6o6 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



are in almost perfect accord co-laborers in the same great field 

 endeavoring to compass it only by different methods. 



While Mr. Spencer is tugging at the vast problems of social 

 science from the standpoint of the universal scientist, the author in 

 question is viewing them more directly from the standpoint of the 

 specialist in sociology and more particularly in the department of 

 statesmanship seeking and deriving valuable instruction from the 

 vast generalizations of his more able and far more learned co-laborer. 



Can it be supposed, however, that the two laborers will not differ, 

 somewhat, in some of their practical applications of the very same 

 general principles which they hold in common ? Or need it be won- 

 dered at that, while Mr. Spencer would abolish the state school and 

 state provision for the poor, the author in question would rather re- 

 model and enlarge the scope of both, while admitting and appreciat- 

 ing the great abuses and mischiefs that may result from either ? 



Does not the very loftiness of Mr. Spencer's standpoint, the grand- 

 eur of his views, and the vast and far-reaching comprehensiveness 

 of his observations, make it impossible, despite his great and indis- 

 putable sagacity, to avoid some mistakes in respect to the great 

 practical problems of social life, and to escape altogether the error, 

 so common with our modern reformers, of seeking to abolish institu- 

 tions that need only amendment and reform? 



In conclusion, let the hope be expressed that " the antiquated 

 character" of this reply will find excuse in the fact that, although 

 the privilege of making it was solicited early in June, 1874, it was 

 not accorded until late in October following, when the author, in de- 

 spair of obtaining justice, or a fair hearing, at least in this country, 

 had abandoned all idea of replying. Weeks and even months then 

 elapsed before the purpose of doing so revived in his mind, under the 

 conviction that such a course was due, not only to himself, but to the 

 momentous theme, which he has made the theme of his life, and on 

 which he feels a strong assurance that he has some suggestions to 

 offer, some great universal truths, great fundamental laics of social 

 life, to announce, that are calculated to exert an important influence 

 on the cause of knowledge and human advancement. 



Cincinnati, February 22, 1875. 



-- 



SKETCH OF PKOF. WILLIAM B. KOGERS. 



THE President of the American Association for the Advancement 

 of Science, who presides at its meeting this year in Buffalo, be- 

 longs to a family which has attained eminent distinction in the field 

 of American science. He was born in Philadelphia, in December, 

 1805, and is the second of four sons James Blythe, William Bar- 



