The life of Monsieur Des Cartes containing the history of his philosophy and works : as also the most remarkable things that befell him during the whole course of his life / translated from the French by S.R.

BOOK II. (Book 2)

From 1619. to 1628. (Book 2)

MOnsieur Des Cartes not intending to serve otherwise under the D.* 1.1 of Bavaria, then he had done under the Prince of Orange; began the Campain, with putting into Winter. Quarters in the Dutchy of Newbourg, upon the Banks of the Danube, in the Month of O∣ctober, An. 1619. He found himself in a place so remote from Communication, and so little frequented by people, whose Conversation might afford him any Diversion, that he even procured himself such a privacy, as the con∣dition of his Ambulatory Life could permit him.

Not being secure abroad,* 1.2 and not having by good luck any anxieties, nor passions within, that were capable of disturbing him, he staid withal all the Day long in his stove, where he had leisure enough to entertain himself with his thoughts; at first they were nothing else but preludiums of imagination, and became daring by de∣grees, by passing from one Cogitation to ano∣ther,

proportionably as he perceived the de∣••ght of his Mind to increase by their Concate∣••tion. One of the first that presented it self, ••as, that we do not usually meet with so ••uch perfection in works Composed of seve∣••eral pieces, and made by the hands of seve∣••al Artists, as in those in which only one hath ••ade it his business; it was not an hard task ••or him, to find wherewithal to Foment and Maintain this thought, not only in Arts, where∣•• one may observe, how much difficulty there 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in bringing any thing to perfection, if you ••and only upon another Mans shoulders, work∣••ng only according to the Model of another; ••ut even in politicks, which respects the Go∣••ernment of People, yea, and in the Esta∣••lishment of Religion, which is the Handi∣••ork of God alone.

And then he applies this notion to Sciences, ••e knowledge of which, or its precepts, are ••ntrusted to Books, he supposeth that Sciences ••t least those, the Reasons, whereof are only probable, not being backt by any Demonstra∣••ions, having swell'd by little and little, by the Opinions of divers particular persons, and being only Composed by the reflections of se∣veral persons of different Intellects, do not approach so near Truth, as the down right Reasonings, that a Man of indifferent good Sense, useth naturally concerning things which present themselves to him.

From thence he undertakes to proceed to Human Nature,* 1.3 with the same thought. He will consider, that because we have been In∣fants

and Children before we were Men, and because we have let our selves be a long time governed by our Appetites, and by our Ma∣sters and Tutors, who have oftentimes con∣tradicted one another; it is in a manner im∣possible, that our Judgments should be so clear or so solid, as they would have been, put the Case, we had had the perfect use of our Rea∣son, so soon as ever we were born, or if we had never been governed by any thing but it.

The liberty he gave to his Reason not meet∣ing with any Obstacle, led him insensibly to the Subverting of all the ancient Systems; yet he refrain'd doing so, taking notice of the indis∣cretion he should have been apt to have blamed in another Man, who should have gone about to have pull'd down all the Hou∣ses of a City, under pretence to rebuild them after another manner. Nevertheless, as one cannot find fault with a private Person for, causing his own to be pull'd down at such time as it threatens him with unavoidable ruin, that he may rear it up again upon more solid and substantial Foundations: So he was perswaded that it would have been taken for a piece of rashness in him to desire the refor∣ming of Sciences, or the Order settled in the Schools for the teaching of them; but no body could reasonably blame him for making tryal of it upon himself, without incroaching upon any other.

So that he fully resolved once for all to get quit of all the Opinions he had received and

embraced, till that time; but it was his in∣••ent not to exclude them quite out of his Be∣••ef, but only that he might substitute others ••terwards in their room, that should be bet∣••r, or even to take up the same again if need ••quired, after he should have verified them: ••nd, he believed, he could find out in this ••articular, some means or other that might ••ave that Effect as to regulate the Conduct ••f his Life a great deal better, than if he ••ould pretend to rear a Fabrick upon old ••oundations, upheld only by a Company of ••rinciples which he had suffer'd to be in∣••ll'd into him in his Youth, without ever ••ving examined whether they were true, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no.

He foresaw notwithstanding, that so daring ••••d Novel a Project, could not be laid ••••t with some difficulty; yet he was apt to ••••tter himself, that these difficulties were not ••••uperable, but might admit of a remedy. ••esides, he did look upon them no ways ••omparable to those that occur in the Refor∣••ation of the smallest Matters relating to the ••ublick; he made a vast difference between ••••at, he went about to destroy in himself, ••••d those Publick Establishments we observe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this World, which he compared to huge ••odies, whose fall must needs be very sad, ••hich besides are abundantly more difficult 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be erected again after they are batter'd ••own, than to be propt up and made to stand, ••hen they shake and totter. But without ••••tending to carry on his Designs as far as the

Interests of the Publick, he cared only to re∣form his own proper Thoughts, and did no•• mean to Build upon any Ground to which he had not a good Title. In case of bad Suc∣cess, he thought he should not be much 〈◊〉〈◊〉 loser by the Bargain, since that the worst that could happen thereupon, could but be th•• loss of his time and pains, when all came 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all; which he did not judge very necessar•• to the Benefit of Mankind.

In the new Heat and Career of his Resol••∣tions,* 1.4 he undertook to put in Practice the Fir•••• Part of his Designs, which consisted only 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Destroying and Pulling down. This witho•••• doubt was the easiest of the two, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quickly perceived that it was not quite so eas•• for a Man to get quit of his Prejudices, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set Fire on his House; he had already prep••∣red himself for this abjuring and renounci•••• from the very time he left the Colledge. H•• had practised some Attempts to that purpos•• first of all, in his Retirement in the Fauxbou•• St. Germain in Paris, and after that; whilst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sojourned at Breda. With all these Dispo••∣tions he had no less to undergo, than if he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 been to unman himself.

He believed nevertheless, that he had a••¦complish'd his design, and to speak the tru•••• it was enough that his Imagination did repr••∣sent to him his Intellect quite naked, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make him believe that he had effectual•••• brought it to this condition, there was n••∣thing left him but love for truth, the pu••∣suit whereof was to make up for the futur••

••••e whole occupation of his life; this admi∣••stred the only matter of torment he suf∣••red in his Spirit; but now the means ••hereby to come to this happy Conquest ••casioned no less trouble and perplexity ••an the end it self. The Enquiry he inten∣••ed to make after these means, threw his ••ind into such violent Agitations increasing ••ore and more by a continual Contest where∣••ith he kept it intent, without so much as ••••ving leave to his walking abroad, or Com∣••••ions to divert it from what it was about. ••e wearied it out to that degree that his ••ain took fire, and he falls into a spice of ••nthusiasm which disposed his Mind, already ••ite spent, in such a manner, that it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to receive the Impressions of Dreams and ••••sions.

