Since about all methods of which there are principles or causes or elements it happens that we obtain knowledge and science from the knowledge of these, for we then think that we know anything when we know the first causes into the first principles of it. And as far as to the elements from which it is composed this being the case it is evident that we should first endeavor to define those things which pertain to the principles of the science concerning nature. But the natural path in which we should proceed is from things more known and to manifest to us to things which are more mranifest and known to nature. For that which is known to us is not the same with that which is simply known. Hence, it is necessary to proceed after this manner from things more obscure to nature but which are more manifest to us to things more manifest and known to nature. To us however things which are more confused are at first evident and clear but afterwards from these to those who divide them the elements and principles become known. On this account it is necessary to proceed from universals to particulars for the whole is more known according to sense and that which is universal is a certain whole since it comprehends many things as parts. Names also are after a certain manner thus affected with respect to definition, for they signify a certain whole and this indefinitely. As, for instance, a circle. But definition divides it into its several parts. Children also at first call all men fathers and all women mothers but afterwards they distinguish each of these.
