l(^f 



MODERN ALGEDONIC THEORIES. 



By C. L. Herrick. 



A great deal of attention is just now turned to various 

 phases of the problem of pleasure-pain. This is no doubt 

 largely due to the interesting results of experimental research 

 upon sensation which has revealed unexpected physiological re- 

 lations and awakens the hope of getting at a physical basis for 

 the more recondite but closely allied feelings. The most com- 

 prehensive recent work on pleasure-pain, which we may take as 

 the text of this paper, is that of Marshall^ which is perhaps al- 

 ready known to most of our readers. 



We may add in passing that in typography and all that 

 pertains to book-making the volume is quite satisfactory and, 

 what is most surprising for a book from the Macmillan press, is 

 tolerably bound. The author's work is thoroughly done and 

 bears evidence of long study and reflection though not of per- 

 sonal investigation. It is a book that has been written rather 

 than forged. 



The point of view may be gathered from an introductory 

 paragraph, " Pleasures and pains may be differential qualities of 

 all mental states, of such nature that one of them must and 

 either of them may, under proper conditions, belong to any 

 element of consciousness." 



It is interesting to compare the views of a still more re- 

 cent writer upon the same subject. According to Kiilpe three 

 views are possible respecting the nature of feelings. 1st. The 

 feeling is a peculiarity of sensation. 2d. Feeling is a function 

 of sensation. 3d. Feeling is an independent process of con- 



^Marshall, H. R. Pain, Pleasure, and Esthetics, an essay concerning 

 the psychology of pain and pleasure, with special reference to aesthetics. 

 Macmillan & Co. 1894. $3.00. 