He acquaints us, That on the Tenth of No∣••••mber 1619. laying himself down Brim-full of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Enthusiasm, and wholly possess'd with the ••ought of having found that day the Founda∣••••ons of the wonderful Science, he had Three ••reams one presently after another; yet so ••••traordinary, as to make him fancy that ••ey were sent him from above; he supposed ••e discerned through their shadows the tracks ••f the Path which God had chalked out for ••••m, to perform his Will in his choice of ••ife; and inquiry after truth, which was the ••ccasion of all his disquiet; but the Divine ••piritual Air, which he took a Pride to give 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Explanation of these Dreams, was so ••ar a kin to that Enthusiasm wherewith he

believed himself to be warmed, that a Man would have been apt to have believed that he had been a little Crack-brain'd, or that he might have drank a Cup too much that Even∣ing before he went to Bed. It was indeed, St. Martin's Eve, and People used to make Merry that Night in the place where he was as they do in France; but he assures us, that he had been very Sober all that Day, and that Evening too and that he had not touched a drop of Wine for Three Weeks together.

Whatever was the matter with him, I can∣not tell; but the impression of these Agitation•• made upon him, caused him to make several reflections the next day what course he should take. Without presuming too much upon the favourable Construction he had put upon his Dreams▪ he had recourse to God afresh, to beg of him to give him some Intimations o•• his wi••••, without an Aenigma; That he would vouchsafe to enlighten him, and direct him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his research of Truth. He endeavoured also to interest the Virgin Mary in this Business which he judged as the most weighty impor∣tant one of his Life, and taking occasion from a Journey he thought to take into Italy, he made a Vow of Pilgrimage to our Lady o•• Loretto, which he was not capable to Perform till some Years after.

He got quit of his Enthusiasm a few days after, but altho' his Mind was reduc'd to its former Station, and reinstated in its usual•• calmness, yet was he no more Positive thann before, touching what he should resolve•• upon.

II.* 1.5 His Solitude during this Winter was wholly without interruption, especially by Persons who were not capable of starting Questions in order to discourse, yet did he ••ot debar any one from his Chamber who was inquisitive, or understood how to discourse of Sciences or Philosophical Transactions. By Conversing with such sort of Persons▪ he understood there was a Fraternity or Club of Learned Men, settled in Germany some Years since, under the Name of Brethren of Rosy Cross, they gave them wonderful Commendations often to him, they buz'd in the Ear that they were a sort of Men which understood every thing, and that they promised to help Men to a new-Wisdom; that is to say, a new Science not hitherto discovered, adding all the Pro∣digies which every private Person told him concerning it, to the rumor that was spread abroad through Germany, about these Fellows; He found himself so much the more concern'd at it, because he received the News at the very time when he was the most busy con∣cerning the Mediums he was to propound to himself for the finding out of Truth.

He thought he was ingaged not to be un∣concerned upon the account of the Rosa Cru∣sians, because, (says he to a Friend of his) if these should prove Impostures, it had been unlawful to let them run away with so much Reputation, ill-gotten, at the expences of the Peoples Credulity; and if so be they were able to produce any new thing into the World which is worth knowing, it had been a most

base unworthy thing in him to under-value all Sciences amongst which he might find one, of whose Foundation, he might have been igno∣rant. It was his Business therefore to find out one of these new Virtuoso's, that he might understand what they were, upon his Know∣ledges, and also confer with them. But seeing one of their Statutes was, not to appear, what really they were; not to be distinguished from other Men, neither by their Garb nor manner of Living; nor to discover themselves in their Discourse, you need not wonder if all his Pains and Curiosity came to nothing.

It was not possible for him to find out one single Man, who would really own himself of that Fraternity, or that was but so much as suspected to be of it: It was an hundred to one but he had put the Society out of the Pre∣dicaments, and rankt them amongst Chimae∣ra's; but that which made him forbear to do so, was the great shew the numerous Apolo∣getical Pamphlets made, in favour of these Rosacrusians, as well in Latin as High Dutch. Yet he thought it not safe referring himself to all these Apologies, whether it was be∣cause his inclination induced him to take these new Virtuoso's for Impostures, or else because renouncing all Books, he had a mind to inure himself to judge of nothing but upon his own proper Experience. And this is the reason why he was free to say some few Years after, that he knew nothing of the Rosacrusians: he was likewise surprized that his Friends should tell him, returning to Paris 1623. that the

Reputation he had got of being one of the Fraternity of the Rosacrusians was well worth ••is Sojourning in Germany.

Seeing himself thus frustrated of his hopes ••e had entertain'd to find some body or other ••apable of encouraging him in the enquiry af∣••er Truth▪* 1.6 he relapsed into his former Trou∣••le and Incumbrance; He spent the rest of ••he Winter and Lent without resolving on ••ny thing; thinking himself, upon the whole, ••o have had a good Deliverance from the Pre∣••udices of his Education, still entertaining a ••design of Building all de novo; yet altho, this ••incertainty with which his Mind was agitated, made the difficulties of accomplishing his de∣sign, more sensible to him, than if he had forth∣with resolved upon it; yet for all that, he never was discouraged; he still kept up his Spirits with the Success he experienced in adjusting the Secrets of Nature to the Rules of Mathe∣maticks, according as he made any new disco∣very in Physicks. These Occupations secured him from Melancholly Fits, and other effects of Idleness: and they took up his time till the D. of Bavaria order'd his Troops to advance towards Suabia.

He laid hold on this Opportunity to be at Ʋlm, an Imperial City, in which the French Ambassadors were to hold an Assembly for Redressing the Disorders committed in the Empire. He arrived there only in the Month of June 1620, but there he spent the whole Winter. There he got abundance of Acquain∣tance with the most Creditable Persons in

that place, and particularly with those who were in any Reputation for their Abilities in Phylosophy and Mathematicks: No Body was ever more esteemed for his acquaintance, in that Country, than John Faulhaber, nor did ever any one more than he approve of the capacity of a young Souldier, who presently made him mend his pace in Mathematicks. Some suppose, that then by means of a Para∣bole, he found out the Art of the Construction of all sorts of solid Problems in general, re∣duct to an aequation of three or four Dimenti∣ons: Which occurs plainly, Demonstrated in the third Book of Geometry.

Towards the end of September,* 1.7 he left Sua∣bia, to return to Bavaria, and so to pass into Austria, where the Ambassadors of France were gone, after concluding the peace at Ʋlm, to meet the Emperor once again, to proffer him their Meditation, in respect of the Male-Contents of Hungary and Bethlem Galer, Pr. of Transylvania: But having learnt, that the D of Bavaria had ordered his Troops to march in∣to Bohemia, in stead of following the Ambas∣sadors into Hungary, he went from Vienna, straight to his Camp, and was in person, in the Expedition of the Imperial Catholicks and Bavarians, and above all, at the Famous Bat∣tel of Prague, into which he entred, together with the Victors. Some Authors dare sup∣pose, that he made use of this opportunity, to visit those Famous Machines of Tyco-Bra••••e the Astronomer: But were plundered above a year before, and either broken in pieces, or

••ut out of order by the Elector Palatins Ar∣••y, and the great Caelestial Globe of Brass, ••he only one they had the good fortune to save ••as Transported to Neice in Silesia, and depo∣••ed at the Jesuits Colledge.

