<P_1,17R>

Now I proceede to those errours and vanities , which haue interueyned
amongst the studies themselues of the learned ; which is that which is
principall and proper to the present argument , wherein my purpose is
not to make a iustification of the errors , but by a censure and
separation of the errors , to make a iustificatio~ of that which is
good & sound ; and to deliuer that from the aspersion of the other .
(BACON-E2-H,1,17R.2)

For we see , that it is the manner of men , to scandalize and depraue
that which retaineth the state , and vertue , by taking aduantage vpon
that which is corrupt and degenerate ; as the Heathens in the primitiue
Church vsed to blemish and taynt the Christians with the faults and
corruptions of Heretiques : (BACON-E2-H,1,17R.3)

But neuerthelesse , I haue no meaning at this time to make any exact
animaduersion of the errors and impediments in matters of learning ,
which are more secret and remote from vulgar opinion ; but <P_1,17V>
onely to speake vnto such as doe fall vnder , or neere vnto , a popular
obseruation . (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.4)

There be therfore chiefely three vanities in Studies , whereby learning
hath been most traduced : (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.5)

For those things we do esteeme vaine , which are either false or
friuolous , those which either-5 haue no truth , or no vse :
(BACON-E2-H,1,17V.6)

& those persons we esteem vain , which are either credulous or curious
, (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.7)

& curiositie is either-1 in mater or words ; so that in reason , as wel
as in experence , there fal out to be these 3. diste~pers <paren> as I
may tearm the~ </paren> of learning ; (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.8)

The first fantastical learning : (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.9)

The second contentious learning , (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.10)

& the last delicate learning , vaine Imaginations , vaine Altercations
, & vain affectatio~s : (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.11)

& with the last I wil begin , (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.12)

<font> Martin Luther </font> conducted <paren> no doubt </paren> by an
higher prouidence , but in discourse of reason , finding what a
Prouince he had vndertaken against the Bishop of <font> Rome </font> ,
and the degenerate traditions of the Church , and finding his owne
solitude , being no waies ayded by the opinions of his owne time , was
enforced to awake all Antiquitie , and to call former times to his
succors , to make a partie against the present time : so that the
ancient Authors , both in Diuinitie and in Humanitie , which had long
time slept in Libraries , began generally to be read and reuolued .
(BACON-E2-H,1,17V.13)

This by consequence , did draw on a necessitie of a more exquisite
trauaile in the languages originall , wherin those Authors did write :
For the better vndersta~ding of those Authors , and the better
aduantage of pressing and applying their words : (BACON-E2-H,1,17V.14)

And thereof grew <P_1,18R> againe , a delight in their manner of Stile
and Phrase , and an admiration of that kinde of writing ; which was
much furthered & precipitated by the enmity & opposition , that the
propounders of those <paren> primitiue , but seeming new opinions
</paren> had against the Schoole-men : who were generally of the
contrarie part : and whose Writings were altogether in a differing
Stile and fourme , taking libertie to coyne , and frame new tearms of
Art , to expresse their own sence , and to auoide circuite of speech ,
without regard to the purenesse , pleasantnesse , and <paren> as I may
call it </paren> lawfulnesse of the Phrase or word :
(BACON-E2-H,1,18R.15)

And againe , because the great labour that then was with the people
<paren> of whome the Pharisees were wont to say : Execrabilis ista
turba quae non nouit legem </paren> for the winning and perswading of
them , there grewe of necessitie in cheefe price , and request ,
eloquence and varietie of discourse , as the fittest and forciblest
accesse into the capasitie of the vulgar sort : so that these foure
causes concurring , the admiration of ancient Authors the hate of the
Schoole-men , the exact studie of Languages : and the efficacie of
Preaching did bring in an affectionate studie of eloquence , and copie
of speech , which then began to flourish . (BACON-E2-H,1,18R.16)

This grew speedily to an excesse : (BACON-E2-H,1,18R.17)

for men began to hunt more after wordes , than matter , and more after
the choisenesse of the Phrase , and the round and cleane composition of
the sentence , and the sweet falling of the clauses , and the varying
and illustration of their workes with tropes and figures : <P_1,18V>
then after the weight of matter , worth of subiect , soundnesse of
argument , life of inuention , or depth of iudgement .
(BACON-E2-H,1,18V.18)

Then grew the flowing , and watrie vaine of <font> Osorius </font> the
Portugall Bishop , to be in price : (BACON-E2-H,1,18V.19)

then did <font> Sturmius </font> spend such infinite , and curious
paines vpon <font> Cicero </font> the Orator , and <font> Hermogenes
</font> the Rhetorican , besides his owne Bookes of Periods , and
imitation , and the like : (BACON-E2-H,1,18V.20)

Then did <font> Car </font> of <font> Cambridge </font> , and <font>
Ascham </font> with their Lectures and Writings , almost diefie <font>
Cicero </font> and <font> Demosthenes </font> , and allure , all young
men that were studious vnto that delicate and pollished kinde of
learning . (BACON-E2-H,1,18V.21)

