INTRODUCTION XXXI 



lems and in the quest for proper solutions, demonstrative or 

 tentative. Conversely, the natural sciences are of importance 

 to the mathematical physicist in giving him the extrinsic foun- 

 dation for his own science. Further, the Lyceum considers the 

 non-mathematical parts of modem science to belong to a single 

 science concerning ens mobile ut mobile. In practice, courses in 

 natural philosophy rarely get beyond general considerations, 

 and courses in experimental science rarely get beyond particular 

 considerations and experiments. However, the Lyceum con- 

 siders that in both the general and particular parts of this 

 unique discipline there are to be found diverse types of cer- 

 tainty: demonstrative, most probable, tentative, hypothetical, 

 factual and even historical. Finally, the Lyceum maintains that 

 the single science of nature is autonomous in its own field, and 

 in the order of learning prior to and independent of metaphysics. 

 There are many advantages to this view. First, it recognizes 

 the dignity of a scientific study of the natural world which 

 includes man, animals, plants and inanimate realities. Second, 

 it recognizes the importance of this science for moral, meta- 

 physical and theological concepts. Third, it offers a real possi- 

 bility of cooperation between the professional philosopher and 

 the experimental scientist. Fourth, it is consistent with the 

 teaching of St. Thomas and St. Albert, for whom natural science 

 is incomplete unless after studying the general theory found in 

 the Physics, one proceeds to more and more particular species 

 and varieties of living and non-living natures. Fifth, it is con- 

 sistent with the actual practice of modern scientists, who begin 

 with very particular varieties and gradually ascend to a more 

 embracing unity, usually in old age. Here the statement of 

 Heraclitus would be applicable: " The way up and the way 

 down is one and the same." 



in 



It is not very often that an institution can celebrate its own 

 anniversary and that of its founder at the same time. Hence 

 it is a privilege for the Lyceum to celebrate its tenth anni- 

 versary by presenting these special studies to Fr. William 



