104 Rey. JAMes WILLS on accidental Association. 
identity, which is the constant quantity in every transition. There are, for all of 
us, eras of life of which our present is itself but a result. From these our main 
reckonings are dated. But these are useless reflections. 
If from a careful and patient analysis of the facts, which are to be had only from 
observation of the actual operations of the mind, we can succeed in tracing their 
apparent mode of working, I am fully convinced that intellectual philosophy can 
reasonably expect to go no further. The attempt to reason to known facts from 
unapparent processes, of which there is no evidence but that they might lead to 
such results, may very well be used as empirical, where empirical theory can be 
of any avail. In metaphysics it is fatal, and has, moreover, been applied with 
great rashness. The results to which, in some instances, it has led, have no foun- 
dation in fact or in reason. Mr. Stewart, and his followers, some of them as able 
as himself, have, by means of this mistaken philosophy, encumbered the theory of 
mind with a system of concealed machinery, more complex than the apparent. 
For the short, simple, and perceptible methods of habit and intuition, they have 
thought it necessary to assume the existence of impossible trains of reasoning, 
unknown to the reasoner or to any one else, founded on considerations not within 
his cognizance, and completely beyond the power of his conscious and ordinary 
faculties. 
Of the method, of which the elementary principles have been laid before the 
Academy in this and the previous Essay, I may be permitted to say, that it is 
consistent with, and founded upon, the facts of observation ; that it has the 
simplicity of principle, and the uniformity and fertility of application, which is 
one of the most remarkable distinctions of the laws of nature. I would also plead 
in its favour, that it displays much adaptation to the condition of man in this 
world, offering a system of processes which are founded on a common principle, 
and which increase and diminish, combine and vary, with a plain adaptation to the 
stages and concerns of life. 
These remarks have the appearance of commendation, but this I must beg fo 
disclaim. I offer them as reasons, on which I do not think necessary to dilate. 
On a subject, on which so many far more able writers have failed, it would be 
too presumptuous to expect further success than the addition of some facts in a 
right direction. My statement may be accepted as one of those tentative essays, 
which every one has the right, who has the will, to make, and for which this Aca- 
demy is the appropriate place. 
aires 