Then did <font> Erasmus </font> take occasion to make the scoffing
Eccho ; Decem annos consumpsi in legendo Cicerone :
(BACON-E2-H,1,18V.22)

and the Eccho answered in Greeke , Oue ; Asine . (BACON-E2-H,1,18V.23)

Then grew the learning of the Schoole-men to be vtterly despised as
barbarous . (BACON-E2-H,1,18V.24)

In summe , the whole inclination and bent of those times , was rather
towards copie , than weight . (BACON-E2-H,1,18V.25)

Here therefore , the first distemper of learning , when men studie
words , and not matter : whereof though I haue represented an example
of late times : yet it hath beene , and will be Secundum maius & minus
in all time . (BACON-E2-H,1,18V.26)

And how is it possible , but this should haue an operation to
discredite learning , euen with vulgar capacities , when they see
learned mens workes like the first Letter of a Patent , or limmed Booke
: which though it hath large flourishes , yet it is but a Letter .
(BACON-E2-H,1,18V.27)

It seemes to me that <font> Pigmalions </font> frenzie is a good
embleme or portraiture of this vanitie : (BACON-E2-H,1,18V.28)

<P_1,19R>

for wordes are but the Images of matter , (BACON-E2-H,1,19R.30)

and except they haue life of reason and inuention : to fall in loue
with them , is all one , as to fall in loue with a Picture .
(BACON-E2-H,1,19R.31)

But yet notwithstanding , it is a thing not hastily to be condemned ,
to cloath and adorne the the obscuritie , euen of Philosophie it selfe
, with sensible and plausible elocution . (BACON-E2-H,1,19R.32)

For hereof we haue great examples in <font> Xenophon , Cicero , Seneca
, Plutarch </font> , and of <font> Plato </font> also in some degree ,
(BACON-E2-H,1,19R.33)

and hereof likewise there is great vse : (BACON-E2-H,1,19R.34)

For surely , to the seuere inquisition of truth , and the deepe
progresse into Philosophie , it is some hindrance ; because it is too
early satisfactorie to the minde of man , and quencheth the desire of
further search , before we come to a iust periode .
(BACON-E2-H,1,19R.35)

But then if a man be to haue any vse of such knowledge in ciuile
occasions , of conference , counsell , perswasion , discourse , or the
like : Then shall he finde it prepared to his hands in those Authors ,
which write in that manner . (BACON-E2-H,1,19R.36)

But the excesse of this is to iustly contemptible , that {COM:sic} as
<font> Hercules </font> , when hee saw the Image of <font> Adonis ,
Venus Migmon </font> in a Temple , sayd in disdaine , Nil sacri es . So
there is none of <font> Hercules </font> followers in learning , that
is , the more seuere , and laborious sort of Enquirers into truth , but
will despise those delicacies and affectations , as indeede capable of
no diuinesse . (BACON-E2-H,1,19R.37)

And thus much of the first disease or distemper of learning .
(BACON-E2-H,1,19R.38)

The second which followeth is in nature worse then than the former :
(BACON-E2-H,1,19R.39)

for as substance of matter is <P_1,19V> better than beautie of words :
so contrariwise vaine matter is worse , than vaine words : wherein it
seemeth the reprehension of Saint <font> Paule </font> , was not onely
proper for those times , but prophetical for the times following , and
not only respectiue to Diuinitie , but extensiue to all knowledge .
(BACON-E2-H,1,19V.40)

Deuita prophanas vocum nouitates & oppositiones falsi nominis scientiae
. (BACON-E2-H,1,19V.41)

For he assigneth two Markes and Badges of suspected and falsified
Science ; (BACON-E2-H,1,19V.42)

The one , the noueltie and strangenesse of tearmes ;
(BACON-E2-H,1,19V.43)

the other , the strictnesse of positions , which of necessitie doth
induce oppositions , and so questions and altercations .
(BACON-E2-H,1,19V.44)

Surely , like as many substances in nature which are solide , do
putrifie and corrupt into wormes : So it is the propertie of good and
sound knowledge to putrifie and dissolue into a number of subtile idle
, vnholesome , and <paren> as I may tearme them </paren> vermiculate
questions ; which haue indeede a kinde of quicknesse , and life of
spirite , but no soundnesse of matter , or goodnesse of qualitie .
(BACON-E2-H,1,19V.45)

This kinde of degenerate learning did chiefely raigne amongst the
Schoole men , who hauing sharpe and stronge wits , and aboundance of
leasure , and smal varietie of reading ; but their wits being shut vp
in the Cels of a few Authors <paren> chiefely <font> Aristotle </font>
their Dictator </paren> as their persons were shut vp in the Cells of
Monasteries and Colledges , and knowing little Historie , either-4 of
Nature or time , did out of no great quantitie of matter , and infinite
agitation of wit , spin out vnto vs those laborious webbes of Learning
which are extant in their <P_1,20R> Bookes . (BACON-E2-H,1,20R.46)

