Metaphysical Disquisition

what elegance of speech? It was indeed in the interest of students of sound mind that a book so perfect in all its parts should no longer be suppressed, and, being born for the public benefit, should not serve only the private uses of a few. For this strife is good for mortals. The question is a grave one, worthy beyond doubt for noble and lofty geniuses to exercise their strength upon. The men who contend are beyond all reproach. One thing I regret: that Gassendi was not sufficiently known to Descartes; whence that good and ingenious man, whose illustrious endeavors everyone ought to favor, since he judged Gassendi’s character by the character of other philosophers, took a word or two otherwise than they had been kindly uttered by him. But, seizing upon an unbearable handle, it happened that little by little he was most vehemently stirred in spirit, and, forgetful of himself, he also forgot reason, which nevertheless was to be attended to above all. But you, candid reader, shall see and judge. There is no reason why I should delay you longer. For I wished to send these things ahead in the vestibule so that I might ask you to look with favor upon our labor, such as it is, and to wrest from our author on my behalf—by whatever favor you may have with him—the work of the Philosophical Exercises, which they say is filled with immense fruit, and for which hope was given to the learned some years ago. Farewell. From our Printing House.