Scientific Evolution. 153 



neglected, till the very name " metaphysics^" has become 

 a bye-word of reproach. As might have been expected, 

 however, a reaction has set in, and for the last five and 

 twenty years the importance of philosophy and its actual 

 necessity as a basis for science has been more and more 

 obtaining recognition, and the reaction is well exemplified 

 by the declarations of our most esteemed teachers of 

 natural science. On the continent the same spectacle 

 meets our view, and Strauss, Buchner, Vogt, and Hart- 

 mann aid powerfully, even by their destructive efforts, in 

 directing popular attention to fundamental questions of 

 philosophy which underlie all physical science. 



There can be little doubt but that the further advance 

 of science must aid indirectly in furthering that philo- 

 sophic evolution which has next to occupy us. Nay, it 

 is probable that the great philosophic reaction, towards 

 which we seem to be rapidly approaching, would not be 



possible did not physical science attain a great develop- 



t 

 ment and wide popularity so many minds being driven 



into philosophy through science. Thus through the science 

 of matter, an increasing number of thinkers will come 

 to have their attention directed to the science of mind. 

 Recognising that " the proper study of mankind is man," 

 and the all-importance of the old Delphic TvwOi veavrov, 

 they will necessarily be led to " psychology " (the portal 

 of " metaphysics "), and thence to those questions which 

 have occupied the noblest minds in all ages. 