For the wit and minde of man , if it worke vpon matter , which is the
conte~plation of the creatures of God worketh according to the stuffe ,
(BACON-E2-H,1,20R.47)

and is limited thereby ; (BACON-E2-H,1,20R.48)

but if it worke vpon it selfe , as the Spider worketh his webbe , then
it is endlesse , (BACON-E2-H,1,20R.49)

$and {TEXT:and_and} brings forth indeed Copwebs of learning , admirable
for the finesse of thread and worke , but of no substance or profite .
(BACON-E2-H,1,20R.50)

This same vnprofitable subtilitie or curiositie is of two sorts :
either-5 in the subiect it selfe that they handle , when it is a
fruitlesse speculation or controuersie ; <paren> whereof there are no
small number both-3 in Diuinity & Philosophie </paren> or in the maner
or method of handling of a knowledge ; which amongst them was this ;
vpon euerie particular position or assertion to frame obiections , and
to those obiections , solutions : which solutions were for the most
part not confutations , but distinctions : whereas indeed the strength
of all Sciences , is as the strength of the old mans faggot in the bond
. (BACON-E2-H,1,20R.51)

For the harmonie of a science supporting each part the other , is and
ought to be the true and briefe confutation and suppression of all the
smaller sort of obiections : (BACON-E2-H,1,20R.52)

but on the other side , if you take out euerie Axiome , as the stickes
of the faggot one by one , you may quarrell with them , and bend them
and breake them at your pleasure : so that as was sayd of <font> Seneca
</font> : Verborum minutijs rerum frangit pondera :
(BACON-E2-H,1,20R.53)

So a man may truely say of the Schoole men Quaestionum minutijs
Scientiarum frangunt sodilitatem . (BACON-E2-H,1,20R.54)

For were it not better <P_1,20V> for a man in a faire roome , to set vp
one great light , or braunching candlesticke of lights , than to goe
about with a small watch candle into euerie corner ?
(BACON-E2-H,1,20V.55)

and such is their methode , that rests not so much vppon euidence of
truth prooued by arguments , authorities , similitudes , examples ; as
vpon particular confutations and solutions of euerie scruple ,
cauillation & obiection : breeding for the most part one questio~ as
fast as it solueth another ; eue~ as in the former resemblance , when
you carry the light into one corner , you darken the rest : so that the
Fable and fiction of <font> Scylla </font> seemeth to be a liuely Image
of this kinde of Philosophie or knowledge , which was transformed into
a comely Virgine for the vpper parts ; but then , Candida succinctam ,
latrantibus inguina monstris : (BACON-E2-H,1,20V.56)

So the Generalities of the Schoolemen are for a while good and
proportionable ; (BACON-E2-H,1,20V.57)

but then when you descend into their distinctions and decisions , in
stead of a fruitfull wombe , for the vse and benefite of mans life ;
they end in monstrous altercations and barking questions . So as it is
not possible but this qualitie of knowledge must fall vnder popular
contempt , the people being apt to contemne truth vpo~ occasion of
Controuersies & altercations , and to thinke they are all out of their
way which neuer meete , (BACON-E2-H,1,20V.58)

and when they see such digladiation about subtilties , and matter of no
vse nor moment , they easily fall vpon that iudgement of <font>
Dionysius </font> of <font> Siracusa </font> , Verba ista sunt senum
otiosorum . (BACON-E2-H,1,20V.59)

Notwithstanding certaine it is , that if those <P_1,21R> Schoole men to
their great thirst of truth , and vnwearied trauaile of wit , had
ioyned varietie and vniuersalitie of reading and contemplation , they
had prooued excellent Lights , to the great aduancement of all learning
and knowledge : (BACON-E2-H,1,21R.60)

but as they are , they are great vndertakers indeed , and fierce with
darke keeping . (BACON-E2-H,1,21R.61)

But as in the inquirie of the diuine truth , their pride enclined to
leaue the Oracle of Gods word , and to vanish in the mixture of their
owne inuentions : so in the inquisition of Nature , they euer left the
Oracle of Gods works , (BACON-E2-H,1,21R.62)

and adored the deceiuing and deformed Images , which the vnequall
mirrour of their owne minds , or a few receiued Authors or principles ,
did represent vnto them . (BACON-E2-H,1,21R.63)

And thus much for the second disease of learning .
(BACON-E2-H,1,21R.64)

For the third vice or disease of Learning , which concerneth deceit or
vntruth , it is of all the rest the fowlest ; as that which doth
destroy the essentiall fourme of knowledge ; which is nothing but a
representation of truth ; (BACON-E2-H,1,21R.65)

for the truth of being , and the truth of knowing are one , differing
no more than the direct beame , and the beame reflected .
(BACON-E2-H,1,21R.66)

This vice therefore brauncheth it selfe into two sorts ; delight in
deceiuing , and aptnesse to be deceiued , imposture and Credulitie :
which although they appeare to be of a diuers nature , the one seeming
to proceede of cunning , and the other of simplicitie ; yet certainely
, they doe for the most part concurre : (BACON-E2-H,1,21R.67)

for as the verse noteth . <P_1,21V> Percontatorem fugito , nam Garrulus
idem est : (BACON-E2-H,1,21V.68)

