imploy'd about the productions of their own Minds, and neglecting all the works of Nature, that are without them. It cannot therefore be suspected that these Inquisitive Men, should busy themselves about altering the Art of Discourse, wherein they judge that mankind has been already rather too curious than negligent.
Natural Philosophy.The last Part that I shall mention, of the Learning that is taught, is the System of Natural Philosophy. And it is in this alone, that I can allow, there will be any alteration made, by this reformation of Knowledge. But yet the change will be so advantageous, that I have no reason to dissemble it. I grant indeed that the greatest part of the former Body of Physics, may hereby chance to fall to the ground. But to what sum will the damage amount? What can we lose, but only some few definitions and idle questions, and empty disputations? Of which I may say, as one did of Metaphors, Poterimus vivere sine illis. Perhaps there will be no more use of Twenty, or Thirty obscure Terms, such as Matter, and Form, Privation, Entelichia, and the like. But to supply their want, and infinite variety of Inventions, Motions, and Operations, will succeed in the place of words. The beautiful Bosom of Nature will be expos'd to our view: We shall enter into its Garden, and taste of its Fruits, and satisfy our selves with its plenty: Instead of idle talking, and wandring under its fruitless shadows, as the Peripetetics did in their first institution, and their Successors have done ever since.