After the taking of Prague,* 1.8 M. Des Cartes ••ame to pass the Winter Quarters with a par∣••y of the Troops the Duke of Bavaria had ••eft upon the extremities of South-Bohemia, ••here he sets himself again to work upon his ••sual Meditations upon Nature, exercising ••imself in the praeludiums of this great design, and improving the advantage he had in his Hand, to live alone amongst those, whose li∣berty of Drinking and Playing, he could not ••easonably envy, so long as they left him to his ••iberty of Studying.

Nevertheless, he found himself hard put to it, in not resolving upon something, besides he knew not what to determine in respect of his choice of a way of living, answerable to his Designs: He defer'd the deciding of it till another time, and on purpose to give some diversion to his Troubles, he resolved once more to take a Musquet, and to weather out ano∣ther Campaign. The desire to be acquainted with other Countries, and other Manners, caused him to quit the Duke of Bavaria's Ser∣vice towards the end of March, 1621. that he might List himself into the Troops of Count of Bucquoy, passing out of Hungary, into Bo∣hemia; April ensuing, he was with him at the Seige of Presbourg, Tinaw, and several other places, wherein some suppose, he Signalized

himself; but the raising of the Siege of New-Hausell, which had not been so successful to the Imperalists, as the others, added to the loss of his General, who was Slain there, put him so out of humour, that he had no sto∣mack to the profession of Arms.

It will be to no purpose,* 1.9 to take notice of the mistake of those who, pretend he went after that into the Service against the Turks, nay, and that his Personal Courage too, acquired him Notable Reputation against those Infidels, it may suffice to acquaint you, that quitting the Imperial Service on the 28th. of July, the very next Day after the Raising of the Siege of Newhausell, he came back to Pres∣bourg, in Company with certain Walloons, who were exceeding numerous in the Count of Bucquoy's Army.

IV.* 1.10 His Design was not to come back into France so soon, whether by reason of the War the Hugunots had but just began, or else because of the Plague that Raged particularly in the City of Paris, for near a year together, which ceased not till 1623. He betook himself there∣fore to Travel into that part of the Northern Country, that remain't to be seen by him. Yet one may avouch, that it was without chang∣ing his condition: For what he undertook, was nothing in a manner, but a Continuation of Travels, which he intended to perform hence forward, without being bound to follow Armies, supposing he had sufficiently pryed into, and discovered Mankind, by way of its Hostilities. He always mentioned this Mili∣tary

Profession, in such a cold and indifferent manner; that Men judged thereby, that he looked upon his Campaigns as mere Travels, ••nd that he made use of the Bandolier, but as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pass-port, which facilitated his access, even ••o the innermost recesses of Tents, and to the ••ottom of Trenches, the better to satifie his Curiosity.

Wherefore chusing for his future Voyages,* 1.11 such Countries that were not▪ pestered with War, he applyed himself particularly, to see and examine Princes Courts, to frequent the company of persons of different conditions, and contrary humours. He Studyed moreover to make a Collection of several Experiments, as well upon the natural Productions of seve∣ral Climats he past through, as upon politick matters, which he observed amongst People, in respect of their Customs, Manners of Lives, and Inclinations. This is what he calls the Great Book of the World: Wherein he maketh account to find out true Science, dispairing to find it any where else, except in this Volum opened to every ones view, and in himself, according to his perswasion, that the Seeds which God hath Sown in us, are not so totally stifled by ignorance; or other effects of sin.

According to these principles, he intended that these Voyages and Travels, should serve him to make trial upon himself, in the Acci∣dents and Occurrences fortune should propose to him, and that they might put him upon ma∣king Advantagious reflexions upon every thing that presented it self, and became pro∣fitable

to him, for the Conduct of his Life; For he flatter'd himself with the hopes of find∣ing more of truth in the reasoning private persons use, touching their own concerns; than in those which a great Schollar shut up in his Study, useth upon Speculations, which or∣dinarily produce no other effects, than Vanity and Haughtiness, and sometimes he prides himself the more in them, by how much they are for the most part more dissonant to common Sense, after he hath labour'd and set all his Wits upon the Rack, to make them pro∣bable.

But to speak the truth, when he applyed himself only, narrowly to survey the manners of other Men, he found very little in them, whereby he could make himself sure of any thing. He perceived in a manner, as great a diversity in them, as he had before met with, in the Opinions of Philosophers: So that the greatest Advantage that occurred to him by that inquiry, was, that seeing several things, how extravagant and ridiculous soever they may appear to us, yet do not cease for all that, to be commonly received and approved of by other People; he learnt at last, not to believe any thing upon slight grounds, and not stifly and peremptorily to stand up for that which both Example and Custom had formerly per∣swaded him to be right.

Leaving Hungary, he took another turn in∣to Moravia, where he joyned the Emperors Forces, under the Count Bucquoy. He visited Selesia, the utmost parts of Poland, Pomerania,

••he Coasts of the Baltick Sea, the Marquisate of Brandenbourg, and descended into Holstein; from whence, after he had turned off his re∣••••nue, he Embarqued, but with one Man-Ser∣••ant for East-Freez-Land: when he had exa∣min'd it in a few days, as he had done the o∣ther Provinces of Germany, he put again to sea, with a Resolution to go a shore in West-Freez-Land, the principal places of which he ••ong'd mightily to see likewise; that he might do it with the more freedom, he hired a small Boat for himself, and so much the rather, be∣cause it was a short cut from Embden, to the first Landing place of West-Freez-Land.

But this putting things in order,* 1.12 the better to provide for his own Convenience, was like to have proved fatal to him; he had to do with a crew of the most Clownish, Barbarous Ma∣riners, that ever Man see amongst People of that profession. It was not long before he un∣derstood, that they were a pack of wicked Rogues, but after all, they were Masters of the Boat. M. Des Cartes, had no other to con∣verse with, but his valet, with whom he spoke French. The Marriners who took him rather for a foreign Merchant, then a Cavallier, thought he must have good store of Money a∣bout him; this made them take a Resolution, which was by no means favourable to his pock∣et, and that they might deprive him of means to tell Tails, they had thoughts of making him away: They perceived he was a Stranger, come from some remote Country, who had small acquaintance in the Country, and that

no Body would prosecute them, if he chanced to be missing, they found him of a very sedate, very patient humour, and judging by the mild∣ness of Countenance, and the Civility he shew∣ed them, that he was a person of no Experi∣ence in the World, from these circumstances, they concluded they should have his Life at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cheaper rate; they made no scruple to hold their Counsel before his Face, not know∣ing that he understood any other Language besides that, in which he Discourst with his valet de Chambre; at last, the result of their Deliberation, was to knock him on the Head, to fling him into the water, and divide the Spoil.

Monsieur Des Cartes seeing they were in earnest, starts up all on a suddain, puts on ano∣ther Countenance, draws his Sword with that stearness they little expected, speaks to them in their own Tongue, but with such a Tone, that frightned them out of their Wits; and withal, threatning to run them through, if they durst but hold up a finger against him. It was upon this occasion, that he perceived what resoluteness of a Man may do, upon your pittiful Low-spirited Souls. Such a resolute∣ness as is above a Mans power to execute, a re∣soluteness, which upon other occasions, might pass for a meer Bravado, such an one as he shewed upon this occasion, produced a won∣derful effect upon the Spirits of these wretches, the cruel fright they were seized with, was followed with amazement, that they knew not how to make use of their Advantage, but

brought him without any more adoe, to the ••lace whither he was bound, as peaceably as ••e could wish.

