An entire body of philosophy according to the principles of the famous Renate Des Cartes in three books, (I) the institution ... (II) the history of nature ... (III) a dissertation of the want of sense and knowledge in brute animals ... / written originally in Latin by the learned Anthony Le Grand ; now carefully translated from the last corrections, alterations, and large additions of the author, never yet published ... by Richard Blome.

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.

BY my indefatigable Labour for these twenty Years, I have employed my time, with no small Expences in the Printing of several Volumes, not only Ʋseful, but Honourable to this Nation, which have met with a kind Recepti∣on from the Nobility and Gentry, some of which I shall here give the Reader a short account of, as having a small quantity of each remaining, which the Curious may be accommodated with. And this their Encouragement has emboldned me to undertake this Great Work in English, which of all Subjects, is the most wanting; and the rather, because appearing in our Native Tongue, 'tis thereby more useful for the Publick Good, and of more universal Benefit. For it seems a kind of Illnatur'd Retrenchment upon the common Freedom of Mankind to lock up all Ingeni∣ous Arts and Sciences from them, unless they are Masters of a Greek or Latin Key to open 'em. The Travel into PHILOSOPHY and true Wisdom, like the Com∣merce into the Rich Indies, should be declared Free, and of equal Right to all the Subjects of England, without incurring the Premunire of Interlopers.

Tongues and Languages, I confess are a fine and sumptuous Portico; but then they are no more than a Portico. The Sciences to which they introduce, are the Main Mass and Body of true Learning; and 'tis somewhat of the hardest, that so fair a Pile should have that only Gate to enter at: Besides, not to instance how many, otherwise very ingenious Men, are hereby debarr'd the Study of Wisdom and Virtue, whilst couch'd only in a Language, which possibly their Education, or want of Lei∣sure has not made them Masters of: Here's a perfect Turkish piece of Cruelty; for we thus make Learning an absolute Mahometan Mosque, whilst the whole Fair Sex are at once excluded from any part of their Devotion in it. And let me tell you, the most complaisant French Authors generally Print their Philosophical Books in their own Language, by which the French Ladies, to the Glory of their Sex, have arrived to a great perfection of Knowledge; in which extraordinary Accomplishments, being able to discourse of the Heavens, the Motion of the Planets, and the Nature and Causes of Mundane Things, &c. beside the Improvement of Virtue, they have elevated their Conversation above the Common Rate of Feminine Eloquence, such as their descant upon Commodes, New Fashions, or the little Vanities, and have added no little Charm and Grace to many Profest Virtuoso's. And truly tho' we have at present set up our Standard against France, yet I could wish we might still continue one piece of Friendship, viz. our old Custom of following the Mode of France, in bringing that one French Fashion up, of making our Learning speak English to instruct both ours, and the Fair Sex.

And altho' this Volume of PHILOSOPHY has been so well received in Latin by the Sale of several Impressions, yet for the making it more exact and perfect, I con∣tracted with the Author Mr. Le Grand to make Additions thereunto; so that by his large Additions and great Alterations throughout, it may be boldly said to be a New Book, and the best yet extant in any Language.

My next business was to employ an able Translator and Supervisor; which with the care of the said Mr. Le Grand, every thing throughout is rendred so facile, and adapted to the English Dress, as to be of Ʋse and Delight to all Persons. I have also Engraven the SCHEMES or FIGURES that were formerly in Wood, now on Copper: And for the adornment of the said WORK, have illustrated it with above 90 SCULPTURES, Historically and Poetically Designed, and Engraven by good Artists, relating to the several Subjects that best admit thereof: And have added an Explanatory INDEX or TABLE of the several SCULPTURES, that the Reader may the better know the meaning thereof.

The SCHEMES or FIGURES are Engraven on three Copper Plates, two for those in the Institution, and one for those in the History of Nature, all numbred 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on as in the Plates, with reference to the Book by the Folio, and the said number in the Margent; which said Plates of Schemes are to be placed at the begin∣ning of the Book next the Preface of Mr. Le Grand, which gives you an account of the Work, and the Arms of the Benefactors to follow the Schemes.

Richard Blome.