De Augmentis, Bk. 3; Advancement of Learning, Bk. 2.
[411]. If a man’s wit be wandering, let him study mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again.—Bacon, Lord.
Essays: On Studies.
[412]. If one be bird-witted, that is easily distracted and unable to keep his attention as long as he should, mathematics provides a remedy; for in them if the mind be caught away but a moment, the demonstration has to be commenced anew.—Bacon, Lord.
De Augmentis, Bk. 6; Advancement of Learning, Bk. 2.
[413]. The metaphysical philosopher from his point of view recognizes mathematics as an instrument of education, which strengthens the power of attention, develops the sense of order and the faculty of construction, and enables the mind to grasp under the simple formulae the quantitative differences of physical phenomena.—Jowett, B.
Dialogues of Plato (New York, 1897), Vol. 2, p. 78.
[414]. Nor do I know any study which can compete with mathematics in general in furnishing matter for severe and continued thought. Metaphysical problems may be even more difficult; but then they are far less definite, and, as they rarely lead to any precise conclusion, we miss the power of checking our own operations, and of discovering whether we are thinking and reasoning or merely fancying and dreaming.—Todhunter, Isaac.
Conflict of Studies (London, 1873), p. 13.