V. From West-Friez-Land,* 1.13 he stept into Holland, where he past a good part of the Vinter, expecting the event of the two Sieges of Juliers and Sluise, formed by the Spaniard or Fleming, who had taken up Arms again, against the Hollanders, five Months after the Truce was expired: In the Month of Febru∣ary ensuing, he past into the Catholick Nether∣lands, whose principal Cities, he had a great mind to see, from whence, getting into France, he went straight way to Rennes in Britany, to his Fathers House, towards the middle of March.

He was at that time 26 years of Age Com∣pleat, and his Father seeing him present, took occasion of his being at Age to settleupon him his Mothers Joynture, of which he had given two Portions to Monsieur La Bretailliere, and to Madam du Crevis, that were elder than he, seeing that all his Estate was in Paictou, he had the curiosity to go view it, on purpose to see how he could improve it to the best advan∣tage, he departed for that Province in May, and at that time, fain would have a good Chapman to have bought it, that with that Money, he might buy some place suitable to him, he returned about the latter end of Sum∣mer to his Father, the year slipt away before any one of his kindred could make him any overtures concerning what kind of life he should betake himself to.

Having little or nothing to do at his Fathers House,* 1.14 it made him have a huge desire to take a turn to Paris, towards the beginning of Lent, the next year. People began to suck in a pu∣rer Air in this City, then they had done for•• near three years, that the Contagion had cor∣rupted it. At his Arrival, the Affairs of tha•• unfortunate Prince Palatin of the Rhine, elected King of Bohemia, the inroads, the Expediti∣ons of Bastard Count Mansfield, and the con∣ferring the Prince Palatins Electorat to the Duke of Bavaria, ratified at Ratisbon, the 25th. of February aforegoing, furnished mat∣ter enough, for publick Discourses. He was well stockt with matter, where-withal to sa∣tisfie his Friends, as to that point, but in re∣quital, they imparted to him some news, that created them a great deal of sorrow. It was but t'other day, that Men began to speak of the fraternity of the Rosacrusians at Paris, which he sought up and down in Germany, and all to no purpose, in 1619. in Winter, and some be∣gan to spread abroad a report, as if he had ad∣mitted himself into that fraternity.

He was so much the more surprised at this News;* 1.15 because it did not at all suit with the Character of his Genius, nor to the Inclina∣tion he ever had, to look upon these same Ro∣sacrusians, as a company of Impostors and Visionaries, they were called in Paris, the In∣visible, and they published that of thirty six Deputies, that the Head of the Society had sent throughout all Europe; six of them were come into France, in the Month of February,

••••d lodged au marais du Temple Paris, but that ••••ey could not Communicate their concep∣••••ns to the World, neither could any Com∣••nicate his to them, but by their thoughts ••n'd with their Will, that is to say in a man∣•••• imperceptible by sense.

Chance, that had made their pretended ar∣••al in Paris to jump with that of Monsieur 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cartes, would have produced very ill ••••ects in reference to his reputation, had he ••ne about to abscond, or had he but retir'd to some solitude in the City, as he had done ••••fore his Travels, but was so happy as to confound those thoughts, to improve this con∣••••cture to confirm their calumny. He ap∣••••ar'd before the face of the World, but es∣••••cially to his Friends, who desired no other ••••gument to be persuaded that he was not a ••ember of the Fraternity of the Rosacrucians 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Invisibles, yea, and made use of the reason 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Invisibility to excuse himself to his ••riend, in as much as he had not been able 〈◊〉〈◊〉 discover any one of them in Germany.

His presence above all things was a means 〈◊〉〈◊〉 calm the agitation, wherein his Friend Fa∣••••er Mersennus was in, whom they sent for ••ack again to Paris at the end of 1619. this ••lse report had so much the more easily ••ext and troubled him, as he was less apt to ••elieve that the Rosacrucians were Invisible, ••••r the Spring of a Chymaera, considering ••hat several Germans, together with Robert ••ludd an Englishman had delivered in favour of them.

VI.* 1.16 The great Concourse of People Mr•• Des Cartes saw in Paris, was not capable o•• filling up all the vacancies of his stay there▪ nor yet to keep him always busied out of him∣self. Whenever he was with himself, h••••∣self always his disturbance coming upon him concerning his choise of a way of livelyhood agreeable to his vocation, and that might b•• convenient for the executing some designs h•• had in his head concerning finding out Truth▪ The settlement wherein he saw the most par•••• of his Friends, each of them placed in advan••∣tagious Posts for their Life, signified nothin•• for the fixing his resolutions.

His own experience had convinced him along time agoe of the small benefit of Math•• maticks,* 1.17 especially when Men study them on∣ly for themselves, without applying them to other things, since the year 1620. he had wholly laid aside the rules of Arithmetick•• the great delight he had for Geometry con∣tinued yet a little longer in his affection, be∣cause the Mathematicians of Holland and Ger∣many he had met with during his Travels•• had contributed much to his retaining them by reason of their Queries and Problems they propounded to him to solve. But yet we must confess, that his esteem of them wa•• ••efiened from the year 1623. if it be true tha•• in 1638. it was above 15 years that he professe•• he had quite laid aside Geometry, and would neve•• more me••••le with the solution of any Probleme, b•••• only at the request of some friend.

He sees nothing less solid than for a Man to

busie himself about pure simple numbers, and ••maginary Figures, without having any fur∣••er design, nay he found something in it ••ore than unprofitable, and he knew very ••ell it was of dangerous consequence to ap∣••••y ones self too seriously, to these superficial ••••emonstrations which hazard supply'd us with, ••ftner than industry and experience, and are ••ather to be judged of by the Eyes and Imagi∣••ation, than by the Understanding. His Maxime was that this same serious application ••oth insensibly accustome us, not to make ••se of our Reason, and evidently exposeth us ••o loose the high Road, that its Light Chalks ••ut for us.

But we may acknowledge that he did not ••ive over the particular Study of Arithmetick ••nd Geometry,* 1.18 but to give himself up intirely ••o the research of that general, and withal, ••nfallible Science the Greeks judiciously stile Mathesis, of which all Mathematicks are but ••arts. He pretended that for these particular Knowledges to deserve the name of Mathe∣maticks, it was necessary they should have references, relations, proportions and measures ••or their object, upon that account he judged that there was a general Science designed on purpose to explain all the questions that one could put, touching Relations, References, Proportions and Measures, considered as sepa∣rated from Matter, and that this general Science might justly claim the title of Mathe∣sis, or Universal Mathematicks, since it com∣prehends whatsoever can possibly put other

knowledges in a condition to deserve the name of Science or Mathematicks.

