Page:The Works of Francis Bacon (1884) Volume 1.djvu/562

 434 INTERPRETATION OF NATURE. from the particulars digested into tables, to the inquisition after new particulars, (which is neve r- theless itself a useful thing, and like a kind of learned experience,) but that we should first pro ceed to general and large comprehensions, and so far indulge the natural bent of the understanding. But at the same time he saw that the natural but vicious motion and impulse of the mind to jump from particulars to high and general comprehen sions, (such as what are called the first principles of arts and things,) and to get at the rest by de scending through the middle ones, must be alto gether checked ; but the nearest comprehensions must be first drawn out and discovered, and then the middle ones, and we must climb the true lad der by repeated steps. For the paths of thought and understanding almost agree with that twofold way in morals, sung by the ancients ; for one road, smooth at the entrance, leads to pathless wilds, the other, steep and difficult at first, ends in level road. He thought that such a form of induction should be introduced as should conclude gene rally from certain instances, so that it can be proved that there cannot be found a contradictory instance, lest by chance we pronounce from fewer than are adequate, and from those which are at our feet ; and (as one of the ancients said) seek knowledge in our private worlds, and not in the public one. He saw that that comprehension only should be approved of and received, which was not made and fitted to the measure of the particulars from which it was derived, but which was rather more ample and lax, and sup ported its amplitude and laxity by the designation of new particulars, as a sort of suretiship, lest we should stop at what is already known, or perchance in too wide an embrace catch shadows and abstract forms. He saw that many things besides these should be invented to work notably, not so much to the perfecting of the matter, as to the shortening of the labour, and to the speeding of men s harvest from it. And whether all this be rightly thought or otherwise, we must, if need be, appeal from the opinions, and stand by the effects. He thought, also, that what he is treating of is rather performance than opinion, and that it lays the foundations, not of any sect or school, but of immense utility and enlargement. Wherefore thought must be taken not only about accomplish ing the matter, but about communicating and transmitting it, which is of equal consequence. But he found that men minister to their love of fame and pomp by sometimes publishing, some times concealing the knowledge of things which they think they have got; and that they who propose what is least solid are, more than others, used to barter what they offer in an obscure and doubtful light, that they may more easily swell the sails of their vanity. But he thought that he ! was handling a subject which it were unbeconv ! ing to defile with any ambition or affectation i but yet that he must needs descend to the recol lection, (unless indeed he were very inexperienced in affairs and minds, and would begin his journey without any search,) that inveterate errors, like the ravings of the lunatic, must be subdued by art and contrivance, and are aggravated by vio lence and opposition. We must, therefore, use prudence, and humour them, (as far as we can with simplicity and candour,) that contradictions may be extinguished before they are inflamed. For this object he is preparing a work on nature, which may destroy errors with the least harsh ness, and enter the senses of mankind without violence; which would be easier from his not bearing himself as a leader, but bringing and scattering light from nature herself, so that there may be no future need of a leader. But as time meanwhile glides away, and he has been more engaged in business than he wished ; it seems a long work; especially when he considers the uncertainty of life, and pants to lay up something in safety. It therefore seemed to him that some thing simpler might be proposed which, though not uttered to the many, might perchance at least be sufficient to preserve so salutary a matter from abortion. And after considering the matter, and weighing it long and attentively, it seemed to him the best way that tables of invention, or formulae of just inquisition, that is, a mass of particulars, arranged for the work of the under standing, should bo offered in some subjects, by way of an exemplar and almost visible descrip tion of the work. For nothing can be found to place in a clearer li^ht the right road or the wan derings of error; or show more plainly that what is offered is but words: nor which would be more carefully avoided by the man who either mistrusted his scheme, or desired it to be caught at and celebrated above its deserts. But, if it is not allowed him to complete his designs, as there are nevertheless human minds of a strong and lofty character, it may be that, even without more assistance, taking the hinfrom what is offered, they may be able to look for and master the rest of themselves. For he is almost of opinion (as some one said) that this will be enough for the wise, though even more would not be for the dull. But he saw that it would be too abrupt to begin his teaching with the tables themselves; and, therefore, that he should say something suit able by way of preface, which he thinks he has now done, and that all which has been hitherto said leads only thither. Lastly, he saw that, if any good be found in what has been or shall be said, it should be dedicated as the fat of the sa crifice to God, and to men in God s similitude, who procure the good of mankind by true affec tion and benevolence. G. W.