x PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. 



which are essential to the successful regulation of social 

 affairs. 



Lastly, in Part Fifth, Mr. Spencer proposes to consider 

 the Principles of Morality. The truths furnished by Biolo- 

 gy, Psychology, and Sociology will be here brought to 

 bear, to determine correct rules of human action, the princi- 

 ples of private and public justice, and to form a true theory 

 of right living. 



The reader will obtain a more just idea of the extent and 

 jjroportions of Mr. Spencer's philosophic plan, by consulting 

 his prospectus at the close of the volume. It will be seen 

 to embrace a wide range of topics, but in the present work, 

 and in his profound and original volumes on the " Principles 

 of Psychology " and " Social Statics," as also throughout 

 his numerous Essays and Discussions, we discover that he 

 has already traversed almost the entire field, while to elabo- 

 rate the whole into one connected and organized philosoph- 

 ical scheme, is a work well suited to his bold and comprehen- 

 sive genius. With a metaphysical acuteness equalled only by 

 his immense grasp of the results of physical science — alike 

 remarkable for his profound analysis, constructive ability, 

 and power of lucid and forcible statement, Mr. Spencer has 

 rare endowments for the task he has undertaken, and can 

 hardly fail to embody in his system the largest scientific and 

 philosophical tendencies of the age. 



As the present volume is a working out of universal prin- 

 ciples to be subsequently applied, it is probably of a more ab- 

 stract character than will be the subsequent works of the 

 series. The discussions strike down to the prof oundest basis 

 of human thought, and involve the deepest questions upon 

 which the intellect of man has entered. Those unaccus- 

 tomed to close metaphysical reasoning, may therefore find 

 parts of the argument not easy to follow, although it is 

 here presented with a distinctness and a vigor to be found 

 perhaps in no other author. Still, the chief portions of the 

 book may be read by all with ease and pleasure, while no one 



