Series II Band 1 · No. 231a.
ROBERT HOOKE AN THEODOR HAAK FÜR LEIBNIZ
[London, 13. April 1681.] [228a.]
Sr
I am extreamly pleasd to find soe excellent a Person as the Learned world must Acknowledg
Mr Leibnitz to concur in the same opinion wth me that A language somewt Like that of
ye Bishop of Chester would be of use for the Promotion of Science. It has been Long my
Judgment, and that founded upon undenyable principles from wch I cannot Recede that this
Language would be of much greater use then the world has conceived, though I have hitherto
had the Ill fortune scarcly to meet wth one man (except himself) whom I can persuade to concurr
wth me and that the Greatest number Look upon it only as a chymera and at best but a
Supplement for Latine in the inner parts of Europe or for the Lingua franca in the maritime, yet
my aymes have Always been much higher viz. to make it not only usefull for Expressing and
Remembring of things and notions but to Direct Regulate assist and even necessitate and
compell the mind to find out and comprehent whatsoever is knowable. And to make it an
Instrument which being actuated by the power of the mind shall most certainly produce the
Desired effect or plainly show the Impossibility thereof; especially in all those subjects where
ye use of it may be free and where interest and Authority doe not Intercept the Regular Course
thereof, which I conceive to be the great antagonists which may impede its progress, preposession
may clogg it but it will get through safe and well: not withstanding. It may therefore not
unfitly be called the Algebra of Algebras or the Science of methods, which every one that now
Invents a particular method does somewt participate but comes short of the full perfection and
best of that kind, at Least if he Light on it he knows not how he came by it nor can he prove that
tis soe and not otherwise. Any thing therefore that Mr Leibnitz knows that will promote this end
will be highly acceptable if he please to communicate it and shall be acknowledged as his. The
Great Difficulty lyes in the media but the Generall method will not only plainely show what
those are but the way of attaining them, but this is not to be done in many subjects but wth much
exercise of the method and there is a subordination and positure in the subjects of Inquiry
themselves, and therefore the first Alphabet or those which may be called the Symbols are first
to be understood, then those which may be called the Syllables then the words then sentences or
propositions etc. nor is it to be imagined a Scollar in this art shall at first sight read perfectly
But must with Labour and Patience proceed methodically, and goe by steps from subject to
subject as Nature has placed them in order, and then tis not to be doubted but the Soule of man
may be carryed to the highest step of knowledge and comprehend scientifically whatever is
made capable of knowing. To compleat which the united Labours of many will be necessary
and of such as are fitly qualifyed and those often Meeting and Debating together, and exerting
their utmost abilitys in A right way. But where are these to be found. Either will or ability or
opportunity or some other necessary concomitant is found wanting. Soe that I fear this may be
seen in Speculation but twill be very difficult to bring it into act, and Every one must be content
to improve himself soe far as he can in the Disquisition on this or that subject he has most
present need of knowing. I question not but Mr Leibnitz may have many of these specimina by
him and therefore I doe heartily wish you could prevaile wth him to Communicate some of these
which would be a means to persuade severall yet incredulous of the possibility of such a
Science: for my own part I Should very gladly contribute my Indeavours towards this end but
the Scarcity of Persons to converse wth concerning it does almost Discourage me. But the
concurrence and confirmation of soe excellent a Person as Monr Leibnitz would be very
prevalent for making Proselyts.