S36 COSMIC rillLOSOPEY. [it. l 



accurate observers, and would enable ourselves properly to 

 estimate the value of experimental reasoning, let us study 

 those inductive sciences which exhibit practically the 

 essential requisites of an accurate observation or a conclu- 

 sive experiment. Even so, if we would attain literary ex- 

 cellence, let us not fritter away our time in puerile attempts 

 to imitate the favourite modes of expression of admired 

 writers, but let us rather aim at directly expressing the 

 thoughts that are in us, the result of our own observation 

 and reflection, admitting no phrase which does not assist the 

 exposition of the thought. If, as Buffon said, the style is 

 the man, so also is the habit of thinking the man, save that 

 in the one case as in the other, if it possess any merit, it is 

 the man as modified and cultivated by a complex intercourse 

 with phenomena. 



Such is Comte's opinion of logic, — an opinion common 

 enough at the present day, but sufficiently novel to be 

 revolutionary forty years ago. That the above views are in 

 the main perfectly sound will now be questioned by no one, 

 nor can it be doubted that they are of the highest importance. 

 When put into practical operation, they are destined to work 

 changes of fundamental importance in our methods of educa- 

 tion. Nevertheless, though sound enough as far as they go, 

 these arguments are far from exhibiting the whole truth. 

 Admitting unreservedly that, to become proficient in obser- 

 vation and reasoning, we must learn logic, as we learn 

 grammar and rhetoric, by practical experience ; it must still 

 be maintained that there is need of a general doctrine of 

 logic, as indeed there is also need of a general doctrine of 

 grammar and rhetoric. Though a man may write an excel- 

 lent style without having studied rhetoric systematically, 

 yet it will be no injury, but rather an important help to him 

 to understand theoretically the general principles on which 

 a sentence should be constructed. In the fine arts, which 

 afford an excellent test for judging this point, the superiority 



