Herbert Spencer^s Synthetic Philosophy. 121 



such motions unknowable ? This apotheosis of motion does not help 

 philosophy in the least. It is practically telling us that the world 

 rests on the shoulders of Atlas, but fails to say what that worthy 

 stands upon for his support. 



Mr. John A. Tayloe : 



The essay to which we have listened this evening must be regarded, 

 I think, by all competent to judge, as one of the most candid and able 

 expositions of philosophical truth to which this association has ever 

 listened. It is indeed a large subject, and can hardly be treated in the 

 form of a popular lecture. I thiuk, however, that Mr. Underwood has 

 been remarkably successful in presenting to us a clear and correct ex- 

 position of Mr. Spencer's philosophy. If Mr. Perrin had given a little 

 more thought to the matter, he would hardly have complained, I 

 think, of the abstruse character of the essay. Surely the lecturer has 

 used no terms so technical that a philosophical student can not readily 

 grasp and understand them. It should have been left to us who make 

 no claims to philosophical distinction to make this criticism — if it is 

 to be made. But, unfamiliar as I am with Kant — whose works I have 

 tried in vain to read — and the abstruse discussions of other meta- 

 physicians, I found no difficulty in comprehending the lecturer's ex- 

 position. I regard Mr. Spencer as the foremost philosopher of our 

 time, and think the association is to be congratulated on the oppor- 

 tunity of listening to such an able presentation of his views. I would 

 move, sir, as an expression of our appreciation of the ability of the lec- 

 turer as a foremost advocate of evolution views, that Mr. Underwood 

 be elected a corresponding member of the Brooklyn Ethical Association. 



(The motion being duly seconded and put to vote by the president, 

 Mr. Underwood was unanimously elected). 



Mr. Underwood : 



Recognizing the excellent work which this association has done, 

 with which I have long been familiar, I regard your election of myself 

 as corresponding member as a high honor, and accept it in the spirit in 

 which it has been tendered. I also thank you for the general charac- 

 ter of your criticisms. The task imposed upon me was a great one — 

 one which required a course of lectures rather than an hour's discus- 

 sion for its accomplishment. No one can be better aware than myself 

 of the imperfections of my lecture. The subject is one which neces- 

 sitates the use of philosophical terms, but I have endeavored to present 

 it as clearly and concisely as possible. The animadversions on Mr. 

 Spencer's views have been so fully answered by other speakers that I 

 will not occupy your time by a further reply. 



