92 METAPHYSICS 



generally been made of this faculty, and that one leader 

 in research has handed on to another his torch of imagi- 

 nation, ere its radiant influence has been extinguished, 

 or its u light gone out." 



We have only to look at the history of discovery and 

 invention, in whatever department of knowledge you like, 

 to discover the truth of these observations, and if 

 exceptions be found to their absolute truth, it will be 

 evident that these are only examples of delayed operation 

 of the rule. It follows, therefore, that the use of the 

 faculty of imagination is all but universally operative in 

 the great process of human advancement in knowledge, 

 abstract and applied alike, and that, as a consequence, 

 it behoves the leaders of human thought to stimulate and, 

 at the same time, to regulate its exercise, to the end that 

 whatever services it can render should be obtainable from 

 its operation, and that any possible harm it can do to the 

 cause of advancement should be obviated by properly 

 devised modifying and preventive means. Indeed, this 

 matter seems of such paramount importance in relation to 

 the great work lying before those responsible for the 

 proper direction of the affairs of the world generally, that 

 the institution in our universities of chairs for its cultiva- 

 tion would be amply repaid in connection with the 

 repression of the wild uses to which it is often put, and 

 the encouragement and regulation of it as an instrument 

 of general progress and special culture. 



So encouraged and regulated by a consensus of cultured 

 opinion, it could not fail to have a stimulating influence on 

 the minds of men generally, and be the means of starting 

 those destined to be men of "light and leading" on the 

 special paths in which, by their innate ability, they are 

 destined to out-distance and to outshine and become the 

 recognised leaders and pioneers. 



Imagination is always exercisable, and the materials on 

 which it can be exercised are more or less always in 

 evidence around us, it therefore does not impoverish 

 its possessor if legitimately used, but may enrich him 

 " beyond the dreams of avarice," and while he reaps a 

 blessing it may become a source of untold riches to his 

 fellow-men, thus blessing both giver and receiver, and, 



