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 nough against the Reasonings of their Adversaries.

Soon after the Restauration of King Charles II. upon the Institution of the Royal Society, the Comparative Excellency of the Old and New Philosophy was eagerly debated in England. But the Disputes then managed between Stubbe and Glanvile, were rather Personal, relating to the Royal Society, than General, relating to Knowledge in its utmost extent. In France this Controversie has been taken up more at large: The French were not satisfied to argue the Point in Philosophy and Mathematicks, but even in Poetry and Oratory too; where the Ancients had the general Prejudice of the Learned on their Side. Monsieur de Fontenelle, the celebrated Author of a Book concerning the Plurality of Worlds, begun the Dispute about six Years ago, in a little Discourse annexed to his Pastorals. He is something shy in declaring his Mind; at least, in arraigning the Ancients, whose Reputations were already established; though it is plain he would be understood to give the Moderns the Preference in Poetry and Oratory, as well as in Philosophy and Mathematicks. His Book being received with great Applause, it was opposed in England by Sir William Temple, who, in the