Archimedes Texts

43
profitable to the publick, to build a great part of their esteem
and reputation on the credit of Aristotle he is much puzzled and
perplexed: and methinks I hear him say, To whom then should

we repair for the decision of our controversies, if Aristotle were
removed from the chair? What other Author should we follow
in the Schools, Academies and Studies? What Philosopher hath
writ all the parts of Natural Philosophy, and that so methodically
without omitting so much as one single conclusion? Shall we then
overthrow that Fabrick under which so many passengers find
shelter? Shall we destroy that Asylum, that Prytaneum, where
in so many Students meet with commodious harbour, where
without exposing themselves to the injuries of the air, with the
onely turning over of a few leaves, one may learn all the se
crets of Nature? Shall we dismantle that fort in which we are
safe from all hostile assaults? But I pitie him no more than I do
that Gentleman who with great expence of time and treasure,
and the help of many hundred artists, erects a very sumptu
ous Pallace, and afterwards beholds it ready to fall, by reason
of the bad foundation; but being extremely unwilling to see
the Walls stript which are adorned with so many beautifull
Pictures; or to suffer the columns to fall, that uphold the state
ly Galleries; or the gilded roofs, chimney-pieces, the freizes,
the cornishes of marble, with so much cost erected, to be rui
ned; goeth about with girders, props, shoars, butterasses, to pre
vent their subversion.

SALV. But alass, Simplicius as yet fears no such fall, and
I would undertake to secure him from that mischief at a far
less charge. There is no danger that so great a multitude of

subtle and wise Philosophers, should suffer themselves to be
Hector'd by one or two, who make a little blustering; nay,
they will rather, without ever turning the points of their pens
against them, by their silence onely render them the object of
universal scorn and contempt. It is a fond conceit for any one
to think to introduce new Philosophy, by reproving this or that
Author: it will be first necessary to new-mold the brains of
men, and make them apt to distinguish truth from falshood. A
thing which onely God can do. But from one discourse to another
whither are we stray'd? your memory must help to guide me into
the way again.

SIMPL. I remember very well where we left. We were
upon the answer of Anti-Tycho, to the objections against the
immutability of the Heavens, among which you inserted this
of the Solar fpots, not spoke of by him; and I believe you
intended to examine his answer to the instance of the New
Stars.