396 THE SENSATIONALIST PHILOSOPHY. 



THE SENSATIONALIST PHILOSOPHY. 



BY REV, WILLIAM HINCKS, F.L.S., 



PEOFESSOE OF NATUEAL HISTOET, XTNIVEESIXY COLLEGE, TOEONTO. 



Read before the Oanadian Institute, 2'2nd February, 1859. 



I am almost afraid that this paper may bring some discredit on our 

 society, as it will he a suhject of wondering inquiry, in what remote 

 corner of the globe, in what peculiarly unenlightened region, the man 

 is to be found who is willing to avow himself a Sensationalist, unde- 

 terred both by the general opinion of those at present most engaged in 

 these studies, and by the anything but complimentary epithets with 

 which his system and its advocates have been assailed, not merely by 

 special opponents but even by those who assume the character of calm 

 and impartial historians. I can only account for my obtuseness by 

 observing that I am by no means a young man, that at the distant period 

 when I entered with ardour on the study of the human mind, the 

 Sensationalist philosophy stood well in public estimation, and was 

 powerfully defended by men of acknowledged talents. After much 

 reading, study and reflection I formed my opinions, and having done 

 so I cannot change with changing fashions, see with new eyes, or even 

 patiently sit down under the rebukes and imputations of any one who 

 has himself drank from German fountains, and believes all wisdom to 

 be with his masters. I may not hope in the present state of things to 

 produce conviction in others, but I may perhaps claim to have the 

 opportunity of expressing my views in a form which shall, at least, be 

 free from the perversions of adversaries, and of openly refusing my 

 assent to the prevalent dogmas, however weighty the names by which 

 they are sanctioned. As this short paper relates to a subject upon 

 which one interested in it might easily write a volume, upon which 

 indeed I feel that a volume must be a large one to give space for doing 

 justice to the discussion, I must begin by apologizing for offering so 

 slight an attempt at the treatment of a great question, whilst at the 

 same time I feel myself to be in danger of trying the patience of many 

 who have not given attention to these pursuits, or to whatever degree 

 they have done so, have been carried in the very contrary direction to 

 that in which I persevere in working my way, and may therefore be 



