INTRODUCTION. X11I 



sas a feather in the balance, when compared 

 with the relation which it is supposed to bear 

 to metaphysics. Instead of tracing the rela- 

 tion which the different organs bear to each 

 other, as the means that are employed, with a 

 view to ends ; instead of exploring the nature 

 of life, and more especially of intellect, or of 

 soul, of that principle, by which man is more 

 especially characterised, from every other ani- 

 mal, and by the proper exercise of which, he 

 is able to abstract himself from matter, and 

 from sense ; it is to the attributes of matter 

 alone, impelled by sensible objects, that the 

 existence f mind is generally ascribed ; and 

 by which the doctrine of materialism, in its 

 fullest extent, is attempted to be established. 



Although the doctrine of materialism is not 

 proclaimed in our philosophical schools in 

 word, I will maintain, that it is so in deed. 

 I will maintain, that the existence of any 

 immaterial, or spiritual principle, is sel- 

 dom, if ever, mentioned, much less employ- 

 ed, as constituting the cause of organisa- 

 tion, or of intellection ; on the contrary, that 

 it is to the organisation alone, and to the 

 matter of which that organisation is composed, 

 that the principle of life and of mind, as 

 effects, is immediately referred. This evil 

 spirit, if it dared, would even manifest itself 



