nature of light, and the principle of vegetative life, these things are utterly inscrutable; so, also, is the principle of animal life; and so, in like manner, but not more so, is MIND. At all these points alike, and as to each of them for the same reasons, we reach a limit which the human mind has never yet passed. But it is not true that Mind is more occult, as to its inner nature, than is matter, or than the principle of vegetative and animal life; they are exactly as much so, and not more. But there is here a difference to be noted which must not be lost sight of:

15. In all departments of the physical sciences and of natural history, the facts which we have to do with are various and countless; and they are also definite, and palpable, and visible: it becomes our business to classify innumerable forms-and each attractive in its way—and to ascertain the diversified functions of many orders of organized beings. In each department of these sciences, whoever devotes himself to it finds that there is before him the occupation of a life. He knows, indeed, that a mystery which he will never penetrate stands in advance of him, but then it is placed at the remote end of his inquiries; if, once and again, he looks out toward it, he is quickly called off from the pursuit of a fruitless speculation, and he gladly returns to a field of profitable labor and inquiry-a field on which there are inexhaustible riches to be gathered and housed.

16. In the region of intellectual philosophy, the whole aspect of things is of another sort, for in this department the facts we have to do with are few, and, in the mode in which the science is usually presented,

these few facts assume a very meagre appearance. Moreover, there is much on this ground that is dimly seen and that is confusedly apprehended; and then, at the last, the matured fruits of much patient thought must be consigned to popular language, which, at the best, is a precarious medium for the conveyance of abstract notions.

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17. Hence it is that, at an early stage of our progress on this ground, we feel as if we had exhausted our materials, and must go in quest of occupation. We soon find ourselves, therefore, in front of that barrier which, in the departments of physics, of chemistry, of physiology, and of natural history, is always a long in advance of our position, while we are occupied with what engages every faculty. In the philosophy of Mind we become impatient to push forward, and yet find that we can not do so. We are apt, therefore, to imagine that much more of mystery attaches to the world of Mind than belongs to the world of matter; or that, while the visible universe may be freely explored in all directions, a pall which we can never lift rests upon the intellectual universe. We shall see that this is not the fact. The mystery is just as dark in the one case as it is in the other; the ultimate problem which, on all sides, arrests human curiosity, is as insoluble in the one case as it is in the other; the only difference is this—that, in the one case, it stands so near to us as to overshadow our meditations and to chill our energies, while, in the other case, it is seen only as a cloud in the horizon.

18. We have mentioned a disadvantage which is inseparable from our present subject, arising from the

unfixedness of the symbols which we are compelled to employ, namely, the terms of popular parlance. When facts that are indistinctly apprehended come to be discoursed about in terms of uncertain or of variable import, there must be large room for interminable controversy. Then, besides these occasions of debate, there is this-that, although intellectual philosophy demands certain qualities of mind which are not the most ordinary for its successful prosecution, it tempts many to enter upon it who are neither able nor are disposed to confine themselves to a strict scientific style: it is a field open to all, and which is wandered over by many who have little natural aptitude for pursuits of this kind.

19. Treatises upon the physical sciences are usually introduced by historic notices of the progress of discovery in that department from the earliest ages up to the present time, but in these preliminary surveys several theories and systems, long ago superseded, are disposed of within the compass of a paragraph or two. These antiquated theories have now no adherents, and we do ample justice to them in a page. It is not so within the precincts upon which we are about to enter. The earliest developments of thought on this ground still possess a claim to be listened to, for they may be as good as some of later date, and they may be preferable to the very last that have appeared. consciousness of this fact, on the part of those who profess intellectual philosophy, has induced most of them to treat the science historically and critically rather than in a direct and didactic manner; they have not merely reported ancient opinions, but have thought

A

it incumbent upon them to discuss their merits, approving or disallowing each scheme as it passes in re

view.

20. But this retrospective style, which must be prolix, and which is likely to be wearisome to the general reader, is far from being adapted to the purposes of an elementary book. Nothing of the sort, therefore, is attempted in this volume. It must, however, be understood and supposed, first, that the writer of such a book has acquainted himself with his subject historically; and, secondly, that he fairly puts his readers into position for understanding more elaborate works on the same subject, if any of them should wish to acquaint themselves with it hereafter in a more careful and ample manner.

21. From what has been here said of the unfixedness of intellectual philosophy, and of its being open to controversies which are revived from time to time, it must not be inferred that every thing is vague and undetermined within its precincts. This is not the fact. The advance and consolidation of the physical sciences have given an indirect, and yet an effective impulse in the right direction to the science of Mind: a real progress has been made; an advanced position has been attained, from which we are not likely to be dislodged. Certain illusory and sophistical systems have nearly fallen out of esteem, and perhaps will never regain their influence. At this time, therefore, there may be gathered, from the works of modern writers on intellectual philosophy, what might be called a catholic belief concerning the intellectual and moral constitution of man.

These appreciable advances to

ward an accepted system warrant the expectation that more will yet be done to give the subject that coherence and fixedness which shall entitle it to a place among established sciences.

22. It is reasonable to ask, With what specific intention is it that we should enter upon the ground which is now before us? What fruit are we likely to gather in our course over it? and what relation does the science of Mind bear, either toward other sciences, or toward the practical purposes of life? In giving an answer to questions of this kind (in any department of philosophy), those who profess to teach it are indulged with the liberty to say every thing that can with an appearance of reason be alleged in its recommendation, and to enhance, as far as possible, as well the intrinsic as the relative importance of the studies to which they have devoted themselves for life. The professors of intellectual philosophy have usually availed themselves of this license, and they have labored to establish the opinion that many extensive reforms and improvements-in education, in politics, in social economy, and in morals; in law, and in theology-would result from a more general and a more serious pursuit of it than is usual. Were this noble science-the first of the sciences-say they, to be listened to as it ought, the above-named sciences and social arts would take a new start, and would diffuse unthought-of blessings on all sides.

23. No professions of this sort will be made in the present instance, for, in truth, the writer entertains no such exalted belief. Nevertheless, he attaches to his subject a real importance, and he is fully of opinion