I was
not pleased with this method of performing operations by rule
without knowing what I was about: resolving geometrical problems by
the help of equations seemed like playing a tune by turning round a
handle. The first time I found by calculation that the square of a
binocular figure was composed of the square of each of its parts,
and double the product of one by the other; though convinced that my
multiplication was right, I could not be satisfied till I had made and
examined the figure: not but I admire algebra when applied to abstract
quantities, but when used to demonstrate dimensions, I wished to see
the operation, and unless explained by lines, could not rightly
comprehend it.
After this came Latin, in which I never made great progress. I began
by Port-Royal's Rudiments, but without success. These barbarous verses
gave a pain to my heart and could not find a place in my ears. I
lost myself in a crowd of rules; and in studying the last forgot all
that preceded it. A study of words is not calculated for a man without
memory, and it was principally an endeavor to make my memory more
retentive, that urged me obstinately to persist in this study, which
at length I was obliged to relinquish. As I understood enough to
read an easy author by the aid of a dictionary, I followed that
method, and found it succeeded tolerably well. I likewise applied
myself to translation, not by writing, but mentally, and by exercise
and perseverance attained to read Latin authors easily, but have never
been able to speak or write that language, which has frequently
embarrassed me when I have found myself (I know not by what means)
enrolled among men of letters.
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