classifying that which was actually observed, but, when he came to 

 account for the apparent motions of sun and moon and planets, 

 that is, certain observed changes in the relative positions of these 

 and the observer on the earth, he went beyond these perceived 

 data, and introduced the circular motions of the planets about an 

 imaginary point not the centre of the earth. In so doing, Hip- 

 parchus had posited that which he had never seen. He was express- 

 ing a belief, advancing a theory, in a word, framing an hypothesis. 



But it needs to be noted that in these explanations there was 

 no transcending of experience, because the belief expressed was 

 still a process of experience. Yet, in framing his hypotheses, the 

 early scientist was quite aware that cycles, epicycles, eccentrics, 

 central fires, etc., he had not perceptually observed, though he 

 represented them as though he could see them were he in such and 

 such a position. 



A definition of science, resulting from the dual aim above out- 

 lined and adequate to the procedure of early science, and, as will 

 be seen to later science, may, then, be stated in the following 

 terms. Science is a description of facts obtained through observa- 

 tion and experiment, in clear and simple language, including the 

 theoretical predication, as also attempts at experimental vindica- 

 tion, of that by which the facts are regarded as explained. " 



From what has been said, it will be c ear that science is not 

 limited to any particular bodies of facts. It is, if one may make use 

 of the metaphorical language, a method of approach, a frame of 

 mind, an intellectual attitude, and is illustrated, as Prof. Thomson 

 has suggested, 1 just as well by the business-man meeting some new 

 practical problem, the lawyer sifting evidence, the statesman 

 framing a constructive bill, as it is by the physicist, mathematician 

 or astronomer. This attitude of mind is often contrasted with the 

 practical, which is closely allied with art, and, again, with the 

 emotional, which in turn has a close affinity with religion; but it 

 must be borne in mind that this differentiation of the interests of 

 men is, in the long history of mankind, a relatively recent thing, 

 and that, in primitive times, man was at once practical, emotional 

 and scientific, though, because of the stern conditions by which he 

 was surrounded and the darkness and mystery which must have 



1 An Introduction to Science P. 58. 



38 



