PH. viii.] ORGANIZATION OF THE SCIENCES. 227 



5n a straight line, but rhythmically, in a plexus of curved 

 lines. 



As a representation of the logical order of subordination 

 among the different sciences, the Comtean series is equally 

 faulty. While it correctly formulates sundry of the minor 

 relations of dependence, as well as one relation of great im- 

 portance, — that of the dependence of organic upon inorganic 

 science, — it incorrectly formulates the grand distinction of 

 all, — the distinction between abstract and concrete, between 

 analytic and synthetic, science. It mixes together science? 

 formed by the analysis and synthesis of concrete pheno- 

 mena, and a science which is purely abstract. It strives to 

 represent, by a linear series, relations which are so complex 

 that they can be adequately represented only in space of 

 three dimensions. 



It is therefore indisputable that the Comtean classification, 

 viewed absolutely, is a failure. The advance of science has 

 refuted instead of confirming it. It has become rather an 

 encumbrance than a help to the understanding of the true 

 relations among the sciences. Shall we then, with Prof. 

 Huxley, say that the classification, and with it the whole 

 Comtean philosophy of science, is " absolutely worthless V' 1 

 I think not. We might say as much of Oken or Hegel, but 

 hardly of Stewart or Ampere ; far less of Comte. Mr. 

 Spencer speaks more justly of his great antagonist when he 

 saj s : " Let it by no means be supposed from all I have said, 

 that I do not regard M. Comte's speculations as of great 

 value. True or untrue, his system as a whole has doubtless 

 produced important and salutary revolutions of thought in 

 many minds ; and will doubtless do so in many more. 

 Doubtless, too, not a few of those who dissent from his 

 general views have been healthfully stimulated by the con- 

 sideration of them. The presentation of scientific knowledge 

 and method as a whole, whether rightly or torongly coordinated^ 

 1 Huxley, Lay Sermons, p. 172, 



