ABSTRACT SCIENCE. 71 



Passing to the sub-divisions of these classes, we find 

 that the first class is separable into two parts the 

 one containing universal truths, the other non-uni 

 versal truths. Dealing wholly with relations apart 

 from related things, Abstract Science considers first, 

 that which is common to all relations whatever ; and 

 second, that which is common to each order of rela 

 tions. Besides the indefinite and variable connexions 

 which exist among phenomena, as occurring together 

 in Space and Time, we find that there are also definite 



generality in the united groups of attributes. This is the progress of things. 

 The progress of thought, is not only in the same direction, but also in the oppo 

 site direction. The investigation of Nature discloses an increasing number of 

 specialities ; but it simultaneously discloses more and more the generalities within 

 which these specialities fall. Take a case. Zoology, while it goes on multiply 

 ing the number of its species, and getting a more complete knowledge of each 

 species (decreasing generality) ; also goes on discovering the common characters by 

 which species are united into larger groups (increasing generality). Both these 

 are subjective processes ; and in this case, both orders of truths reached are con 

 crete formulate the phenomena as actually manifested. 



M. Littre, recognizing the necessity for some modification of the hierarchy of 

 the Sciences, as enunciated by M. Comte, still regards it as substantially true ; 

 and for proof of its validity, he appeals mainly to the essential constitutions of the 

 Sciences. It is unnecessary for me here to meet, in detail, the arguments by 

 which he supports the proposition, that the essential constitutions of the Sciences, 

 justify the order ki which M. Comte places them. It will suffice to refer to the 

 foregoing pages, and to the pages which are to follow, as containing the defini 

 tions of those fundamental characteristics which demand the grouping of the 

 Sciences in the way pointed out. As already shown, and as will be shown still 

 more clearly by and bye, the radical differences of constitution among the 

 Sciences, necessitate the colligation of them into the three classes Abstract, 

 Abstract-Concrete, and Concrete. How irreconcilable is M. Comte s classification 

 witli these groups, will be at once apparent on inspection. It stands thus : 



Mathematics (including rational Mechanics), ..; partly Abstract, partly 



Abstract-Concrete. 



Astronomy Concrete. 



Physics Abstract- Concrete. 



Chemistry Abstract- Concrete. 



Biology Concrete. 



[Sociology Concrete. 



