CLASSIFICATION. 425 



be found that states of rnind really graduate into each 

 other, so that rigorous classification would prove to be 

 hopeless. 



A little reflection will show that there are whole worlds 

 of existences which in like manner are incapable of 

 logical analysis and classification. One friend may be 

 able to single out and identify another friend by his 

 countenance among a million other countenances. Faces 

 are capable of infinite discrimination, but who shall 

 classify and define them, or say by what particular shades 

 of feature he does judge. There are of course certain 

 distinct types of face, but each type is connected with 

 each other type by infinite intermediate specimens. We 

 may classify melodies according to the major or minor 

 key, the character of the time, and some other distinct 

 points ; but every melody has independently of such cir- 

 cumstances its own distinctive character and effect upon 

 the mind. Similar remarks might be made concerning a 

 multitude of other circumstances. We can detect dif- 

 ferences between the styles of literary, musical, or artistic 

 compositions. We can even in some cases assign a picture 

 to its painter, or a symphony to its composer, by a subtle 

 feeling of resemblances or differences of character and 

 expression, which may be felt, but cannot be described. 



Finally, it is apparent that in human character there is 

 unfathomable and inexhaustible diversity. Every mind 

 is more or less like every other mind ; there is always a 

 basis of similarity, but there is a superstructure of feelings, 

 impulses, or motives which is distinctive for each person. 

 We can often, indeed, predict the general character of the 

 feelings or actions which will be produced in a given 

 individual well known to us, by a given external event, 

 but we also know that we are often inexplicably at fault 

 in all our inferences. No one can safely generalize upon 

 the subtle variations of temper and emotion which may 



