134 PHILOSOPHY DEFINED. 



generalizations of a simple or low order, and rising gradual- 

 ly to higher and more extended generalizations. But if so, 

 where remains any subject-matter for Philosophy? 



The reply is Philosophy may still properly be the title 

 retained for knowledge of the highest generality. Science 

 means merely the family of the Sciences stands for noth- 

 ing more than the sum of knowledge formed of their con- 

 tributions; and ignores the knowledge constituted by the 

 fusion of all these contributions into a whole. As usage has 

 defined it, Science consists of truths existing more or less 

 separated; and does not recognize these truths as entirely 

 integrated. An illustration will make the difference clear. 



If we ascribe the flow of a river to the same force which 

 causes the fall of a stone, we make a statement, true as far 

 as it goes, that belongs to a certain division of Science. If, 

 in further explanation of a movement produced by gravita- 

 tion in a direction almost horizontal, we cite the law that 

 fluids subject to mechanical forces exert re-active forces 

 which are equal in all directions, we formulate a wider 

 fact, containing the scientific interpretation of many other 

 phenomena; as those presented by the fountain, the hy- 

 draulic press, the steam-engine, the air-pump. And when 

 this proposition, extending only to the dynamics of fluids, 

 is merged in a proposition of general dynamics, compre- 

 hending the laws of movement of solids as well as of fluids, 

 there is reached a yet higher truth; but still a truth that 

 comes wholly within the realm of Science. Again, 



looking around at Birds and Mammals, suppose we say that 

 air-breathing animals are hot-blooded; and that then, re- 

 membering how Reptiles, which also breathe air, are not 

 much warmer than their media, we say, more truly, that ani- 

 mals (bulks being equal) have temperatures proportionate to 

 the quantities of air they breathe; and that then, calling to 

 mind certain large fish which maintain a heat considerably 

 above that -of the water they swim in, we further correct 

 the generalization by saying that the temperature varies as 



