Philosophical Letters: or, modest Reflections upon some Opinions in Natural PhilosophyNewcastle, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of
Philosophy
Philosophical Letters: or, modest Reflections upon some Opinions in Natural Philosophy
Newcastle, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of
Newcastle, William Cavendish, Duke of, 1592-1676; Philosophy
Mathematical Demonstrations, yet by expressing my Sense and Meaning
more properly and clearly then I have done heretofore: But the chief
reason of all was, the Authority of your Command, which did work so
powerfully with me, that I could not resist, although it were to the
disgrace of my own judgment and wit; and therefore I am fully resolved
now to go on as far, and as well as the Natural strength of my Reason
will reach: But since neither the strength of my Body, nor of my
understanding, or wit, is able to mark every line, or every word of
their works, and to argue upon them, I shall onely pick out the ground
Opinions of the aforementioned Authors, and those which do directly
dissent from mine, upon which I intend to make some few Reflections,
according to the ability of my Reason; and I shall meerly go upon the
bare Ground of _Natural Philosophy_, and not mix Divinity with it,
as many Philosophers use to do, except it be in those places, where
I am forced by the Authors Arguments to reflect upon it, which yet
shall be rather with an expression of my ignorance, then a positive
declaration of my opinion or judgment thereof; for I think it not onely
an absurdity, but an injury to the holy Profession of Divinity to draw
her to the Proofs in _Natural Philosophy_; wherefore I shall strictly
follow the Guidance of _Natural Reason_, and keep to my own ground and
Principles as much as I can; which that I may perform the better, I
humbly desire the help and assistance of your Favour, that according to
that real and intire Affection you bear to me, you would be pleased to
tell me unfeignedly, if I should chance to err or contradict but the
least probability of truth in any thing; for I honor Truth so much, as
I bow down to its shadow with the greatest respect and reverence; and I
esteem those persons most, that love and honor Truth with the same zeal
and fervor, whether they be Ancient or Modern Writers.
Thus, _Madam_, although I am destitute of the help of Arts, yet being
supported by your Favour and wise Directions, I shall not fear any
smiles of scorn, or words of reproach; for I am confident you will
defend me against all the mischievous and poisonous Teeth of malicious
detractors. I shall besides, implore the assistance of the Sacred
Church, and the Learned Schools, to take me into their Protection, and
shelter my weak endeavours: For though I am but an ignorant and simple
Woman, yet I am their devoted and honest Servant, who shall never quit
the respect and honor due to them, but live and die theirs, as also,
MADAM,
_Your Ladiships_
_humble and faithful Servant._
M. N.
II.
_MADAM,_
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account