be propounded, whether the world be infinite, or whether beyond the
system of this world there is any real being, all these things are
the objects about which the understanding of man is conversant.
But if these be the questions,--what measures must be taken to
compose the well-ordered life of man, what are the best methods to
govern and educate children, or what are the exact rules whereby
sovereigns may command and establish laws,--all these queries are
proposed for the sole end of action, and the man skilled therein is
the moral and practical man.



CHAPTER I.

WHAT IS NATURE?

Since we have undertaken to make a diligent search into Nature, I
cannot but conclude it necessary to declare what Nature is. It is
very absurd to attempt a discourse of the essence of natural
things, and not to understand what is the power and sphere of
Nature. If Aristotle be credited, Nature is the principle of
motion and rest, in that thing in which it exists as a principle
and not by accident. For all things that are conspicuous to our
eyes, which are neither fortuitous nor necessary, nor have a divine
original, nor acknowledge any such like cause, are called natural
and enjoy their proper nature. Of this sort are earth, fire,
water, air, plants, animals; to these may be added all things
produced from them, such as showers, hail, thunders, hurricanes,
and winds. All these confess they had a beginning, none of these
were from eternity, but had something as the origin of them;