An inquisitiue man is a pratler : (BACON-E2-H,1,21V.69)

so vpon the like reason , a credulous man is a deceiuer : as we see it
in fame , that hee that will easily beleeue rumors , will as easily
augment rumors , and adde somewhat to them of his owne , which <font>
Tacitus </font> wisely noteth , when he sayth : Fingunt simul creduntq;
(BACON-E2-H,1,21V.70)

so great an affinitie hath fiction and beleefe . (BACON-E2-H,1,21V.71)

This facilitie of credite , and accepting or admitting thinges weakely
authorized or warranted , is of two kindes , according to the subiect :
(BACON-E2-H,1,21V.72)

For it is either-1 a beleefe of Historie , <paren> as the Lawyers
speake , matter of fact : </paren> or else of matter of art and opinion
; (BACON-E2-H,1,21V.73)

As to the former , wee see the experience and inconuenience of this
errour in ecclesiasticall Historie , which hath too easily receiued and
registred reports and narrations of Miracles wrought by Martyrs ,
Hermits , or Monkes of the desert , and other holy men ; and there
Reliques , Shrines , Chappels , and Images : which though they had a
passage for time , by the ignorance of the people , the superstitious
simplicitie of some , and the politique tolleration of others , holding
them but as diuine poesies : yet after a periode of time , when the
mist began to cleare vp , they grew to be esteemed , but as old wiues
fables , impostures of the Cleargie illusions of spirits , and badges
of Antichrist , to the great scandall and detriment of Religion .
(BACON-E2-H,1,21V.74)

So in naturall Historie , wee see there hath not <P_1,22R> beene that
choise and iudgement vsed , as ought to haue beene , as may appeare in
the writings of <font> Plinius , Cardanus , Albertus </font> , and
diuers of the Arabians , being fraught with much fabulous matter , a
great part , not onely vntryed , but notoriously vntrue , to the great
derogation of the credite of naturall Philosophie , with the graue and
sober kinde of wits ; wherein the wisedome and integritie of <font>
Aristotle </font> is worthy to be obserued , that hauing made so
diligent and exquisite a Historie of liuing creatures , hath mingled it
sparingly with any vaine or fayned matter , and yet on thother sake ,
hath cast all prodigious Narrations , which he thought worthy the
recording into one Booke : excellently discerning that matter of
manifest truth , such wherevpon obseruation and rule was to bee built ,
was not to bee mingled or weakened with matter of doubtfull credite :
and yet againe that rarities and reports , that seeme vncredible , are
not to be suppressed or denyed to the memorie of men .
(BACON-E2-H,1,22R.75)

And as for the facilitie of credite which is yeelded to Arts & opinions
, it is likewise of two kinds , either-2 when too much beleefe is
attributed to the Arts themselues , or to certaine Authors in any Art .
(BACON-E2-H,1,22R.76)

The Sciences themselues which haue had better intelligence and
confederacie with the imagination of man , than with his reason , are
three in number ; Astrologie , Naturall Magicke , and <font> Alcumy
</font> : of which Sciences neuerthelesse the ends or pretences are
noble . (BACON-E2-H,1,22R.77)

For Astrologie pretendeth to discouer that <P_1,22V> correspondence or
concatenation , which is betweene the superiour Globe and the inferiour
. (BACON-E2-H,1,22V.78)

Naturall Magicke pretendeth to cal & reduce natural Philosophie from
variety of speculations to the magnitude of works ;
(BACON-E2-H,1,22V.79)

And <font> Alcumy </font> pretendeth to make separation of all the
vnlike parts of bodies , which in mixtures of nature are incorporate .
(BACON-E2-H,1,22V.80)

But the deriuations and prosecutions to these ends , both in the
theories , and in the practises are full of Errour and vanitie ; which
the great Professors themselues haue sought to vaile ouer and conceale
by enigmaticall writings , and referring themselues to auricular
traditions , and such other deuises , to saue the credite of Impostures
; (BACON-E2-H,1,22V.81)

and yet surely to <font> Alcumy </font> this right is due , that it may
be compared to the Husband man whereof <font> AEsope </font> makes the
Fable ; that when he died , told his Sonnes , that he had left vnto
them gold , buried vnder ground in his Vineyard ; (BACON-E2-H,1,22V.82)

and they digged ouer all the ground , (BACON-E2-H,1,22V.83)

and gold they found none , (BACON-E2-H,1,22V.84)

but by reason of their stirring and digging the mold about , the rootes
of their Vines , they had a great Vintage the yeare following :
(BACON-E2-H,1,22V.85)

so assuredly the search and stirre to make gold hath brought to light a
great number of good and fruitfull inuentions and experiments , as well
for the disclosing of Nature ; as for the vse of mans life .
(BACON-E2-H,1,22V.86)

