d, the latter being the sum of a
number of the former. In physics, however, these matters are treated only
as regards their material or efficient causes, and the result of inquiry
into any one case gives no general rule, but only facilitates invention in
some similar instance. Metaphysics, on the other hand, treats of the formal
or final cause of[72] these same substances and qualities, and results in a
general rule. With regard to forms, the investigation may be directed
either towards concrete bodies or towards qualities. But the forms of
substances "are so perplexed and complicated, that it is either vain to
inquire into them at all, or such inquiry as is possible should be put off
for a time, and not entered upon till forms of a more simple nature have
been rightly investigated and discussed."[73] "To inquire into the form of
a lion, of an oak, or gold, nay, even of water or air, is a vain pursuit;
but to inquire the _form_ of dense, rare, hot, cold, &c., as well
configurations as motions, which in treating of physic I have in [v.03
p.0148] great part enumerated (I call them forms of the first class), and
which (like the letters of the alphabet) are not many, and yet make up and
sustain the essences and forms of all substances--this, I say, it is which
I am attempting, and which constitutes and defines that part of metaphysic
of which we are now inquiring." Physics inquires into the same qualities,
but does not push its investigations into ultimate reality or reach the
more general causes. We thus at last attain a definite conclusion with
regard to forms, and it appears clear that in Bacon's belief the true
function of science was the search for a few fundamental physical
qualities, highly abstract and general, the combinations of which give rise
to the simple natures and complex phenomena around us. His general
conception of the universe may therefore be called mechanical or statical;
the cause of each phenomenon is supposed to be actually contained in the
phenomenon itself, and by a sufficiently accurate process could be sifted
out and brought to light. As soon as the causes are known man regains his
power over nature, for "whosoever knows any form, knows also the utmost
possibility of superinducing that nature upon every variety of matter, and
so is less restrained and tied in operation either to the basis of the
matter or to the condition of the efficients."[74]

Nature thus presented itself to Bacon's mind as a h