were equally sollicitous to add a more undisputed Honour to them, by new Inventions, which they were sure no Man could possibly challenge.

Another Reason of the Decay of Learning, according to Sir William Temple (m), is, the Want of Protection from Great Men, and an unsatiable Thirst after Gain, now grown the Humour of the Age. That Princes do not now delight to talk of Matters of Learning in their publick Conversations, as they did about an Hundred and Fifty Years ago, is very evident. When Learning first came up, Men fansied that every Thing could be done by it, and they were charmed with the Eloquence of its Professors, who did not fail to set forth all its Advantages in the most engaging Dress. It was so very modish, that the fair Sex seemed to believe that