Ancient and Modern Learning.
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CHAP. XXVI.
Of Ancient and Modern Natural Philosophy.
HAving gone through with the most considerable Branches of
Natural and
Mathematical Knowledge, I am now to enquire into the Comparative Excellency of Ancient and Modern
Books of Philosophy, thereby to see in which of them Nature, and its Operations, are explained best. Here I shall first enquire into the several
Methods of Philosophizing; and afterwards, into the Intrinsick Worth of the Doctrines themselves.
Moderns here are taken in a very strict Sence. I shall mention none who have made any
(a) Pag. 44.(a) Entries upon this noble Stage of Nature above LXXX. Years ago, since the Time of those first Flights of the Restorers of Learning, that are so exceedingly applauded by
Sir William Temple. For
Natural Philosophy was the last Part of Knowledge which was cultivated with any particular Care, upon the Revival of Learning; though
Natural History, which is a principal Ground-work, had been long before increasing, and a considerable
Heap
