THE IDEAS AND SOURCES OF MYTH. 47 



their infinite variety, and at the same time a certain 

 uniformity in their modes of beginning, of their 

 development, and of their place in the universe, give 

 a splendid illustration of the innate exercise of human 

 thought ; the likenesses as well as the contrasts are 

 instructive as to its real nature. 



The comparative psychology of peoples, studied 

 from this point of view, certainly does not include the 

 whole of psychological science, which requires other 

 instruments and other modes of experience, but it is a 

 great help as a foundation. We believe that the study 

 of myth, wilich throws so much light on comparative 

 psychology, is likewise of use for the special psycho- 

 logy of man, since this can only arise from indi- 

 vidual and ethnical observation, and from experiment, 

 dissociated from every hindrance, and from meta- 

 physical prejudice. And if by our humble essay we 

 can throw any light on this noble science, we shall be 

 abundantly rewarded. 



