THE CHAIN OF BEING. 205 
followed the other, with only such intervals as 
future acquisitions or discoveries might be supposed 
to fill up. At all events, he would not have been 
perplexed by an apparent multiplicity of relations, 
branching off in different directions, and totally dis- 
composing his linear series. Every object which is 
arranged, like the links of a chain, in a simple line 
of progression, can have but two immediate affinities : 
one, by which it is connected to that which precedes 
it; the other, to that which follows it. The student, 
therefore, at the very commencement of his study, 
has a demonstrative illustration that the chain of 
being is continuous, yet at the same time not 
simple. This truth being verified, he has next to 
enquire in what mode this continuity is preserved, 
and what is the actual course it takes in its pro- 
gress from the most perfect to the most imperfect 
organised beings. 
(140.) Now, to solve this latter question, there 
are, as it has been justly observed of natural phe- 
nomena in general*, three modes by which we may 
proceed. First, by inductive reasoning : that is, by 
commencing with the lowest or nearest approxima- 
tions, as that of species to species; forming groups 
of them, and then endeavouring to discover the 
degrees of affinity or of proximation which these 
groups bear to one another. Secondly, by forming 
at once a bold hypothesis, particularising the law, 
and trying the truth of it by following out its con- 
sequences, and comparing them with facts: or, 
thirdly, by a process partaking of both these, and 

* Herschel, Dis. (Cas. Cyc. vol. xiv.) p. 198. 
