themselves frequently require the direction of reason and experience? How much, consequently, do the judgments of mankind differ respecting works of taste? One man condemns what another praises: what some deem worthy of fame, others consign to oblivion. The individual frequently differs from himself: youth is enchanted by that, which loses part of its influence in maturer years, and in old age becomes unpleasant. A whole nation adores an author who is despised by another: though deified in England, Shakespeare is ridiculed on the other side of the Channel. To the taste of Europeans, authors are disgustful who excite the veneration of Oriental nations. A work, which in one century has obtained the highest encomiums, in the next is scarcely known, or if known, it is only to be contemned.
The changes also which taste has undergone, seem to afford another argument against the certainty of its principles. How numerous are the judges who pretend to decide on subjects of taste? With respect to mathematical works, the value is determined only by mathematicians. Though in the practice of their art, physicians are compelled to suffer an unworthy competition, yet their writings are not criticised, except by those who possess some knowledge of medicine. The philosopher is either not read, or read only by philosophers: should uninstructed readers attempt to peruse such an author, they are generally polite enough to conclude, that his work, though above their comprehension, may possibly possess truth and utility.
