This relation, whether known or unknown, being real and constant, may, without inconvenience, be spoken of as if it were cause and effect. It is only necessary always to recollect that power, in the full and strict sense of the word, belongs exclusively to MIND; and that what are called the powers of nature are nothing more than secret relations, between one property or form of matter and another.

CLASSIFICATION,

Is the sorting of things that differ in some respects, and are alike in others; the greatest difference being the rule of separation, and the greatest likeness the rule of association. Classifications are always founded on some real and intrinsic qualities of the things sorted; whereas arrangements are founded upon accidental qualities or circumstances. Arrangements are made for convenience and the accomplishment of a particular purpose. Classifications are formed for the permanent advantage of the mind, which can become conversant with a multitude of objects only when they are distributed into sorts, corresponding with their real and intrinsic distinctions. An analysis is made by observing differences only:

a classification is accomplished by looking, first at resemblances, and then at differences. An analysis serves to make us acquainted with things of which hitherto we have been ignorant. A classification is useful for presenting a simple and comprehensive view of things already known.

The assortments that are made of the objects of natural history are properly called classifications, and are effected by bringing together all the animals that agree in some one distinct and unalterable peculiarity, such as shall be liable to no uncertainty, or confusion, in particular instances. Thus, according to the system of Linnæus, all animals that suckle their young are included in one class, called Mammalia. All birds are included in another; all that live indifferently in air and water, in a third; all fishes in a fourth; all insects in a fifth; and worms in a sixth. But then, if all the animals of the first class, for example, are brought together, it is found that, though alike in the important circumstance of suckling their young, they are unlike in a thousand other particulars; so that it becomes necessary to classify this class. For the purpose of doing so with precision, another particular and invariable circumstance is fixed upon, and which is liable to no uncertainty. Such is found to be the number and position of the teeth; and there are known to

be seven constant forms of diversity in this particular; which therefore divide the class MAMMALIA into seven orders. Again, each order comprises animals widely differing one from another, and needing, therefore, a new classification, for it brings together men, monkeys, rabbits, and bats. These are sorted into four genera, or kinds. But each genus has also different kinds; as, for example, the monkey tribe, of which there are almost innumerable varieties: these varieties of a genus are called species. Thus, it appears, classification must be carried on so long as any number of beings are observed to agree in one or more particulars (if those particulars are definite and constant) and yet to disagree in others.

COMMON TERMS,

Or names, are words which, in consequence of some sort of classification, are applied to many individuals that are alike in some respects; or in all but identity. Thus the word animal is a term common to all sentient, locomotive, voluntary, and corporeal beings. The word quadruped is common to all animals that have four legs; the word dog to all quadrupeds of that genus; and the word mastiff to a species of dog. But Cæsar is my

dog or yours: and though this name may be appropriated to ten or twenty dogs, it is proper to each as his individual distinction. Common terms belong to things. Abstract terms belong to qualities. Common terms are used in classification; abstract terms are employed in generalization.

COMPLEX,

Is that which consists of several elements, which are to be separated, or made known, by analysis.

CONCEPTION,

Is the bringing before the mind, by a voluntary act, some image of what has heretofore been perceived; and which yet is thought of apart from any distinct recollection of past time, otherwise the idea would belong to memory. Sensation and perception take place when an external object is actually present to the senses. Imagination is complex conception; that is to say, it is the joining together of images, in new forms, or combinations. We entertain the conception of a palace; but we imagine a palace of gold, or a river of molten brass, or a centaur, or a griffin. The power of vivid

conception is important to the poet; for the mind works from the stock of its conceptions, not from its immediate perceptions:-but it is still more important to the painter, who can only become a mere copyist, if his conceptions are faint or confused. Propriety of description, and appropriateness and copiousness in the use of language, depend, in great measure, upon the vigour of the faculty of conception.

CONCLUSION.

A single affirmation is a proposition:-as that A is equal to B. But if it were necessary to prove this equality, by stating, in a series of propositions, the component parts of A and B; then this last affirmation, which brought all the preceding ones to a point, would be the conclusion. The last proposition in an argument is not called the conclusion because it concludes or finishes it; but because it is the truth, for the sake of which all the preceding propositions were advanced :-it is that which comprises, or shuts up in one, the train of facts, bringing the last into contact with the first, as thus:1. An habitual disregard of truth draws upon a man the distrust and contempt of all who have to do with him. 2. But if a man be the object of