672 THE PRINCIPLES OF SCIENCE. [CHAP. xxix. 



notice of spectators. It is on these grounds of proba- 

 bility that we should reject the so-called spiritualist 

 stories, and not simply because they are strange. 



Certainly in the obscure phenomena of mind, those 

 relating to memorj , dreams, somnambulism, and other 

 peculiar states of the nervous system, there are many 

 inexplicable and almost incredible facts, and it is equally 

 unphilosophical to believe or to disbelieve without clear 

 evidence. There are many facts, too, concerning the 

 instincts of animals, and the mode in which they find 

 their way from place to place, which are at present quite 

 inexplicable. No doubt there are many strange things 

 not dreamt of in our philosophy, but this is no reason 

 why we should believe in every strange thing which is 

 reported to have happened. 



