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CCXIII.

Similar creatures that have not affinity with the sought nature must be collected.

CCXIV.

(9 B)

Raise axioms from experiments, and from new experiments form higher axioms.

(9 C)

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CCXXI.

Observe peculiarities in regular course. (9 K)

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Observe when the nature in its usual state appears most or least conspicuous.

CCXXVII.

(9 P)

Observe the separation of natures which are

generally united.

CCXXVIII.

(9 Q)

Observe nature when deviating from its course.

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When the mind is in equilibrio, observe some peculiarity which marks the cause.

CCXXXIV.

(9 X)

Observe common and obvious things. (9 Y)

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48

ON THE UNDERSTANDING.

CCXXXVII.

What has never been done, can be effected only

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NOTES.

NOTE (A).

Knowledge-Ignorance-Error.

Hobbes says, "There is a story somewhere of one that pretends to have been miraculously cured of blindness, wherewith he was born, by St. Albane or other saints at the town of St. Alban's, and that the Duke of Gloucester being there, to be satisfied of the truth of the miracle, asked the man, "What colour is this?" who, by answering it was green, discovered himself, and was punished for a counterfeit ; for though by his sight newly received he might distinguish between green and red, and all other colours, as well as any that should interrogate him, yet he could not possibly know at first sight which of them was called green or red, or by any other name. appears, therefore, that knowledge is of two sorts: 1st. Knowledge of things; 2nd. Knowledge how things are called. The same anecdote is stated in Shakspeare, in King Henry VI., act ii., part 2.

It

With respect to the knowledge of things, inanimate or animate, it consists in understanding their properties, that sugar is a vegetable substance, sweet to the taste, generally beneficial, sometimes injurious; that flame will burn; that prussic acid will occasion immediate death; that fermented liquors and opium

E

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