_MADAM,_
You were pleased to desire my opinion of the works of that Learned
and Ingenious Writer _B._ Truly, _Madam_, I have read but some part
of his works; but as much as I have read, I have observed, he is a
very civil, eloquent, and rational Writer; the truth is, his style is
a Gentleman's style. And in particular, concerning his experiments, I
must needs say this, that, in my judgment, he hath expressed himself to
be a very industrious and ingenious person; for he doth neither puzle
Nature, nor darken truth with hard words and compounded languages,
or nice distinctions; besides, his experiments are proved by his own
action. But give me leave to tell you, that I observe, he studies the
different parts and alterations, more then the motions, which cause
the alterations in those parts; whereas, did he study and observe
the several and different motions in those parts, how they change in
one and the same part, and how the different alterations in bodies
are caused by the different motions of their parts, he might arrive
to a vast knowledg by the means of his experiments; for certainly
experiments are very beneficial to man. In the next place, you desire
my opinion of the Book call'd, _The Discourses of the Virtuosi in
France_: I am sorry, _Madam_, this book comes so late to my hands, that
I cannot read it so slowly and observingly, as to give you a clear
judgment of their opinions or discourses in particular; however, in
general, and for what I have read in it, I may say, it expresses the
French to be very learned and eloquent Writers, wherein I thought our
English had exceeded them, and that they did onely excel in wit and
ingenuity; but I perceive most Nations have of all sorts. The truth
is, ingenious and subtil wit brings news; but learning and experience
brings proofs, at least, argumental discourses; and the French are
much to be commended, that they endeavour to spend their time wisely,
honourably, honestly, and profitably, not onely for the good and
benefit of their own, but also of other Nations. But before I conclude,
give me leave to tell you, that concerning the curious and profitable
Arts mentioned in their discourses, I confess, I do much admire them,
and partly believe they may arrive to the use of many of them; but
there are two arts which I wish with all my heart I could obtain: the
first is, to argue without error in all kinds, modes, and figures, in
a quarter of an hour; and the other is to learn a way to understand
all languages in six hours. But as for the first, I fear, if I want a
thorow understanding in every particular argument, cause, or point, a
general art or mode of words will not help me, especially, if I, being
a woman, should want discretion: And as for the second, my memory is
so bad, that it is beyond the help of Art, so that Nature has made
my understanding harder or closer then Glass, through which the Sun
of verity cannot pass, although its light doth; and therefore I am
confident I shall not be made, or taught to learn this mentioned Art
in six hours, no not in six months. But I wish all Arts were as easily
practised, as mentioned; and thus I rest,
Madam,
_Your faithful Friend_
_and Servant._