CLASSIFICATION OP HUMAN KNOWLEDGE. 37 



found distributed among the departments in our arrangement ; but as 

 a distinct division of knowledge, we can recognise it only when used, 

 as it sometimes is, to signify Phrenics, or Mental Philosophy. 



The term Belles Lettres, is of French origin ; literally signifying 

 fine or beautiful writings. It includes Poetry and Oratory ; but how 

 much more, it would be difficult to say; as, in the words of a stand- 

 ard writer, it is *' so exceedingly vague and indefinite, that miscella- 

 nies, perhaps, would be equally explicit." If restricted to Poetry, 

 Romance, and similar miscellaneous literature, it is superseded in 

 our arrangement by the term Callography ; which we think more 

 euphonic ; and which admits of an exact definition. The term 

 Polite Literature, is occasionally used, synonymously, we believe, 

 with Belles Lettres ; but perhaps including Biography, History, and 

 Voyages, and Travels, with sermons, orations, and addresses. Alike 

 vague, and still more general, is the term Criticism, derived from the 

 Greek xpivu, I judge ; or more immediately from KPITIKOS, a judge or 

 critic. This term is sometimes limited to the application of the 

 rules of Rhetoric to literary composition : but it properly applies to 

 an examination of works on all subjects whatever ; and an exposi- 

 tion of their merits. 



The question whether the best possible classification of knowledge, 

 made at the present time, would always continue so ; or whether it 

 would admit of farther improvement, as knowledge itself advances ;- 

 is one which time alone can answer. In expressing an opinion on 

 this subject, we would return to the comparison introduced in our 

 preface. As in Geography, the surface of the earth has been mostly 

 explored ; and if any lands remain unknown, they are so situated, in. 

 the torrid or frigid zone, as to be almost inaccessible ; so in Pantology, 

 we believe that the great provinces and departments of knowledge 

 have already been travelled over ; and that no very wide regions have 

 escaped the notice of the many voyagers who have set out in search 

 of unknown realms of thought. These provinces and departments, 

 we believe, will remain essentially distinct, as long as the material 

 world, and the human constitution continue the same; though their 

 boundaries may be more or less changed, like those of states and 

 nations. But though the general features of knowledge have been 

 mostly explored, much, doubtless, remains to be done, in the sup- 

 plying of details, the correction of errors, and the combination of 

 all the parts into one harmonious whole. We believe, then, that a 

 classification which will satisfy the present demands of knowledge, 

 will continue to be applicable, in its general outlines, till a new order 

 of things shall supersede the present ; or a new intellectual world 

 shall come within the reach of human ken. 



Our plan is now before the reader : and the remainder of this work 

 will be devoted to its practical illustration. On the advantages of such 

 a classification of knowledge, we will not here expatiate. Its conve- 

 nience and utility, in the arrangementof Libraries, will best be shown 

 by the exemplar Catalogue of Select Books, appended to this work. 

 To make the plan complete, however, a place must be assigned for 

 Encyclopaedias and other general works; which, if entirely general, 

 we would place first of all in the catalogue ; but if general only in 



