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versation, as with an old friend or beloved
brother ; it was impossible for confidence
to be more cordial, especially between
two persons whose pursuits were the
same : but though they are the same with
respect to the object, yet they are dif-
ferent with respect to the way ; I had
advanced too far to retreat before I could
procure his book, and when I had found
it, my plan was so much digested as to
render the adoption or imitation of any
other very inconvenient. Besides, as
every object may be approached by a
different route, it may also be seen in a
different point of view ; two different
persons therefore may exhibit it with
equal truth, and yet with great diver-
sity : I shall avail myself of P. Martini's
learning and materials, as I would of his
spectacles, I shall apply them to my
subject, as it appears to me, without
changing my situation ; and shall neither
implicitly adopt his sentiments in doubtful
points, nor transcribe them where we agree.
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