3. This subject is more fully investigated under the head of

rhetoric.

Suggestion

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1. It directs the mind to certain marks, as a mode of exciting it to the production of acquired knowledge.

2. Different sorts of topics: 1. General. 2. Particular.

General Suggestion.

1. Its uses are to furnish arguments to dispute probably: to minister to our judgments: to conclude right, and to direct our enquiries.

A faculty of wise interrogating is half a knowledge. For as Plato saith, "Whosoever seeketh, knoweth that which he seeketh for in a general notion; else how shall he know it when he hath found it ?"

Particular Suggestion.

1. It is a direction of invention in every particular knowledge. 2. Ars inveniendi adolescit cum inventis.

In going up a way, we do not only gain that part of the way which is passed, but we gain the better sight of that part of the way which remaineth.

Judgment

1. It relates to the nature of proofs and demonstrations.

2. Different modes of judging: 1. By induction, which is referred to the Novum Organum. 2. By syllogism.

Of Syllogism.

1. Syllogisms are agreeable to the mind, and have been much laboured.

The nature of man doth extremely covet to have somewhat in his understanding fixed and immoveable, and as a rest and support of the mind. And therefore as Aristotle endeavoureth to prove, that in all motion there is some point quiescent; and as he elegantly expoundeth the ancient

fable of Atlas, that stood fixed, and bare up the heaven from falling, to be meant of the poles or axle-tree of heaven, whereupon the conversion is accomplished; so assuredly men have a desire to have an Atlas or axle-tree within, to keep them from fluctuation.

2. The art of judging by syllogism is the reduction of propositions to principles by an agreed middle term.

3. Syllogisms are direct, or ex absurdo.

4. Division of the art of judgment: 1st. The analytic art. 2. The doctrine of elenchs.

5. It is for direction.

The Analytic Art.

6. It sets down the true form of arguments, from which any deviation leads to error.

The Doctrine of Elenchs

7. It is for caution to detect fallacies.

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In the more gross sorts of fallacies it happeneth, as Seneca maketh the comparison well, as in juggling feats, which though we know not how they are done, yet we know well it is not as it seemeth to be.

8. Elenchs are well laboured by Plato and Aristotle. 9. The virtuous use of this knowledge is to redargue sophisms: the corrupt use for caption and contradiction.

The difference is good which was made between orators and sophisters, that the one is as the greyhound, which hath his advantage in the race, and the other as the hare, which hath her advantage in the turn.

10. Elenchs extend to divers parts of knowledge.

11. The references touching the common adjuncts of essences is an elench.

12. Seducements that work by the strength of impression are

elenchs

13. Elenchs of idols.

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The mind of man, which I find not observed or inquired at all, and think good to place here, as that which of all

others appertaineth most to rectify judgment: the force whereof is such, as it doth not dazzle or snare the understanding in some particulars, but doth more generally and inwardly infect and corrupt the state thereof. For the mind of man is far from the nature of a clear and equal glass, wherein the beams of things should reflect according to their true incidence; nay, it is rather like an enchanted glass, full of superstition and imposture, if it be not delivered and reduced.

14. The mind is more affected by affirmatives than negatives. (p) As was well answered by Diagoras to him that shewed him in Neptune's temple the greater number of pictures of such as had escaped shipwreck and had paid their vows to Neptune, saying, "Advise now, you that think it folly to invocate Neptune in tempest:" " Yea, but," said Diagoras, "where are they painted that are drowned ?"

15. The mind supposes a greater equality then exists. (q)

The mathematicians cannot satisfy themselves, except they reduce the motions of the celestial bodies to perfect circles, rejecting spiral lines, and labouring to be discharged of eccentrics.

16. The mind is prejudiced by the false appearances imposed by every man's own individual nature and custom (r) 192

If a child were continued in a grot or cave under the earth until maturity of age, and came suddenly abroad, he would have strange and absurd imaginations. So in like manner, although our persons live in the view of heaven, yet our spirits, are included in the caves of our own complexions and customs, which minister unto us infinite errors and vain opinions, if they be not recalled to examination.

17. The mind is misled by words.(s)

18. The cautions against these idols are defective

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19. The application of the different kinds of proofs to different

subjects.

(p) See note (P) at the end. (r) See note (R) at the end.

(q) See note (Q) at the end. (s) See note (S) at the end,

20. Different kinds of demonstrations.

1. Immediate consent.

2. Induction.

3. Sophism.

4. Congruity.

The rigour and curiosity in requiring the more severe proofs in some things, and chiefly the facility in contenting ourselves with the more remiss proofs in others, hath been amongst the greatest causes of detriment and hindrance to knowledge.

21. This is deficient.

MEMORY (t)

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Retaining knowledge is by writing or memory.

Writing.

The nature of the character is referred to grammar.

The disposition of our knowledge depends upon common places. Of common places injuring the memory.

Because it is but a counterfeit thing in knowledges to be forward and pregnant, except a man be deep and full, I hold the entry of common-places, to be a matter of great use and essence in studying, as that which assureth “ copia" of invention, and contracteth judgment to a strength. The mode of common placing is defective.

It is weakly enquired.

Memory

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Precepts for memory have been exalted for ostentation, not for

use.

I make no more estimation of repeating a great number of names or words upon once hearing, or the pouring forth of a number of verses or rhimes ex tempore, or the making

(t) See note (T) at the end.

of a satirical simile of every thing, or the turning of every thing to a jest, or the falsifying or contradicting of every thing by cavil, or the like, (whereof in the faculties of the mind there is great" copia," and such as by device and practice may be exalted to an extreme degree of wonder,) than I do of the tricks of tumblers, funambuloes, baladines ; the one being the same in the mind that the other is in the body, matters of strangeness without worthiness.

Art of memory is built upon prenotion and emblem. Prenotion is a limitation of an indefinite seeking by directing us to seek in a narrow compass.

Emblem reduces conceits intellectual to images sensible.

TRADITION

It is the transferring our knowledge to others.

Division of the subject.

1. The organ of speech.

2. The method of speech.

3. The ornament of speech.

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THE ORGAN OF SPEECH.

Whatever is capable of sufficient differences and perception by the sense is competent to express thought.

Different Signs of Thought.

1. Having similitude with the notion.

1. Hieroglyphics.

2. Gestures.

2. Not having similitude or words. The antiquity of hieroglyphics.

Gestures are as transitory hieroglyphics.

Periander, being consulted with how to preserve a tyranny newly usurped, bid the messenger attend and report · what he saw him do; and went into his garden and topped all the highest flowers.

Hypotheses respecting the origin of words

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