Science. Thus the direct Method precedes the inverſe, and the knowledge of the Principles is ſuppoſed in both. But as for operating according to Rules, and by the help of general Forms, whereof the original Principles and Reaſons are not underſtood, this is to be eſteemed merely technical. Be the Principles therefore ever ſo abſtruſe and metaphyſical, they muſt be ſtudied by whoever would comprehend the Doctrine of Fluxions. Nor can any Geometrician have a right to apply the Rules of the great Author, without firſt conſidering his metaphyſical Notions whence they were derived. Theſe how neceſſary ſoever in order to Science, which can never be attained without a preciſe, clear, and accurate Conception of the Principles, are nevertheleſs by ſeveral careleſly paſſed over; while the Expreſſions alone are dwelt on and coniſdered and treated with great Skill and Management, thence to obtain other Expreſſions by Methods, ſuſpicious and indirect (to ſay the leaſt) if conſidered in themſelves, however recommended by Induction and