Now that is the ridling of the difficulty,* 1.19 to believe that Monsieur Des Cartes had quite and clean forsaken Mathematicks, at such a time that it was no longer in his choice to be ignorant of them, he practised likewise some attempts upon himself to discard the study o•• Physicks or Natural Philosophy. Finding a∣bundance of discouragement in the little cer∣tainty he took notice of in his Observations. Being resolutely bent to apply himself to no∣thing but the Art of living well, he set him∣self again to the Study of morality, for which he had testified already, before he went to Travel, a great predilection, and one may lawfully say he was as good as his Word, for he loved it to his latter end. But it was without ostentation, and more for the regulating his own behaviour than that of others. Yet it was not long be∣fore he was persuaded that the study of Natural Phylosophy, was not altogether useless in tha•• of Morality, and that the Progress he could make, in discerning of true and false, would stand him in great s••ead for regulating his actions. That caused him to return to his Observation upon Nature, being persuaded,

That the most certain means to know how we ought to live, is to know before hand what kind of Creatures we are, what kind of World it is we live in, and who is the Crea∣tor of this Universe which we inhabit.

He hath oftentimes since declared,

That the in∣sight he had acquired into Physick, had

been very serviceable to him in establishing certain Foundations in Morality or Ethicks. And that it was abundant more easie for him to find the satisfaction he lookt for in this point, than in several others that relat∣ed to Physick or Medicine altho' he had em∣ployed more of his time therein—

So ••hat after all these inquiries he might boast, ••ot so much that he had found out the means ••o preserve Life, but, that, of not being ••fraid of Death, and that he prepar'd himself for it, exempt from the disquiet common to those whose Wisdom is derived from other Mens indoctrinements, grounded upon Foun∣dations, that depend only upon the Prudence and Authority of other Men.

Monsieur Des Cartes was two months and upward in Paris entertaining his Friends with the Discourse of this elusion that had possest him,* 1.20 touching his pretended renouncing Ma∣thematicks and Physicks.

He sometimes took much pleasure in dis∣sembling his Resolutions, and the least occa∣sion they presented him with, to resolve a Problem, or to make an experiment, were unavoidable snares for him. The perplexity of his Mind, joyned to the necessity of regu∣lating his affairs, made him go back into Bri∣tany towards the beginning of May, thence he goes into Poictou, and in June and July, during his sojourning there, he sold the great∣est part of his Estate with his Fathers consent; he had it from his Mother, and especially the

Lordship of Perron, which was his Title he bore to satisfie his Relations.

VII.* 1.21 Coming to Paris in August, and no•• finding an occasion to put out his Money to the best advantage, he resolved at last to un∣dertake a journey into Italy, which he had still deferr'd thitherto, before he had procur∣ed him a place which deprived him of the means to accomplish it. He departed, after that he had sent Word to his Friends,

That a journey beyond the Alpes, would be much to his advantage for the instructing him in business, and gain some experience in the World, and get acquaintance with men verst in Worldly affairs, which he had not yet done,

adding, that, tho' he might not re∣turn Richer, yet at least he would come back from thence more capable for business.

He took his Way through Switzerland, re∣solving to visit what he had not yet seen in high Germany in his first Travels. It had been an easie matter for him to have found at Basil, Zurich, and other Cities store of Philosophers and Mathematicians capable to entertain him in Discourse: but he was more curious to see Waters, Minerals, Mountains, the Air of e∣very Country with its Meteors, and generally what was at the greatest distance from fre∣quenting Mens Company, that he might know the Nature of things which appear to be least known to the Vulgar Learned; when he passed through any City he saw your Learned Men but just as others, he observed their actions no less than their discourse.

In July he past into the Country of the Grisons amongst which the commotions in the Valtoline retained him some time. He con∣tinued his Journey through the County of Ty∣••ol, from whence he came to Venice toward ••ogation time, there to behold the Ceremo∣ny of the Doge or Dukes Marrying the Adriae∣••ick Sea, from Venice, he thought of discharg∣ing his duty he imposed upon himself in Ger∣many in Nov. 1619. of paying his Vow to the Lady of Loretto, which he could perform at that time. His Vow fulfilled, he had Leisure, before he went to Rome, to think of some Do∣mestick business, which served him amongst his Friends for a pretence to Travel. The pretence was to try if he could get to be In∣tendant of the French Army in Piedmont un∣der the Constable Les diguieres in which he had no good success.

The occasion of a Jubilee of 25 years the opening of which was to be performed on Christmas Eve, to continue the whole year af∣ter, produced in his Mind some stirrings of Devotion, altho' his prime motive was no∣thing else at first but the curiosity of seeing Rome, and the Popes Court. There arrived in the City about the latter end of November, a prodigious concourse of People flocking thi∣ther from all parts of the Popish Europe, this appear'd so favourable to the passion he always had to know Mankind by his own proper knowledge, that instead of spending his time in examining Edifices, Statues, Paintings, An∣tiquities, Manuscripts and other rarities of

Ancient and New Rome, he betook himself particularly to the Study of Inclinations, Man∣ners, Dispositions, and Characters of Mind in the Crowd and Medly of so many different Nations. This conveniency gave a dispensa∣tion of travelling further, and stay'd his long∣ing to go even to the very Heart of Sicily and Spain, there to find out the People that re∣main'd to be seen by him.

VIII.* 1.22 He departed from Rome to go back into France just at the time when Cardinal Jo∣seph Barberini the Pope's Nephew (whose esteem and friendship he had won) embarqued in order to be Legat at the Court of the most Christian King; but for his part he desired to return home by Land, not to lose the oppor∣tunity of seeing a Country he was over-joy'd to know. He past through Tuscany, where he did not fail to render a visit to the renowned Gallilaeus, if we may give credit to those who have mentioned his Journey into Italy; but that was writ only upon false Relations, and we are obliged to acknowledge upon his own con∣fession that he had never seen that Mathemati∣cian, and that he had no correspondence with him.

Men did nothing but talk of the Expeditions the Duke of Savoy, and the Constable Les Di∣guires were going to make upon the Genueze and Spaniard, which afforded M. Des Cartes the Curiosity just as he went out of Tuscany to go take a view of the Army of the Constable, whom he found very busie at the Siege of Gavi, when he arrived in his Camp, the City taken the last of April, he had still a mind to be eye∣witness

to one part of the wonderful progress ••he D. of Savoy's Army made. Thence he went 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Turin towards the month of May, but passing ••hrough the Country of Suza to re-enter France, he turn'd aside towards Savoy to exa∣••ine the height of the Alps. It was upon this ••ccasion that after some observations made upon Snow, first heated, and then made hea∣••ier by the heat of the Sun, which the least motion of Air make to fall one upon another with an huge noise, that he was confident he guessed at the cause of Thunder, and found out the reason why it Thunders seldomer in Winter than Summer.

IX.* 1.23 He came Post between Lyons and Poictou, where understanding that his Father was at Paris, he departed about the latter end of June to joyn him, and beg his Advice touch∣ing the place of Lieutenant General of Chastel∣reaut, which was proffer'd him, with a pretty good composition. Being come to Paris, he found that his Father was gone for Britany, which being joyned with the Intreaty of his Friends, who wisht to see him setled in Paris, did not a little contribute to the causing his business of Chastelreaut to prove abortive, and put him out of conceit with the Country.

