15 
THH INDUCTIVE LOGIC. 
By Professor R. L. Danny, D.D., LL.D., Texas University. 
j\ UCH is said in glorification of the Inductive Logic, or 
Method of Induction ; little is understood of its true 
nature. No stronger testimony against the unauthorised 
character of much that is called “ Physical Science,’’ under 
the cover of sophistical inductions, can be cited than that of 
John Stuart Mill (Logic, vol.i., pp. 480, 481, 7th London 
edition) :—‘‘So real and practical is the need of a test for in- 
duction, similar to the syllogistic test for ratiocination, that 
inferences which bid defiance to the most elementary notions 
of inductive logic are put forth without misgiving by persons 
eminent in physical science as soon as they are off the ground 
on which they are familiar with the facts, and not reduced to 
judge only by the arguments. And as for educated persons 
in general, it may be doubted whether they are better judges 
of a good or bad induction than they were before Bacon 
wrote. . . . While the thoughts of mankind have, on many 
subjects, worked themselves practically right, the thinking 
power remains as weak as ever; and on all subjects on which 
the facts which would check the results are not accessible, as 
in what relates to the invisible world, and even, as has been 
seen lately, to the visible world of the planetary regions, men 
of the greatest scientific acquirements argue as pitiably as the 
merest ignoramus.” 
In these days, when the followers of physical research 
imagine so often that the theologians are in a state of active 
hostility against them and their sciences, it is well that we can 
cite this accusation from one who is as remote as possible from 
an alliance with theologians. This able witness proves, at 
least, so much, that every beam of light which can be thrown 
on the true nature of the inductive logic, though slender, is 
desirable. It may help, not only to clarify the sciences of 
matter, but to reconcile the conflict,—if any such exists,— 
between them and philosophy and theology. 
* This essay is written, however, mainly in the interest of 
that cause to which the Victoria Institute devotes itself,—the 
defence of Holy Scripture against those doubts which modern 
