Aula Lucis, or The House of Light

( 3 )

...some of them have rather buried the truth than dressed original: "drest." In this context, to dress means to properly prepare, clothe, or present a subject for others to see. it; for my own part, I shall observe a middle way, neither too obscure nor too open, but such as may serve posterity and add some splendor to the science itself.

And now, whoever you are that in times to come shall cast your eyes on this book, if you are corrupted with the common philosophy Vaughan refers to the "common philosophy" of the universities (Scholasticism), which he believed focused on empty logic rather than the study of physical nature., do not immediately rage and take up the pen in defiance of what is here written. It may be you have studied your three questions for the sake of form original: "pro forma." A Latin phrase meaning a task done as a matter of formality or routine. and a quick disputant A person skilled in formal academic debate. you are, but have you digested the whole body of philosophy? Have you made nature the only business of your life? And have you arrived at last at an infallible, experimental knowledge? If you have done none of these things, upon what foundation do you build?

It is mere quacking original: "quacking." Likely used here to mean the boastful, empty noise made by a "quack" or charlatan. to oppose the dead, and to challenge those whom your betters dared not attempt to face during their life; but as one said, "advantage breeds baseness," so some may insult because their—