COSMIC PHILOSOPHY 



but not specifically referred to any known liquid, 

 and therefore only partially interpreted. There 

 is perception, but it is incomplete. 



It is not pretended that these psychological 

 truths are established by the crude and frag- 

 mentary exposition here given. The numerous 

 observations and experiments upon which they 

 are based would be very interesting to recount ; 

 but our space does not admit of detailed proof, 

 nor is it needed ; since these truths are the 

 common property of psychologists, and will be 

 questioned by no competent student of the 

 phenomena of mind. Referring, for minute and 

 elaborate proof, to Mr. Spencer's " Principles 

 of Psychology," let us be content with setting 

 down the implication which is common to all 

 these conclusions ; namely, that between the 

 various psychical processes thus far contem- 

 plated, which include alike the measurement of 

 celestial distances by the astronomer, and the 

 direct perception of objects by the unlearned 

 child, or indeed by the ape or dog, there is 

 generic identity. The fundamental characteristic 

 which is common to them all is the reception 

 of certain groups of sensations, accompanied by 

 the classification of these groups of sensations, 

 and of the relations between them, according to 

 their various likenesses and unlikenesses. The 

 difference between the highest and the lowest 

 of the processes thus brought together con- 

 i6o 



