June 1805

Evidence

Introd.

Ch. False Ends - Means

Where emolument is manufactured by such instruments and by such hands, reputation - (reputation of the appropriate kind, reputation of learning and wisdom) is necessary besides the value they possess on their own account, as well as power, to help form a cloak for it (for the more substantial advantage). And while business is made out of nothing, so science, deep and recondite science, adapted to that business, is to be manufactured out of nonsense.

To sinister interest thus operating, in conjunction with (negligence and) imbecility may be ascribed the obscurity and uncertainty that pervade the existing systems. Concealment of the rule of action?, non-promulgation, injustice in the shape of decision on points foreign to the merits, fiction, jurisprudentiality, language technical, distorted, obsolete, every thing that can help the light of the law under a bushel or converted into an ignis fatuus - topics that will need us as we advance.