SUMMARY OF THE CONTENTS. 



SPECIAL RESULTS OP OBSERVATION IN THE DOMAIN OP COSMICAL PHE- 

 NOMENA. Introduction, p. 3 25 ; and Notes 146, p. i. ix. 



Retrospective glance on what has been presented in the preceding volumes. 

 Nature considered under a twofold point of view, in the pure objectivity of 

 external phcenomena, and as reflected internally in the minds of men. A 

 significant arrangement of the order in which phsenomena are presented leads 

 of itself to a view of their causal connection. Completeness in the enumera- 

 tion of particulars is not aimed at, and least of all in the description of the 

 reflex image of nature under the influence of the creative power of the ima- 

 gination. By the side of the actual external world there arises an ideal 

 inner world, full of physical symbolical myths, differing in different races and 

 climates, but of which the traces continue for centuries, and often disturb the 

 clear view of Nature in long subsequent generations. Original impossibility 

 of completeness in the recognition of cosmical phsenomena. Discovery of 

 empirical laws, and search after causal connection between phsenomena. De- 

 scription of the Universe, and Explanation of the Universe. How in the 

 present existing, we may discern traces of past processes of formation. Dif- 

 ferent phases of the explanation of the natural world, and attempts at under- 

 standing the order of Nature. Oldest fundamental mode of contemplation of 

 the Hellenic national mind : physiological phantasies of the Ionic school ; 

 germs of a scientific contemplation of Nature. Two directions in which ex- 

 planations of Nature were sought : by the assumption of different material 

 principles (elements), and by processes of rarefaction and condensation. 



VOT. TIT. 