And as for the ouermuch credite that hath {TEXT:hatb} beene giuen vnto
Authors in Sciences , in making them Dictators , that their wordes
should stand , and not Counsels to giue aduise ; the dammage is
infinite that <P_1,23R> Sciences haue receiued thereby , as the
principall cause that hath kept them lowe , at a stay without groweth
or aduancement . (BACON-E2-H,1,23R.87)

For hence it hath comen , that in arts Mechanicall , the first deuiser
coms shortest , (BACON-E2-H,1,23R.88)

and time addeth and perfecteth : (BACON-E2-H,1,23R.89)

but in Sciences the first Author goeth furthest , (BACON-E2-H,1,23R.90)

and time leeseth and corrupteth . (BACON-E2-H,1,23R.91)

So we see , Artillerie , sayling , printing , and the like , were
grossely managed at the first and by time accommodated and refined :
(BACON-E2-H,1,23R.92)

but contrarywise the Philosophies and Sciences of <font> Aristotle ,
Plato , Democritus , Hypocrates , Euclides , Archimedes </font> , of
most vigor at the first , and by time degenerate and imbased , whereof
the reason is no other , but that in the former many wits and
industries $haue {TEXT:haue_haue} contributed in one ; and in the later
many wits and industries haue ben spent about the wit of some one ;
whom many times they haue rather depraued than illustrated .
(BACON-E2-H,1,23R.93)

For as water will not ascend higher , than the leuell of the first
spring head , from whence it descendeth : so knowledge deriued from
<font> Aristotle </font> , and exempted from libertie of examination ,
will not rise againe higher , than the knowledge of <font> Aristotle
</font> . (BACON-E2-H,1,23R.94)

And therfore although the position be good : Oportet discentem credere
: yet it must bee coupled with this , Oportet edoctum iudicare :
(BACON-E2-H,1,23R.95)

for Disciples doe owe vnto Maisters onely a temporarie beleefe , and a
suspension of their owne iudgement , till they be fully instructed and
not an absolute resignation , or perpetuall captiuitie :
(BACON-E2-H,1,23R.96)

and therefore to conclude this point , I will say no more , but ; so
let great Authors <P_1,23V> haue theire due , as time which is the
Author of Authors be not depriued of his due , which is furder and
furder to discouer truth . (BACON-E2-H,1,23V.97)

Thus haue I gone ouer these three diseasses of learning , besides the
which there are some other rather peccant humors , then fourmed
diseases , which neuertheles are not so secret and intrinsike , but
that they fall vnder a popular obseruation and traducement ; and
therefore are not to be passed ouer . (BACON-E2-H,1,23V.98)

<P_2,2R>

The Works or Acts of merit towards learning are conversant about three
obiects , the Places of learning ; the Bookes of learning ; and the
Persons of the learned . (BACON-E2-H,2,2R.100)

For as water , whether it be the dewe of heauen , or the springs of the
earth , doth scatter and leese it selfe in the ground , except it be
collected into some Receptacle , where it may by vnion , comfort and
sustaine it selfe : And for that cause the Industry of Man hath made &
framed Spring heads , Conduits , Cesternes , and Pooles , which men
haue accustomed likewise to beautifie and adorne with accomplishments
of Magnificence and State , as wel as of vse and necessitie : So this
excellent liquor of knowledge , whether it descend from diuine
inspiration , or spring from humane sense , would soone perishe and
vanishe to oblyuion , if it were not preserued in Bookes , Traditions ,
Conferences , and <P_2,2V> Places appoynted , as Vniuersities ,
Colledges , and Schooles , for the receipt & comforting of the same .
(BACON-E2-H,2,2V.101)

The works which concerne the Seates and Places of learning , are foure
; Foundations , and Buyldings , Endowments with Reuenewes , Endowme~ts
with Franchizes and Priuiledges , Institutions and Ordinances for
gouernment , all tending to quietnesse and priuatenesse of life , and
discharge of cares and troubles , much like the Stations , which <font>
Virgil </font> prescribeth for the hyuing of Bees .
(BACON-E2-H,2,2V.102)

Principio sedes Apibus , statioq; petenda : Quo neq; sit ventis aditus
, &c. (BACON-E2-H,2,2V.103)

The workes touching Bookes are two : (BACON-E2-H,2,2V.104)

First Libraries , which are as the Shrynes , where all the Reliques of
the ancient Saints , full of true vertue , and that without delusion or
imposture , are preserued , and reposed ; (BACON-E2-H,2,2V.105)

Secondly , Newe Editions of Authors , with more correct impressions ,
more faithfull translations , more profitable glosses , more diligent
annotations , and the like . (BACON-E2-H,2,2V.106)

The workes pertaining to the persons of learned men <paren> besides the
aduancement and countenancing of them in generall </paren> are two :
(BACON-E2-H,2,2V.107)

The reward and designation of Readers in Sciences already extant and
inuented : and the reward and designation of Writers and Enquirers ,
concerning any partes of Learning , not sufficiently laboured and
prosecuted . (BACON-E2-H,2,2V.108)

These are summarilie the workes and actes , wherein the merites of
manie excellent Princes , and other worthie Personages haue beene
conuersant . (BACON-E2-H,2,2V.109)

