THE FURTHER GROWTH OF SCIENCE 109 



scientific knowledge have so impressed the occidental mind. 

 We shall not dwell at greater length upon this aspect of 

 modern science nor describe its material achievements of 

 civilization, save as they explain the manner in which the 

 scientific habit of mind has assumed its present eminence. 

 Science has won recognition by its material accomplish- 

 ment in matters of everyday life, and hence the scientific 

 spirit has appeared in places where it would not otherwise 

 have come into being. For this reason, the history of in- 

 dustry and of common labor is second only to the history 

 of knowledge in an understanding of the relation of science 

 to the affairs of men. 



INFLUENCES AND IMPLICATIONS OF SCIENCE 



The more general and indirect effects of science during the 

 eighteenth century may now be considered. Among other 

 evidences of the influence of scientific knowledge, was the 

 rapid decline of the spirit of persecution that occurred in 

 Europe during the seventeenth century. Men had long 

 been taught that credulity was a virtue and doubt a sin. 

 The new learning enforced the doctrine that belief must 

 rest upon evidence that was open to examination. To per- 

 secute successfully, one must be sure he has the truth. 

 What science implies is not so much the importance of any 

 particular truth as the right to seek truth and extend it 

 unhampered by restrictions. Particular beliefs can survive 

 only so long as they justify themselves against opposition. 

 It is the essence of the spirit of persecution to be unfair and 

 to assume that the doctrines of the persecutors need no 

 justification. The scientific advances of the Renaissance 

 set up standards of thinking which made persecution no 

 part of righteousness. The spirit of intolerance did not dis- 

 appear, but it became increasingly difficult to justify such a 

 spirit upon grounds of morality. 



Waning belief in the material efficacy of supernatural 



