ABSTRACT

The second thing therefore, is a Method of collecting a Philosophical History, which shall be as the Repository of Materials, out of which a new and sound Body of Philosophy may be raised.! This is to comprize a brief and plain Account of a great Store of choice and significant Natural and Artificial Operations, Actions and Effects, ranged in a convenient Order, and interwoven here and there with some short Hints of Accidental remarks or Theories, of corresponding or disagreeing received Opinions, of Doubts and Queries and the like, and indeed until this Repository be pretty well stored with choice and found Materials, the Work of raising new Axiomes or Theories is not to be attempted, left beginning without Materials, the whole Design be given over in the middle, for out of this are to be taken the Foundation Stones, on which the whole Structure should be raised, and those ought to be proportioned according to the rest of the Materials; for otherwise there may follow great Inconveniences, in prosecuting of it, here therefore ought to be laid up the more substantial Parts: But as for, the most curious and precious things which may serve for the finishing or compleating this grand Structure, they are to be fought for as occasion shall require and prompt. For as in any great

building, none can be so perspicatious as to foresee every particular thing he shall need, for the compleating of it, but leaves the Care of providing them till occasions call for them, as being then best able to judge which of, that kind of Material which is wanting will be most fitting for his purpose, and so with that proceeds till other occasions call for other Requisites and Helps: And so from time to time furnishes himself with those more choice things, as the Occasions require; so there is none but before he sets upon such a Design, will be sure to provide himself of a sufficient Store of such Materials as he knows altogether necessary, nor will be neglect to lay hold on such things, as offering themselves by chance, put him in mind that he shall have occasion for them before he can fmish his Design; and certainly much better it were, if the Architect were so skilful as to foresee to provide all kinds of Materials before he begins; for thereby his Work would be carried on the more compleately and uniformly, without Necessity of pulling down, or altering, or piecing, or transforming any part, or staying or interrupting.