<P_2,3R>

As for any particular commemorations , I call to minde what <font>
Cicero </font> saide , when hee gaue generall thanks .
(BACON-E2-H,2,3R.111)

Difficile {TEXT:difffcile} non aliquem ; ingratum quenquam praeterire :
(BACON-E2-H,2,3R.112)

Let vs rather according to the Scriptures , looke vnto that parte of
the Race , which is before vs ; then looke backe to that which is
alreadie attained . (BACON-E2-H,2,3R.113)

First therfore amongst so many great Foundations of Colledges in <font>
Europe </font> , I finde strange that they are all dedicated to
Professions , and none left free to Artes and Sciences at large .
(BACON-E2-H,2,3R.114)

For if men iudge that learning should bee referred to action , they
iudge well : (BACON-E2-H,2,3R.115)

but in this they fall into the Error described in the ancient Fable ;
in which the other parts of the body did suppose the stomache had beene
ydle , because it neyther-2 performed the office of Motion , as the
lymmes doe , nor of Sence , as the head doth : (BACON-E2-H,2,3R.116)

But yet notwithstanding it is the Stomache that digesteth and
distributeth to all the rest : (BACON-E2-H,2,3R.117)

So if any man thinke Philosophie and Vniuersalitie to be idle Studies ;
hee doth not consider that all Professions are from thence serued , and
supplyed . (BACON-E2-H,2,3R.118)

And this I take to bee a great cause that hath hindered the progression
of learning , because these Fundamental knowledges haue bene studied
but in passage . (BACON-E2-H,2,3R.119)

For if you will haue a tree beare more fruite then it hath vsed to do ;
it is not any thing you can do to the boughes , (BACON-E2-H,2,3R.120)

but it is the styrring of the earth , and putting newe moulde about the
rootes , that must worke it . (BACON-E2-H,2,3R.121)

Neyther is it to bee forgotten , that this dedicating <P_2,3V> of
Foundations and Dotations to professory Learning , hath not onely had a
Maligne aspect , and influence vpon the growth of Scyences , but hath
also beene preiudiciall to States and gouernments .
(BACON-E2-H,2,3V.122)

For hence it proceedeth that Princes find a solitude , in regard of
able men to serue them in causes of estate , because there is no
education collegiate , which is free ; wher such as were so disposed ,
mought giue themselues to Histories , moderne languages , bookes of
pollicie and ciuile discourse , and other the like inablements vnto
seruice of estate . (BACON-E2-H,2,3V.123)

And because founders of Colledges doe plant , and founders of Lectures
doe water : it followeth wel in order to speake of the defect , which
is in Publique Lectures : Namely , in the smalnesse and meanesse of the
salary or reward which in most places is assigned vnto them : whether
they be Lectures of Arts , or of Professions . (BACON-E2-H,2,3V.124)

For it is necessary to the progression of Scyences , that Readers be of
the most able and sufficient men ; as those which are ordained for
generating , and propagating of Scyences , and not for transitorie vse
. (BACON-E2-H,2,3V.125)

This $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be , except their condition , & endowme~t
be such , as may co~tent the ablest man , to appropriate his whole
labour , and continue his whole age in that function and attendance ,
and therefore must haue a proportion answerable to that mediocritie or
competencie of aduancement , which may be expected from a Profession ,
or the Practize of a Profession : (BACON-E2-H,2,3V.126)

So as , if you wil haue Scyences flourish , you must obserue <font>
Dauids </font> <P_2,4R> military lawe , which was , <font> That those
which staied with the Carriage , should haue equall part with those
which were in the Action </font> : (BACON-E2-H,2,4R.127)

else will the carriages be ill attended : (BACON-E2-H,2,4R.128)

So Readers in Scyences are indeede the Gardyans of the stores and
prouisions of Scyences , whence men in actiue courses are furnished ,
(BACON-E2-H,2,4R.129)

and therefore ought to haue equall entertainment with them ;
(BACON-E2-H,2,4R.130)

otherwise if the fathers in Scyences be of the weakest sort , or be ill
maintained . Et Patrum invalidi reserent ieiunia nati .
(BACON-E2-H,2,4R.131)

Another defect I note , wherin I shall neede some Alchimist to helpe me
, who call vpon men to sell their Bookes , and to build Fornaces ,
quitting and forsaking <font> Minerva </font> , and the <font> Muses
</font> , as barreyne virgines , and relying vpon <font> Vulcan </font>
. (BACON-E2-H,2,4R.132)

But certaine it is , that vnto the deepe , fruitefull , and operatiue
studie of many Scyences , specially Naturall Phylosophy and Physicke ,
Bookes be not onely the Instrumentals ; wherein also the beneficence of
men hath not beene altogether wanting : (BACON-E2-H,2,4R.133)

for we see , Spheares , Globes , Astrolabes , Mappes , and the like ,
haue bene prouided , as appurtenances to Astronomy & Cosmography , as
well as bookes : (BACON-E2-H,2,4R.134)

