118 INIr Glover on Forms of Induction. 



itself, and are found therein ; so far, therefore, in those scien- 

 ces there is no occasion for an inductive process, since the most 

 general facts are also the simplest elements of belief, and as in 

 geometry the only further foundation requisite for the whole 

 series of truths composing the science, is, that some purely in- 

 tellectual forms be described by references to those elementary 

 principles, the science is altogether independent of induction. 

 But, in the study of nature, both external, and within our- 

 selves, all science (except the above mentioned portion of men- 

 tal science, and perhaps a corresponding part of the doctrine of 

 ethics) requires an analysis of a mass of phenomena, Avhich at 

 first sight appear exceedingly heterogeneous and complicated, in 

 order that they may be resolved into simpler combinations, 

 which, hoM^ever, are expressed in terms more inclusive the far- 

 ther the analysis is pushed. In other words, after the whole 

 of the universe has been resolved into separate and distinct 

 parts, these are again combined by the mind, and arranged into 

 mental loci, according to laws furnished by itself. The grand 

 object of this system of arrangement is not that the purpose of 

 distinctness may be answered, nor that knowledge may thus be 

 properly treasured up, but it is that this knowledge may be rea- 

 soned upon, in order, in fact, that the intellective process, which 

 is carried on in syllogisms, may take the place of that which 

 constitutes induction ; and that those wonderful effects may be 

 produced which flow from comparing and combining the re- 

 sults of human inquiry.* Such being the case, it may be con- 

 ceived, that in framing those genera, the mind is not compelled 

 to take notice only of such properties as are believed most es- 

 sential to the constitution of the individuals to be grouped to- 

 gether ; on the contraiy, the abstraction may be of whatevei- 

 properties are chosen, according to the notions entertained of 

 their fitness for an end in view. All that is absolutely neces- 

 sary to be attended to in the formation of a law, being that the 



W^ It is properly remarked by Whately, that those who propose in teaching 

 logic, to substitute the Organon of Bacon for that of Aristotle, show a total 

 want of comprehension of the intentions of either. This may be placed in 

 a verv strong light, when we reflect, that without the exercise of syllogistic 

 reasoning, Watt would have been unable to apply the inductively raised laws 

 of Black to the improvement of the steam-engine, — a fact which we could 

 easily prove, were there space or occasion at the present time. 