Taking Lodgings at the house of Monsieur le Vasseur d'Etoiles,* 1.24 Father to Mons. de Vasseur now living, Councellor in the Grand Chambre, he procured himself a kind of Settlement in Paris; where drawing up a Model of deport∣ment or conduct concerning the manner of living, which all gentile well-bred men of the

World are wont to prescribe to themselves he embraced the most plain, simple kind o•• life, the most remote from singularity and af∣fectation he could possibly think on. Ther•• was nothing in his house but what was prett•• common, his Furniture and Table very clea•• and neat, but without superfluity: He was served by a few Valets: He marched th•• streets without any at his heels, with a Suit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 single Taffity, which was Alamode in thos•• days, not wearing a Plume of Feathers, Sca•••• and Rapier but as badges of his Quality; fo•• no Gentlemen at that time could be dispens 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with to wear otherwise.

He had put off till he had finished his Tra∣vels, his pitching upon a stable profession for the remainder of his days. But as he appear∣ed not at all to have mended his pace in deli∣berating, and was as much to seek as at the beginning, yet for all that he did insensibly confirm himself in the thoughts of not be∣ing subject to any employ, not but that be made a second serious review of the several occupations that Men of this World follow, on purpose to try if he could find one, which he could handsomely manage, and might be conformable to the dispositions of his Spirit. But having examin'd every thing by the touch∣stone of Reason, he found at length that he could do nothing better than to continue in that Occupation which he then actually fol∣lowed, since he had got shut of all the preju∣dices of his Education. This occupation did solely consist in imploying his whole Life to

••ultivate and improve his Reason, and to make the greatest progress he possibly could 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the knowledge of Truth, conformable to ••he method he had prescribed to himself.

He did not find himself,* 1.25 God be praised, ••ny way a Slave to any of those passions which ••ause young men to become vicious. He ••ound himself perfectly cured of the strong ••••clination for gaming they had formerly in∣••pired him with, and also of the indifference for mispending his time, the irresolution that might still remain touching the general aims of his state and condition, had no effect upon his particular actions. He lived and acted, without ever taking notice of the incertainty ••e found in the judgments he past upon Scien∣ces, According to the maximes that he fram'd to himself of Morality, he intended to ••••mbrace the most moderate opinions, the most commonly received in practice, and the far∣thest from excess, for the regulating his con∣duct and demeanour. Doing himself besides the justice not to prefer his private opinions to those of other persons, whom he judged more Wise and more Sensible than himself.

He appear'd upon all occasions so very jea∣lous of his Liberty, that he could not dissem∣ble the aversion he had conceiv'd, for all the engagements that are apt to deprive us of our indifference to our actions, not that he would pretend to find fault with the Laws, which are for remedying the inconstancy of weak Spirits, or for setling sureness in the commerce of Life, permit men to make Vows or Con∣tracts

obliging those who voluntarily and law∣fully make them, to persevere in what they undertake. Yet seeing nothing that continues in the same state and condition, and promising to himself to perfect his judgement still more and more, he thought he should have trespas•• against Sense and Reason, if he had taken up∣on him to take a thing for good, when it ceas∣ed so to be, or to appear to him to be such▪ upon pretence that he might have found i•• good another time.

In respect of these actions of his Life which he believed could not admit of delay, when he was not in a condition to discern the truest opinions, he always stuck close to those that were probable. If it so happened that he met not with more probability in some of them, than he did in others, yet did he not cease to determine upon one, and not to consider them afterward, as dubious in respect of practice, but as very true and certain, because that he found that the reason he had to determine and pitch upon one, was such as by this means he acquired the habit of delivering himself from repentings and remorses, which usually rack the Consciences of weak and unstable Spirits, who are induced but too rashly to practise as good, the things which they judge afterwards to be evil. Being persuaded that his Will never inclin'd him to pursue or avoid any thing, but so far forth as his understanding did represent it to him good or evil, he thought it sufficed him, to judge well for to do well, that is to say, to acquire all Vertues, and

all the benefits they are able to produce.

With these inward dispositions he lived in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appearance after the same manner as they 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who being out of employment, think of ••••thing else but to live a sweet peaceable in∣••••cent Life in the Eyes of Men, studying to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their leave of the pleasures that attend ••ice, and that they may enjoy their leisure ••••me, without thinking it tedious, have re∣••ourse now and then to honest divertisements. ••o that his deportment having nothing that ••mell'd of singularity in it, capable of produ∣••ing ill effects in the Eyes or Imagination of others, no body contrived to put an obstacle to the continuation of his designs, and he, for his part proceeded day by day, in his inquiry into Truth in relation to natural things.

X.* 1.26 and XI. Albeit Monsieur Des Cartes had procured himself a kind of settlement in Paris, yet was he not so constant in his resi∣dence, during his year and half abode there, but that he afforded himself from time to time, the liberty to take a walk into the Fields, and even sometimes to undertake Journeys into his Country.

Some few weeks after his return from Italy, the desire of seeing the Court of France again, made him take a turn to Fontainbleau where he met with an opportunity to salute the Le∣gate, whom he had not seen since his depar∣ture from Rome. He made use of his credit he gain'd at Court with him, to recommend to him some learned persons of his friends, namely Monsieur Balzac, whose cause he de∣fended

before this Cardinal against Father Gorela General of the Feuillans.

After a Journey he took the year following with Monsieur Vasseur his Landlord and Re∣lation, he went and took him a Lodging in the Fauxbourg St. Germain, to live more retir∣ed and private, but it was not such an easie matter as it was before, in the days of his lei∣sure: his old acquaintance, especially Mon∣sieur Mydorge and Father Mersennus, had so far spread abroad his Reputation, that in a short time he found himself worn out with frequent visits, and the place of his retirement changed into a Rendezvouse of Conferences. He could by no means hinder the number of his Friends from multiplying, yet neverthe∣less He was his own Master as to the choice He made of them.

The chief of his Friends, besides Monsieur Balzac whom we but just now mention'd, was M. Hardy a Counsellour in the Chastelet, a very able Man in Mathematicks, and abun∣dance of Languages; M. de Beaune, Sieur de Gouliou Counsellour in the Presidial of Blois, one of the greatest Wits of his Time, in re∣spect of Mathematicks; M. Morinus Regius Professour of Mathematicks in Paris, Doctor of Physick, Father Gibeuf Doctor of the Sor∣bonne, Priest of the Oratory, one of the great∣est Divines of his Age; Father dela Barde; Father de Sancy; Father de Goneren, all of the same Congregation, besides Cardinal de Be∣rulle who was head of it; M. Des Argues a Gentleman of Lyons, an able Mathematician,

and Mechanick; M. de Boissate, a Gentleman ••f Dauphine, whom he saw at the Siege of ••avi; M. de Serizay Comptroller of the house of the D. de la Rochefoucault; M. Sarazin Se∣••retary to the Prince of Conty; M. Silhon, a Gentleman of Gaseoigny; M. Frenicle Sieur de ••essy; M. Jumeau, Prior of St. Cross, who ••ent for one of the greatest Arithmeticians of that Age, as did M. Frenicle, Jumeau had ••een Tutor to M. the Duke de Vernevil; M. de Marande. Recorder of the Court of Aides. M. the Abbot de Launay; M. de Barreau; M. the Abbot de Touchelaye the Elder; M. de Gandais; M. de Ville Arnou; M. de Ville Bres∣sieux, a Physitian of Grenoble, and a great many more besides; of whom we shall name none besides M. de Picot Prior of Rouvre, who would fain have been his correspondent after∣wards, and his agent concerning his Dome∣stick affairs.

