$2 INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE 



requires renders it impossible for any ordinary 

 man to succeed in gaining a masterly familiarity 

 with more than one department of knowledge. 



The classification of the sciences is a matter 

 of practical and intellectual convenience, but 

 it is full of difficulties and raises very deep ques- 

 tions. If it be made too detailed, there is the 

 risk of losing sight of the unity of knowledge; 

 if it be made too general, there is the risk of 

 denying to particular sciences that autonomy 

 which the distinctive character of their subject- 

 matter warrants. A compromise has to be made 

 between two desirabilities. It is plain, for in- 

 stance, that Botany and Zoology need not be 

 separated with great insistence; they may be 

 united without serious fallacy under the title 

 Biology. On the other hand, there are good rea- 

 sons for saying that it is a fallacy of the gravest 

 sort to include Biology as a special section of 

 Physics and Chemistry. 



There are similar difficulties in teaching and 

 learning. Too great specialization leads to 

 pedantry; too little of it to superficiality. When 

 our aim is to get a grip of scientific method, we 

 are more likely to succeed by settling down to 

 the thorough study of some one order of facts, 

 than by indulging in an intellectual ramble 

 through the universe. On the other hand, when 

 we wish fresh points of view and new impulse 



