i ARTIFICIAL PHRASES 37 



We have, then, in this new phrase a 

 perfect specimen of one favourite method 

 of Mr. Herbert Spencer in his dealing 

 with such subjects ; and the weapon of 

 analysis which he turns so successfully 

 against his own old phrase when he 

 wishes to abandon it, can be turned with 

 equal success not only against all sub- 

 stitutes for it, but against the whole 

 method of reasoning of which it was 

 an example. The verbal structures of 

 definition which abound in his writings 

 always remind me of certain cloud-forms 

 which may sometimes be seen in the 

 western sky, especially over horizons of 

 the sea. They are often most glorious 

 and imposing. Great lines of towers 

 and of far-reaching battlements give the 

 impression at moments of mountainous 

 solidity and strength. But as we gaze 

 upon them with wonder, and as we fix 

 upon them a closely attentive eye, the 