XII.* 1.27 But of all his Friends, there was none at that time, next to Father Mersennus, that he see oftner, nor more constantly than Mon∣sieur Mydorge, neither was there any one whose Company was more Beneficial, or whose Ser∣vices were more Cordial and Sensible to him; which he particularly experienced in respect of the Glasses he got cut in Paris, in the year 2627, 1628. when they enjoyed one anothers Company at leisure. Nothing appeared to him more Serviceable, than these Glasses, for the Apprehending and Explaining the re∣flexion and refraction in vision, Mr. Mydorge caused some concave ones to be made for him,

as also Hyperbolick Oval, and Elliptick ones▪ and having an Hand as sure and fine, as hi•• Wit was quick and subtil, he was willing to describe these Hyperboles and Ellipses him∣self.

Monsieur Des Cartes himself,* 1.28 proved to be a great Master in the Art of cutting Glasse•• in a short time: Now since the Mathematici∣ans industry oftentimes signifie nothing, fo•• want of Work-men, whose dexterity doth not always answer the ingenuity of those th•••• set them a work, he therefore apply'd himself particularly to direct the Hand of some Tur∣ners, that he found the most expert and best capable of performing this sort of Workman∣ship. Which he did particularly in favour to the Famous Monsieur Ferrier, Mathematicial Instrument-maker; who was nothing else but a plain downright Artificer, that could only move his Hand, he was likewise master of the Theory of his Profession, and not altogether ignorant in Mathematicks. He stuck closs to Monsieur Des Cartes, who took a particular affection for him, not being content to employ him after a way that might raise his Fortune, was moreover willing to instruct him, after what manner he might perfect himself in his Art.

Nevertheless he perceived himself up to the ears again in abstruse Sciences,* 1.29 which he had declined; he retires once again, seeing how few People there was in Paris, with whom he might Communicate his Notions. But sets him∣self again with more earnestness, than ever to

the Study of Man, in which he had made so ••dvantagious progress during his Travels: This Study let him sufficiently understand, that these ••bstracted Sciences, are not too necessary and ••onvenient for us, and he himself in diveing in∣••o them, was more at a loss, than they who were ••gnorant of them; he thought to have found 〈◊〉〈◊〉 least, amongst so many generous Souls, ma∣••y Companions in his Study of Man, since it is ••hat Study that is most convenient, and agrees ••est with us; but he found he was mistaken, ••nd he observed, that in that great City which ••asseth for the Epitome of the World, as well ••s Rome and Venice, or any other place where ••e had been, that there are fewer persons who study Man, than study Geometry.

That made him resolve once more to ••eny himself, as much as possible, and be content with a small number of choice Friends, for the Comfort of his Life, but his Reputation was a great hindrance to his Resolution. This Reputation had made Monsieur Vasseur's House, whither he was return'd from the Fauxbourg St. Germain, a kind of an Academy, by drawing thither abundance of People, who were introduced into his Chamber by the favour of his friends; those that had a curiosity for ingenious Learn∣ing, were forward to slip in amongst the rest, and accompanying such of his Friends as took delight in spreading his Reputation, they ven∣tured to propose to him to put Pen to Paper to make the Publick a sharer of his fine con∣ceptions. The very Booksellers who always

seek to make a Trade of the reputation of Authors, seem'd also as if they had a mind to be in the Plot with those that lay close Siege to him at Mons. Vasseur's. He acquaints us, that from that very time, one or other of that Profession, caused Presents to be offered to him to engage him to Promise them the Copy of what he should Compose, not being a∣shamed to desire to buy the honour of serving him.

This was it that made his Sojourning in Pa∣ris very tedious and burthensom to him,* 1.30 and made him feel his own Reputation to be an insupportable Load for him. He could not bethink himself any Remedy for it but Retire∣ment, and to begin to deliver himself from the Importunities of those haunted too often, he once again quitted the House of Monsieur Vasseur, and withdrew to the Extremity of the City, where he might have chused whether he would let himself be seen or no, except only to a few of his intimate Acquaintance who knew of his Privacy. Mr. Vasseur, to whom he judged it not convenient to disclose, was a good while troubled at it▪ till such time as by mere chance calling to mind our Philo∣sopher's valet, he see five or six Months after, he obliged him to inform him concerning his Master's abode, and carry him thither, it was past Eleven a Clock when he found him just getting up; After he had a little observed his way of Studying and Writing in Bed, by means of his Valet, who had declared to him his Master's Secret.

XIII.* 1.31 Mons. Des Cartes finding himself thus discovered, it was in vain to regret the sweet∣ness of his Retirement, and to seek means to repair the loss of his Liberty; he could not divert the course of his ill Fortune, and he relapsed again in a few days into the same in∣convenience he had freed himself from in ab∣sconding. His Vexation at the Discovery, beat up his Quarters, and produc'd in him the desire to go see the Siege of Rochelle.

He came into the Country d' Aunis towards the latter end of August 1628. only to be an Eye-witness of the Siege which was already far advanced, that he might Survey, as a Ma∣thematician, the famous Ditch of Card. Riche∣lieu, with the Line of Communication; but he could not handsomly forbear serving in quality of a Voluntier, beholding the Activity wherewith the King in Person order'd his Army by Sea and Land. In which particular he was soon follow'd by divers Gentlemen of his Age, who came only to the Siege out of a Curiosity like his.

He entred the Town with the King's Army upon All Saints Day, which was on a Wednesday, he assisted the next day, being All Souls, at the Solemn Procession of the Host performed in the Streets; now there being nothing more to be done after the Consummation of this famous Siege; He came back to Paris by Post, where he was against Martinmass.* 1.32

XIV. Some few days after, he was at an As∣sembly of learned & curious inquisitive Persons at the Pope's Nuncio's House, who was called

Monsigneur Bagne, created Cardinal shortly after, who honoured our Philosopher with his acquaintance a good while ago. Monsieur Des Cartes was invited thither, and carried along with him Father Mersennus and Mons. de Ville Bressieux to hear the Sieur Chandoux, who was there to debate concerning some new Opini∣ons in Philosophy.

Chandox made a long Discourse for to refute the way of teaching Philosophy, used in the Schools. He proposed moreover, a pretty common System of Philosophy which he pre∣tended to introduce, and had a mind to make it pass for a new one.

The Pleasantness wherewith he accompa∣nied his Discourse, did so impose upon the Company, that he received from it an almost Universal Applause, except from Monsieur Des Cartes, who was not forward to demon∣strate outwardly any signs of Satisfaction which indeed he had not received from the Discourse of the Sieur de Chandeux. Cardinal Berulle, who was one of the Assembly, took special notice of his Silence; which put him upon demanding his Opinion touching what he had heard, which appear'd so excellent to the Company.

