'3. A quickness in finding out, matching and comparing; as also in adding and substracting the Sensata layd up in the Memory.
'4. A good method of thinking.
'5. The true use of words.
'6. Good organs of speech and voice.
'7. Strength, agility and health of Body and of all its parts.
'The severall achievements of the severall great persons above named, have proceeded from the just and proportionable applications of those last mentioned faculties to severall matters and ends.
'I have now given you a description of what I call good parts, which I resemble to the severall colours upon a Painters pallet, out of which any colour may be made by composition. And I say that I can out of the ingredients before mentioned make you an Archimedes, a Homer, a Julius Cæsar, a Cicero, a Chess player, a Musican, a Painter, a dancer of the Ropes, a courageous spark, a fighting fool, a Metaphisicall Suarez, etc. And I would faine see how, out of Mr. Pascals grounds, viz. of aptitude for geometry, or sagacity, and the use by many of few principles, the same can be performed; and how thereby all the above mentioned species of transcendental men can be produced.'[1]
Charles Petty was abroad in 1686. 'I am glad,' Sir William wrote to his godfather, 'that wee agree that the main end of travelling is to learn frugality, circumspection, discreet jealousy, and generall prudence; with such Behaviours as will adapt us for conversation with all mankind — without laying much weight upon Languages, University Arts and Sciences—and Interest in the famous men of other nations. As I did, Deare Cousin, venture to fall upon the great Pascal, soe I shall now again venture to set down some of my thoughts on the faculty of Imitation, which you think soe ill of, and I say viz.:1. That no man can be a good Painter without a perfect faculty of imitating all colours, figures and proportions of magnitude.2. Noe man can be said to sing well or to
- ↑ British Museum, Egerton MSS.; also among Petty MSS. The paper referred to is to be found in the Appendix to the Pensées: 'Différence entre l'esprit de Géométrie et l'esprit de Finesse.'
