The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

150 ANALYSIS OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING.
not how they are done, yet we know well it is 3. Sophism.
not as it seemeth to be. 4. Congruity
8. Elenches are well laboured by Plato and Aristotle. The rigour and curiosity in requiring the
9 The virtuous use of this knowledge is to redargue more severe proofs in some things, and chiefly
sophisms: the corrupt use for caption and con- the facility in contenting ourselves with the
tradiction. more remiss proofs in others, hath been
The difference is good which was made be- amongst the greatest causes of detriment and
tween orators and sophisters that the one is as hinderance to knowledge.
the greyhound, which hath his advantage in 21. This is deficient.
the race, and the other as the hare, which hath
her advantage in the turn.
10. Elenches extend to divers parts of knowledge. Retaining knowledge is by writing or memory.
11. The references touching the common adjuncts of Writing.
essences is an elench.
12. Seducements that work by the strength of ir-The nature of the character is referred to grammar.
pression are clenches................. 211
pression are elenches................... 211The disposition of our knowledge depends upon com13. Elenches of idols. mon-places.
The mind of man, which I find not ob-idOf common-places injuring the memory.
Because it is but a counterfeit thing in
served or inquired at all, and think good to Beause t ts be forward and pregnant, ein
place here, as that which of all others apper- cnwledges t be forward and pregnant, extaineth most to rectify judgment: the force cept a man be deep and full, I hold the entry
taineth most to rectify judgment: the force Of common-places, to be a matter of great use
whereof is such, as it doth not dazzle or snare of co on-places, to be a matter of great se
the understanding in some particulars, but and essence in studying, as that which asdoth more generally and inwardly infect and sreth "copia" of invention, and contractet
corrupt the state thereof. For the mind of judgment to a strength.
man is far from the nature of a clear and mode of common-placing is defective.
equal glass, wherein the beams of things Memory................ 212
should reflect according to their true incidence; It is weakly inquired.
nay, it is rather like an enchanted glass, full Precepts for memory have been exalted for ostentation,
of superstition and imposture, if it be not de- not for use.
livered and reduced. I make no more estimate of repeating a
14. The mind is more affected by affirmatives than great number of names or words upon once
negatives.' hearing, or the pouring forth of a number of
As was well answered by Diagoras to him verses or rhymes ex tempore, or the making of
that showed him in Neptuane's temple the a satirical simile of every thing, or the turngreater number of pictures of such as had es- ing of every thing to a jest, or the falsifying
caped shipwreck and had paid their vows to or contradicting of every thing by cavil, or the
Neptune, saying, " Advise now, you that think like, (whereof in the faculties of the mind
it folly to invocate Neptune in tempest:" there is great "copia," and such as by device
Yea, but," said Diagoras, "where are they and practice may be exalted to an extreme depainted that are drowned." gree of wonder,) than I do of the tricks of
15. The mind supposes a greater equality then exists.2 tumblers, funambuloes, baladines; the one
The mathematicians cannot satisfy them- being the same in the mind that the other is in
selves, except they reduce the motions of the the body, matters of strangeness without
celestial bodies to perfect circles, rejecting worthiness.
spiral lines, and labouring to be discharged Art of memory is built upon prenotion and emblem.
of eccentrics. Prenotion is a limitation of an indefinite seeking by
16 The mind is prejudiced by the false appearances directing us to seek in a narrow compass.
imposed by every man's own individual nature Emblem reduces conceits intellectual to images senand custom3......................... 211 sible.
If a child were continued in a grot or caveRAT.............. 212
under the earth until maturity of age, and
came suddenly abroad, he would have strange It is the transferring our knowledge to others.
and absurd imaginations. So in like manner, Division of the subject.
although our persons live. in the view of hea- 2. The organ of speech.
ven, yet our spirits are included in the caves 2. The method of speech.
of our own complexions and customs, which 3. The ornament of speech
minister unto tus infinite errors and vain THE ORGAN OF SPEECH.
opinions, if they be not recalled to examinaopinions, if they be not recalled to examina- Whatever is capable of sufficient differences and per.
17. The mind is misled by words.4 ception by the sense is competent to express
18. The cautions against these idols are defective. 211 thought.:9. The application of the different kinds of proofs to Different Signs of Thought.
different subjects. 1. Having similitude with the notion.
20. Different kinds of demonstrations. 1. Hieroglyphics.
1. Immediate consent. 2. Gestures.
2. Irnduction.2. Not having similitude or words.
i See note (Q) at the end of this Treatise. The antiquity of hieroglyphics.
S See note (R) at the end of this Treatise.. Gestures are as transitory hieroglyphics.
a See note (S) at the end of this Treatise.
See note (T) at the end of this Treatise. See note (U) at the end of this Treatise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~: ee note (U) at the: end of this Treatise.