Monsieur Des Cartes did all that he could to excuse himself from delivering his Mind decla∣ring that he had nothing to say against it after the Approbation of so many knowing Men.* 1.33 This shuffling accompanied with a certain tone, which somewhat suspicious, made the Cardinal conjecture he did not judge of the

Discourse altogether as the others did; which mov'd him still the more to urge him to declare what he thought of it. Monsieur the Nuncio, and other most remarkable Persons in the Assembly joyn'd their Intreaties to those of the Cardinal, to urge him to speak his Mind. So that not being able to recoil without being incivil, he told the Company, that the truth of it was, he had never yet heard any one that could boast of speaking more to the purpose than Monsieur de Chandoux had done. He first of all commended the Eloquence of his Discourse, and his great Talent he was endow∣ed with for quaint words and expressions. He commended withal that generous Liberty he demonstrated for indeavouring to deliver Phi∣losophy from the Perplexity of the Schoolmen. But he took occasion from this Discourse, to observe to them the Power of veri similitudo, taking the upper hand of Truth, which upon this occasion seem'd to have triumphed over the Judgment of so many grave, judicious Persons. Adding withall, that at such time as one has to deal with People easie enough to take up with very similitude or likelihood, as the illustrious Assembly before which he had the honour to speak had done, it was not difficult to put off false Ware for true, and interchangeably make Truth pass for Falshood by means of appearing so.

For to give them an instance of it upon the spot, he demanded of the Assembly that some body in the Company would give himself the trouble to propose to him such a Truth as he

pleased, that might be in the number of those that appear the most incontestable and irre∣fragable: they did so; and with a Dozen Ar∣guments every one more probable than ano∣ther, he proved to the Company that it was False. Then he bid them propose to him a Fallacy or Falshood, such an one as Men com∣monly take for a most evident one; and by means of another Dozen of probable Argu∣ments, he forced the Auditors to acknowledge it to be plausible Truth. The Assembly was surprized at the extent of the Genious Mon∣sieur Des Cartes shewed in his Reasoning; but it was still more astonishing to see themselves too plainly convinced of the easiness with which our Mind becomes Cully'd by very Si∣militude.

Then they asked him, If he could think of no infallible Expedient to avoid Sophisms? He reply'd, That he knew none more certain than that he himself made common use of; adding withal, That he had fetched it from Mathematicks; and that he did not believe that their could be any Truth, that he could not clearly demonstrate by this means accor∣ding to his own Principles.

This way was nothing else but his Univer∣sal Method, which he calls otherwise his Na∣tural Method, according to which he try'd and squar'd all sorts of Propositions. The first benefit of this Method was to demonstrate at the first sight, whether the Proposition was possible or no; the other benefit consisted in making him infallibly to sound the difficulty of the said Proposition.

There was not any Person in the Company that did not appear much taken with his Rea∣sonings,* 1.34 but no body took greater Satisfaction in them than Cardinal de Berulle, who declar'd to Monsieur Des Cartes, that he could wish to hear him once more upon the same Subject in private. Monsieur Des Cartes, very sensible of the Honour a Person of his Dignity did him, paid him a visit some days after, and discour∣sed with him concerning the first Notions he conceived about Philosophy, after he had per∣ceived the small benefit that flows from the means commonly used to treat of it. And by the way, he shewed him the consequences his Thoughts might produce, if they were rightly guided, and the benefit and advantage that would accrew to the Publick, if they would but apply his way of Philosophy to Medicine or Physick and Mechanicks; one whereof would produce the recovery and preservation of Health, the other the lessening and relieving Labours.

The Cardinal had not much adoe to appre∣hend the importance of the design, and judg∣ing him the most proper Person to put it in execution, he made use of the Authority he had upon his Spirit to induce him to under∣take this great Work. Nay, he made it case of Conscience, he gave to understand that having received from God Strength and Pene∣tration of Mind, and withall was so enlight∣ned to this effect which was not granted to others, it behoved him to render an exact ac∣count how he improved his talent, and that

he would be responsible before the Supreme Judge of all the World, for the injury he should do to Mankind, in depriving them of the benefit of his Meditations. Yea, and went so far as to assure him, that considering the capacity of his genius, so vast as he knew it to be, God would not be wanting to him in be∣stowing his Blessing upon his Labour, and granting him all the Success he could possibly expect.

The impression that Pious Cardinal made upon him, seconded with what his own good Nature and Reason dictated to him long be∣fore, won him over to resolve upon it. Till that time he had been of no Party in Philosophy, & had made choice of no Sect, as he himself ac∣quaints us. He persisted in his resolution to keep his Liberty, and to work upon Nature it self, without insisting much upon seeing in what he might come nearer, or be further off from those that treated of Philosophy before him.

The earnest requests his Friend renewed to him for to hasten him to communicate his clear Notions to the Publick, did not permit him any longer to go back with his word, He now only deliberates about the means how he might most commodiously execute his design; having observed two main Obstacles that might prevent his succeeding, to wit, the heat of the climat, and croud and hurly-burly of People: he resolved to retire for good and all from the place of his Friends and Acquaintance, and pro∣cure himself a perfect Solitude in a Country in∣different cold, where he might not be known.

Notes

• * 1.1

  He goes in∣to Winter Quarters.
• * 1.2

  His privacy.
• * 1.3

  He endea∣vours to rid himself of his prejudi∣ces.
• * 1.4

  His Pains and Incum∣brances.
• * 1.5

  His search∣ing after the Society of the Rosacru∣sians.
• * 1.6

  He goes into Suabia, and gets acquain∣tance with Faulhaber.
• * 1.7

  He was at the Siege of Prague.
• * 1.8

  He past in∣to Hungary under the Count de Bucquoy.
• * 1.9

  But he did not serve against the Turks.
• * 1.10

  He forsakes the profes∣sion of Arms.
• * 1.11

  His Nor∣thern Tra∣vels.
• * 1.12

  He was in danger of his Life.
• * 1.13

  He goes back to his own Coun∣try.
• * 1.14

  He goes to Paris.
• * 1.15

  He takes of the slander of being a Rosacrusian.
• * 1.16

  His 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lively∣hood.
• * 1.17

  He declares against 〈…〉〈…〉 and Phy∣sicks.
• * 1.18

  The Study of Univer∣sal Mathe∣maticks.
• * 1.19

  He falls up∣on Ethicks and sets to Physicks a∣gain.
• * 1.20

  He goes in∣to Britany & Poictou where he sells his E∣state.
• * 1.21

  His Voy∣age into I••aly.
• * 1.22

  His return unto France.
• * 1.23

  He comes to live in Paris.
• * 1.24

  His man∣ner of Life.
• * 1.25

  A maxim for regulaet∣ing himself.
• * 1.26

  His reputa∣tion gains him friends and is tir∣ed out with visits.
• * 1.27

  His cutting Spectacle Glasses and Looking Glasses.
• * 1.28

  Ferrier a Mathema∣tical Instru∣ment ma∣ker.
• * 1.29

  Mr. Des Cartes is quite out of love with Company.
• * 1.30

  He lyes hid and is dis∣covered.
• * 1.31

  He goes to the Siege of Rochelle.
• * 1.32

  He was pre∣sent at a fa∣mous As∣sembly at the Nun∣cio's House.
• * 1.33

  They make him ex∣plain his meaning in his Philo∣sophy.
• * 1.34

  The Cardi∣nal makes him resolve to Publish his Philo∣sophy.