Cosmologia Generalis

§. 5.

Subordination of each.Since in experimental Cosmology those things are elicited from observations which have been demonstrated in the scientific [branch] (§. 4.), experimental Cosmology presupposes scientific [Cosmology]. Insofar, however, as it is not repugnant that, in presenting the scientific [branch], things should be elicited from observations or observed phenomena (§. 3, 4), experimental Cosmology can be cultivated to some extent before the scientific [branch] and can be conjoined with the scientific [branch].

Indeed, it does not seem impossible that we should derive every theory of general Cosmology a posteriori from observations: yet, in actual fact, we are taught that this cannot conveniently be done. There is not just one reason for this. Attention to observations is lacking—without which one cannot perceive what lies hidden within them—before it is established what ought to be sought in them. Wherefore, when we have known a priori what ought to be investigated in things, our attention is fixed upon those things which we would otherwise not perceive. I speak to those who are versed in astronomical matters and experimental physics of things not unknown to them, although there is no discipline from which we might not be permitted to bring forward examples which we hold to be established. Furthermore, not all things are so constituted that they can be deduced from observations without presupposing others. For where Cosmology has not yet deduced a priori those things which are determined by other means, the principles being deficient, it is not always clear what ought to be inferred from what has been observed. Again, I speak of things established to those who have devoted effort to eliciting truths from observations. Nor should it be neglected that, where, in the absence of principles—which only disciplines cultivated by the scientific method provide—you wish to elicit from observations those things which could have been inferred a priori, you will fall into nothing but hypotheses: and you will arrive at the truth of those things, which could have been inferred a priori without such digressions, only after a long and protracted journey. Therefore, the interests of science are best served if scientific disciplines are conjoined with experimental ones and, where it is permitted, the former are placed before the latter. And this is the rationale of our undertaking.

§. 6.

Fruit of general Cosmology or firm [foundation]From those things which are presented in general Cosmology, both the existence of God and the notions of His attributes can be gathered by the demonstrative method. For in general Cosmology, there are applied to the world both those things which are [said] in general about being, and those [which are said] about being