90 GENERAL VIEW AND BASIS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. 



neither subject nor predicate is quantified ; in the case 

 c All metals are heat-conductors,' the subject only is quan- 

 tified ; and in ' All metals are some heat-conductors ' both 

 subject and predicate are quantified, but the latter only 

 indefinitely. By quantifying the predicate definitely we 

 simplify the reasoning. 



For further information respecting different classes of 

 propositions, I must refer the reader to ordinary works on 

 logic. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 



SCIENTIFIC BELIEF. 



The mortallest enemy unto knowledge, and that which hath 

 done the greatest execution upon truth, hath been a peremptory 

 adhesion unto authority, and more especially the establishing of 

 our belief upon the dictates of antiquity. SIR THOMAS BROWNE. 



There is nothing sooner overthrows a weak head than 

 opinion of authority. SIR PHILIP SIDNEY. 



Authority which did a body boast, 



Though 'twas but air condensed, and stalk'd about, 



Like some old giant's more gigantic ghost, 



To terrify the learned rout 

 "With the plain magic of true reason's light, 

 He chased out of our sight ; 

 Nor suffered living men to be misled 



By the vain shadows of the dead : 



To graves, from whence it rose, the conquered phantom fled. 

 COWLEY'S Epistle to the Royal Society. 



THE term 'belief has two meanings, viz. the thing 

 believed in and the act of belief. A belief is a compound 



