if , instead of this remark , my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of agrippa had been entirely exploded , and that a modern system of science had been introduced , which possessed much greater powers than the ancient , because the powers of the latter were chimerical , while those of the former were real and practical ; under such circumstances , i should certainly have thrown agrippa aside , and have contented my imagination , warmed as it was , by returning with greater ardour to my former studies .