The Sequel to the Count of Gabalis, or New Discourses on the Secret Sciences

New Dialogues

Aristotle The ancient Greek philosopher whose works dominated medieval and early modern thought., I do not find that anyone has arisen in our day who clarifies Nature better than he clarified it; now, obscurity for obscurity, I will never praise the new at the expense of the old.

"How, Sir?" he said to me, showing me the title of the Book, "you did not write that Book?" "Certainly not," I replied to him, "it is not my place to make such attempts." "And furthermore," he continued, "you are not infatuated with Aristotle? And you do not believe that the Breton René Descartes (1596–1650), the famous French philosopher who was born in the province of Brittany., of whom it is spoken in this Book, is the greatest Philosopher who has ever lived?" "As for Aristotle," I replied, "I have many grievances against him; and as for Descartes, I am far from holding him in high esteem, for I do not understand him."

"Ah! Sir," he cried out humbly, "I then ask a thousand pardons for my mistake. A Religious man French: Religieux; referring to a member of a Catholic religious order, such as a monk or friar. had nevertheless assured me that you had written this Book, and had given me your name and your address; I am quite ready to give you all the satisfaction you might desire." "I want none, Mr. Jean le Brun," I said to him, "only repair a small harm with a very great good: share with me your knowled-