SCIENTIFIC METHOD 31 



fiercely attacked, and it is possible to distinguish in the 

 character of these attacks the special features of the 

 Society's work which were assailed ; these I now propose 

 to consider under different heads. 



The freedom and sceptical character of the experimental 

 inquiry into Nature. 



The whole realm of Nature was regarded as lying open 

 to investigation, and all its phenomena were considered 

 as fit subjects for scientific inquiry ; but to most men of 

 that time Nature was something to be accepted, not 

 inquired into. It was felt to be indecent, almost im- 

 moral, to probe the secrets of what many men still 

 regarded as a glorified human being. What right had 

 any one to enter Nature's private dwelling and ruthlessly 

 examine the character and arrangement of her furniture, 

 or the rules which governed her domestic economy. 



That Nature was commonly regarded in this anthro- 

 morphic light and even endowed with such human attri- 

 butes as reason, emotion, volition, and morality, is shown 

 by an examination of Boyle's Free inquiry into the 

 vulgar notion of Nature. He states that by the term 

 Nature ' was commonly meant a semi-deity or other 

 strange kind of being'. In support of this he cites the 

 chief axioms as to Nature which were current in his day. 

 ' Nature is exceedingly wise and all her works are per- 

 formed with understanding. Nature does nothing in 

 vain. Nature never fails of her purpose. Nature always 

 does what is best. Nature always acts in the shortest 

 manner. Nature is never too lavish, never too sparing. 

 Nature always preserves herself. Nature always watches 

 to preserve the universe.' In addition to all these it 

 appeared that she was susceptible to the emotion of fear. 

 This was incorporated in the familiar axiom, ' Nature 