We see likewise , that some places instituted for Physicke , haue
annexed the commoditie of Gardeins for Simples of all sorts , and do
likewise command the vse of dead Bodies for Anatomyes .
(BACON-E2-H,2,4R.135)

But these doe respect but a few things . (BACON-E2-H,2,4R.136)

In generall , there will hardly be any Mayne proficience in the
disclosing of nature , except there be some allowance for expences
about experime~ts ; <P_2,4V> whether they be experiments appertaining
to <font> Vulcanus </font> or <font> Dedalus </font> . Furnace or
Engyne , or any other kind ; (BACON-E2-H,2,4V.137)

And therefore as Secretaries , and Spyalls of Princes and States bring
in Bills for Intelligence ; so you must allowe the Spyalls and
Intelligencers of Nature , to bring in their Billes ,
(BACON-E2-H,2,4V.138)

or else you shall be ill aduertised . (BACON-E2-H,2,4V.139)

And if <font> Alexander </font> made such a liberall assignation to
<font> Aristotle </font> of treasure for the allowance of Hunters ,
Fowlers , Fishers and the like , that he mought compile an Historie of
Nature , much better do they deserue it that trauailes in Arts of
nature . (BACON-E2-H,2,4V.140)

Another defect which I note , is an intermission or neglect in those
which are Gouernours in Vniuersities , of Consultation , & in Princes
or superior persons , of Visitation : To enter into account and
consideration , whether the Readings , exercises , and other customes
appertayning vnto learning , aunciently begunne , and since continued ,
be well instituted or no , and thereupon to ground an amendement , or
reformation in that which shall be found inconuenient .
(BACON-E2-H,2,4V.141)

For it is one of your Maiesties owne most wise and Princely Maximes ,
<font> that in all vsages , and Presidents , the Times be considered
wherein they first beganne , which if they were weake , or ignorant ,
it derogateth from the Authoritie of the Vsage , and leaueth it for
suspect </font> . (BACON-E2-H,2,4V.142)

And therefore in as much , as most of the vsages , and orders of the
Vniuersities were deriued fro~ more obscure times , it is the more
requisite , they be reexamined . (BACON-E2-H,2,4V.143)

In this kind I will giue an <P_2,5R> instance or two for exa~ple sake ,
of things that are the most obvious & familiar : (BACON-E2-H,2,5R.144)

The one is a matter , which though it bee ancient and generall , yet I
hold to be an errour , which is , that Schollers in Vniuersities come
too soone , & too vnripe to Logicke & Rhetoricke ; Arts fitter for
Graduates then children , and Nouices : (BACON-E2-H,2,5R.145)

For these two rightly taken , are the grauest of Sciences , beeing the
Arts of Arts , the one for Iudgement , the other for Ornament :
(BACON-E2-H,2,5R.146)

And they be the Rules & Directions , how to set forth & dispose matter
: (BACON-E2-H,2,5R.147)

& therfore for mindes emptie & vnfraught with matter , & which haue not
gathered that which <font> Cicero </font> calleth <font> Sylua </font>
and <font> Supeliex </font> , stuffe and varietie to beginne with those
Artes <paren> as if one should learne to weigh , or to measure , or to
painte the Winde </paren> doth worke but this effect : that the
wisedome of those Arts , which is great , & vniuersal , is almost made
contemptible , & is degenerate into childish Sophystrie , & ridiculous
affectation . (BACON-E2-H,2,5R.148)

And further , the vntimely learning of them hath drawen on by
consequence , the superficiall and vnprofitable teaching & writing of
them , as fitteth indeed to the capacity of childre~ :
(BACON-E2-H,2,5R.149)

Another , is a lacke I finde in the exercises vsed in the Vniuersities
, which do make to great a diuorce betweene Inuention & Memory :
(BACON-E2-H,2,5R.150)

for their speeches are either premeditate in Verbis conceptis , where
nothing is left to Inuention , or meerly <font> Extemporall </font> ,
where little is left to Memory : wheras in life & action , there is
least vse of either of these , but rather of intermixtures of
premeditation , & Inuention : Notes & Memorie . <P_2,5V> So as the
exercise fitteth not the practize , nor the Image , the life ;
(BACON-E2-H,2,5V.151)

and it is euer a true rule in exercises , that they bee framed as nere
as may be to the life of practise , (BACON-E2-H,2,5V.152)

for otherwise they do peruert the Motions , and faculties of the Minde
, and not prepare them . The truth whereof is not obscure , when
Schollars come to the practises of professions , or other actions of
ciuill life , which when they set into , this want is soone found by
themselues , and sooner by others . (BACON-E2-H,2,5V.153)

But this part touching the amendment of the Institutions and orders of
Vniuersities . I will conclude with the clause of <font> Caesars
</font> letter to <font> Oppius </font> and <font> Balbus </font> , Hoc
quem ad modum fieri possit , nonnulla mihi in me~tem veniunt , & multa
reperiri possunt : de ijs rebus rogo vos , vt cogitationem suscipiatis
. (BACON-E2-H,2,5V.154)

Another defect which I note , ascendeth a little higher then the
precedent . (BACON-E2-H,2,5V.155)

