ADDITIONAL NOTES 



NOTES ON CHAPTER XIL 



Metaphysical Science not popular, p. 3. 



1 HE disposition to undervalue and neglect metaphysical 

 science is one of the most disgraceful characteristics of the 

 last age. The influence of this disposition is more extensive 

 and more mischievous than is commonly imagined. It is 

 unfavourable to strength and accuracy of reasoning; has a 

 most pernicious effect on morals and religion, and, conse- 

 quently, on private and public happiness. When a man de- 

 clares that he has no taste for metaphysical reading and in- 

 quiries, he pronounces a satire on his own mind; but when 

 he ridicules those who have such a taste, he attempts to tram- 

 ple on the dignity and the happiness of his species. Such per- 

 sons surely forget that some of the most important questions 

 that interest us as men, as scholars, and as Christians, can 

 only receive a correct solution by means of metaphysical prin- 

 ciples. 



Des Cartes, p. 3. 



Renes Des Cartes was born at La Haye, in France, in 

 1596, and educated among the Jesuits. His doctrines con- 

 cerning the human mind were first published about the year 

 1633, and soon began to excite much attention among the 

 learned. For a number of years before his death he re- 

 sided chiefly in Holland. Removing to Stockholm, in con- 

 sequence of an invitation given to him by the Queen of Swe- 

 den, in 1649, he died there in 1650. It is universally known 

 that the opinions taught by this great man long filled an im- 

 mense space in the philosophical world. 



Locke, p. 4. 



John Locke was born at Wrington, near Bristol, in South- 

 Britain, in the year 1632. He was educated at the Univer- 

 sity of Oxford, which he entered in 16 51. After leaving 



