|
CAP. 13.
Of the error in propounding chiefly the search of causes
and productions of things concrete, which are infinite and transitory, and
not of abstract natures, which are few and permanent. That these natures
are as the alphabet or simple letters, whereof the variety of things
consisteth; or as the colours mingled in the painter's shell, wherewith he
is able to make infinite variety of faces or shapes. An enumeration of them
according to popular note. That at the first one would conceive that in
the schools by natural philosophy were meant the knowledge of the
efficients of things concrete; and by metaphysic the knowledge of the forms
of natures simple; which is a good and fit division of knowledge: but upon
examination there is no such matter by them intended. That the little
inquiry into the production of simple natures sheweth well that works were
not sought; because by the former knowledge some small and superficial
deflexions from the ordinary generations and productions may be found out,
but the discovery of all profound and radical alteration
must arise out of the latter knowledge.
[@ Works III, 243]
| |