Page 648 of 734

Yet it may seem to be necessary nevertheless, for one who wishes

to become a real artist and well acquainted with the theory of

his profession, to have recourse to general principles and

ascertain all their capacities: for we have already stated that

these are the object-matter of sciences.

If then it appears that we may become good through the

instrumentality of laws, of course whoso wishes to make men

better by a system of care and training must try to make a

Legislator of himself; for to treat skilfully just any one who

may be put before you is not what any ordinary person can do,

but, if any one, he who has knowledge; as in the healing art, and

all others which involve careful practice and skill.