For as the proficience of learning consisteth much in the orders and
institutions of Vniuersities , in the same States & kingdoms : So it
would bee yet more aduanced , if there were more Intellige~ce Mutual
betweene the Vniuersities of <font> Europe </font> , then now there is
. (BACON-E2-H,2,5V.156)

We see , there be many Orders and Foundatio~s , which though they be
deuided vnder seuerall soueraignties , & territories , yet they take
themselues to haue a kind of contract , fraternitie , & correspondence
, one with the other , insomuch as they haue Prouincials and Generals .
(BACON-E2-H,2,5V.157)

And surely as Nature createth Brotherhood in Families , & Arts
Mechanicall contract Brotherhoods in communalties , and the Anoyntment
of God superinduceth <P_2,6R> a Brotherhood in Kings & Bishops : So in
like manner there $can $not {TEXT:cannot} but bee a fraternitie in
learning and illumination , relating to that Paternitie , which is
attributed to God , who is called the Father of illuminations or lights
. (BACON-E2-H,2,6R.158)

The last defect which <font> I </font> wil note , is , that there hath
not been , or very rarely been , any Publique Designation of Writers or
Enquirers , concerning such parts of knowledge , as may appeare not to
haue bin alreadie sufficiently laboured or vndertaken , vnto which
point it is an Induceme~t ; to enter into a view and examination , what
parts of learning haue bin prosecuted , and what omitted ;
(BACON-E2-H,2,6R.159)

For the opinion of plentie is amongst the causes of want ;
(BACON-E2-H,2,6R.160)

and the great quantitie of Bookes maketh a shewe rather of superfluitie
then lacke , which surcharge neuerthelesse is not-2 to be remedied by
making no more bookes , but by making more good books , which as the
Serpe~t of <font> Moses </font> , mought deuour the Serpe~ts of the
Incha~tors . (BACON-E2-H,2,6R.161)

The remouing of all the defects formerly enumerate , except the last ,
and of the actiue part also of the last <paren> which is the
designation of Writers </paren> are <font> Opera Basilica </font> ;
towards which the endeuors of a priuate man may be , but as an Image in
a crosse way ; that may point at the way , but $can $not {TEXT:cannot}
goe it . (BACON-E2-H,2,6R.162)

But the inducing part of the latter <paren> which is the suruay of
Learning </paren> , may bee set forwarde by priuate trauaile ;
Wherefore I will now attempt to make a generall and faithfull
perambulation of learning , with an inquiry what parts therof lye fresh
and <P_2,6V> wast , and not improued & conuerted by the Industrie of
man ; to the end that such a plotte made and recorded to memorie , may
both minister light to anie publique designation : and also serue to
excite voluntary endeuours ; wherin neuerthelesse my purpose is at this
time , to note onely omissions and deficiences ; and not to make any
redargution of Errors , or incomplete prosecutions :
(BACON-E2-H,2,6V.163)

For it is one thing to set forth what ground lyeth vnmanured ; and
another thing to correct ill husbandry in that which is manured . In
the handling & vndertaking of which worke , I am not ignorant , what it
is , that I doe now mooue and attempt , nor insensible of mine own
weakenes , to susteine my purpose : (BACON-E2-H,2,6V.164)

But my hope is , that if my extreame loue to learning carrie me too
farre , I may obtaine the excuse of affection ; for that <font> It is
not granted to man to loue , and to bee wise </font> .
(BACON-E2-H,2,6V.165)

But I know well I can vse no other libertie of Iudgement , then I must
leaue to others , (BACON-E2-H,2,6V.166)

& I for my part shall be indifferentlie glad eyther to performe my
selfe , or accept from another , that dutie of humanitie : Nam qui
erranti comiter monstrat viam : (BACON-E2-H,2,6V.167)

&c. I doe foresee likewise , that of those things , which I shall enter
& Register , as Deficiences and Omissions : Many will conceiue and
censure , that some of them are alreadie done & extant : others to bee
but curiosities , and things of no great vse : and others to bee of too
great difficultie , and almost impossibilitie to bee compassed and
effected : (BACON-E2-H,2,6V.168)

But for the twoo first , I referre my selfe to <P_2,7R> the particulars
. (BACON-E2-H,2,7R.169)

For the last , touching impossibilitie , I take it , those things are
to bee held possible , which may be done by some person , though not by
euerie one : and which may be done by many , though not by any one :
and which may be done in succession of ages , though not within the
houre-glasse of one mans life : and which may be done by publique
designation , though not by priuate endeuour . (BACON-E2-H,2,7R.170)

But notwithsta~ding , if any Man will take to himselfe rather that of
Salomon , Dicit piger , Leo est in via , then that of Virgil , Possunt
, quia posse videntur : I shall be content that my labours bee esteemed
, but as the better sorte of wishes : (BACON-E2-H,2,7R.171)

for as it asketh some knowledge to demaund a question , not impertinent
; so it requireth some sense , to make a wish not absurd .
(BACON-E2-H,2,7R.172)