PREFACE. пит. THE author appears to have published nothing with a direct and immediate view to the fourth division of his works. The design of that part was to contain a competent set of examples, or models, for working with the mind, in philosophical subjects, according to the genuine laws of induction; intimated, and, in some measure, explained, in the Novum OrgaWe are, therefore, to understand the following pieces of Life and Death, &c. not as examples of a genuine induction; but as mixed writings, which deliver matter of natural history, in a method approaching to that of induction; but frequently interrupted by large observations, admonitions, and directions. Indeed it should seem, that the author designed to have digested and improved all the matters collected in his Sylva Sylvarum, after the manner of these examples; in order to facilitate the business of strict induction, that was to follow in the intended fourth division; the perfecting whereof belonged to the sixth. In the room, therefore, of the intended set of more rigorous inductive histories, are here substituted a somewhat looser kind: of the same general nature, method, and tendency. And perhaps the author might find, that the imperfect state of philosophy in his time, could scarce, to advantage, allow of a more rigorous induction, without launching into mathematical or metaphysical considerations; which would have been deviating from his purpose. At least, he seems to have chose, if not the most strict, yet the most instructive method of inductive history; whereby the succeeding philosophers might be directed how to conduct and prosecute enquiries in the more perfect manner; and gradually proceed to Axioms, and capital rules of practice. |