For if it were for the sake of my reputation only and other men's interests were not concerned in it, I would not have any man think that in such cases merely some light and vague notion has crossed my mind, and that the things which I desire and offer at are no better than wishes; when they are in fact things which men may certainly command if they will, and of which I have formed in my own mind a clear and detailed conception.

For I do not propose merely to survey these regions in my mind, like an augur taking auspices, but to enter them like a general who means to take possession .-- So much for the first part of the work.
* * * * * Having thus coasted past the ancient arts, the next point is to equip the intellect for passing beyond.

To the second part therefore belongs the doctrine concerning the better and more perfect use of human reason in the inquisition of things, and the true helps of the understanding: that thereby (as far as the condition of mortality and humanity allows) the intellect may be raised and exalted, and made capable of overcoming the difficulties and obscurities of nature.

The art which I introduce with this view (which I call _Interpretation of Nature_) is a kind of logic; though the difference between it and the ordinary logic is great; indeed immense.

For the ordinary logic professes to contrive and prepare helps and guards for the understanding, as mine does; and in this one point they agree.