THE PLACE OF DESCRIPTION, DEFINITION 

 AND CLASSIFICATION IN PHILO- 

 SOPHICAL BIOLOGY* 



I. Scientific and Logical Aspect 



Empirical theory of knowledge tends to regard de- 

 tailed, complete description as identical with explana- 

 tion. (Professor R. Adamson.) 



... it would hardly be too much to define logic as 

 the theory of classification. (W. S. Jevons.) 



Science can extend only so far as the power of accu- 

 rate classification extends. If we can not detect re- 

 semblances and assign their exact character and 

 amount, we can not have that generalized knowledge 

 which constitutes science. (W. S. Jevons.) 



... the mathematical and mathematico-physical 

 sciences have, in a great degree, determined men's views 

 of the general nature and form of scientific truth ; while 

 natural history has not yet had time or opportunity 

 to exert its due influence upon the current habits of 

 philosophizing. (Wm. Whewell.) 



*A modified and extended paper read before a naturalists* 

 meeting of the Pacific Division of the American Association for 

 the Advancement of Science, at Berkeley, California, August 3, 

 1915. 



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