314 HUMBOLDT'S COSMOS : 



recurrence of M. Humboldt to definitions of his plan and 

 explanations of the idea of the Cosmos ; seemingly as much 

 to satisfy and guide his own mind, as to direct the intelli- 

 gence of his readers. Largely though this matter is treated 

 in the Introduction to the first volume, we find a recurrence to 

 it preceding the chapters entitled ' Epochs in the History of 

 the Physical Contemplation of the Universe.' Even to the 

 third volume there is prefixed a new Introduction ; in which, 

 while reciting the purport of the former volumes, and the 

 object still before him, he makes a distinct admission that 

 the scheme is too large for a single hand ; and anticipates, 

 rather by apology than vindication, some of the objections 

 we have ourselves urged to the conception of the work. 



We find further evidence of this shadowy and undefined 

 conception of the Cosmos in the peculiar phraseology pervad- 

 ing the whole work ; less at variance, indeed, with Grerman 

 than with English habitudes of thought and language ; but, 

 under any view of it, much more vague and mystical than 

 befits a scientific treatise of our day. We might quote in 

 illustration such expressions as 'domain of the Cosmos,' 

 ' science of the Cosmos,' ' recognition of the Cosmos,' ' history 

 of Cosmical contemplation,' 4 Cosmical space,' ( Cosmical 

 life,' and many others of like kind occurring in these volumes. 

 The translator rightly renders them to us as he found them ; 

 but they might be well exchanged for terms of more common 

 and intelligible use.* 



The injurious effect of the title and scheme of the Cosmos 

 is strikingly felt in the distribution of the subjects of these 



* With the exception of what relates to the imperfection of knowledge and 

 personal observation, we might almost be led to apply to the Cosmos the 

 commentary its author makes on the Natural History of Pliny : 



' There floated upon the mind of Pliny a grand and single image ; but, 

 diverted from his purpose by specialties, and wanting the living personal con- 

 templation of nature, he was unable to hold fast the image. The execution 

 remained imperfect, not merely from haste and frequent want of knowledge of 

 the objects to be treated, but also from defective arrangement.' 



