induction itself must be new. "The induction which
is to be available for the discovery and demonstration of sciences and arts
must analyse nature by proper rejections and exclusions; and then, after a
sufficient number of negatives, come to a conclusion on the affirmative
instances, which has not yet been done, or even attempted, save only by
Plato.[82] ... And this induction must be used not only to discover axioms,
but also in the formation of notions."[83] This view of the function of
exclusion is closely connected with Bacon's doctrine of forms, [v.03
p.0149] and is in fact dependent upon that theory. But induction is neither
the whole of the new method, nor is it applicable to forms only. There are
two other grand objects of inquiry: the one, the transformation of concrete
bodies; the other, the investigation of the latent powers and the latent
schematism or configuration. With regard to the first, in ultimate result
it depends upon the theory of forms; for whenever the compound body can be
regarded as the sum of certain simple natures, then our knowledge of the
forms of these natures gives us the power of superinducing a new nature on
the concrete body. As regards the latent process (_latens processus_) which
goes on in all cases of generation and continuous development or motion, we
examine carefully, and by quantitative measurements, the gradual growth and
change from the first elements to the completed thing. The same kind of
investigation may be extended to many cases of natural motion, such as
voluntary action or nutrition; and though inquiry is here directed towards
concrete bodies, and does not therefore penetrate so deeply into reality as
in research for forms, yet great results may be looked for with more
confidence. It is to be regretted that Bacon did not complete this portion
of his work, in which for the first time he approaches modern conceptions
of change. The latent configuration (_latens schematismus_) or inward
structure of the parts of a body must be known before we can hope to
superinduce a new nature upon it. This can only be discovered by analysis,
which will disclose the ultimate constituents (natural particles, not
atoms) of bodies, and lead back the discussion to forms or simple natures,
whereby alone can true light be thrown on these obscure questions. Thus, in
all cases, scientific explanation depends upon knowledge of forms; all
phenomena or secondary qualities are accounted for by being r