opinions of the Press on the International Scientific SeriesJ*^ 



V. 



The Study of Sociology. 



By HERBERT SPENCER. 



i2mo. Cloth Price, $1.50. 



"The Study of Sociology " was written for the purpose of conveying to the reading 

 public more definite ideas concerning the nature, claims, scope, limits, and difficulties, 

 of the Science of Sociology. It is intended to prepare the way for the author's great 

 work on the " Principles of Sociology," which is to follow the Principles of Psychol- 

 ogy." But, while serving thus as an introduction to the larger work, the present vol- 

 ume is complete in itself. Its style is exceedingly clear and vigorous, and the book 

 abounds with a wealth of illustration. 



** The philosopher whose distinguished name gives weight and influence to this vol- 

 ume, has given in its pages some of the finest specimens of reasoning in all its' forms 

 and departments. There is a fascination in his array of facts, incidents, and opinions, 

 which draws on the reader to ascertain his conclusions. The coolness and calmness of 

 his treatment of acknowledged difficulties and grave objections to his theories win for 

 him a close attention and sustained effort, on the part of the reader, to comprehend, fol- 

 low, grasp, and appropriate his principles. This book, independently of its bearing 

 upon sociology, is valuable as lucidly showing what those essential characteristics are 

 which entitle any arrangement and connection of facts and deductions to be called a 

 science." — Episcopalian. 



**To those who are already acquainted with Mr. Spencer's writing, there is no need 

 of recommending the work ; to those who are not, we would say, that by reading ' The 

 Study of Sociology' they will gain the acquaintance of an author who, for knowledge, 

 depth of thought, skill in elucidation, and originality of ideas, stands prominently for- 

 ward in the front rank of the glorious army of modern thinkers. * The Study of Soci- 

 ology ' is the fifth of * The International Scientific Series,' and for beauty of type and 

 elegant appearance is worthy of the great publishing-house of Messrs. Appleton &Co." 

 — Boston Gazette. 



"This volume belongs to 'The International Scientific Series,* which was projected 

 with so high a standard and which is being so successfully carried out. The value and 

 character of the whole may fairly be judged by this and the preceding volumes. The 

 principle of the enterprise is that each subject shall be treated by the writer of greatest 

 eminence in that department of inquiry, and it is well illustrated in the present work. 

 Herbert Spencer is unquestionably the foremost living thinker in the psychological and 

 sociological fields, and this volume is an important contribution to the science of which 



it treats It will prove more popular than any of its author's other creations, for 



it is more plainly addressed to the people and has a more practical and less speculative 

 cast. It will require thought, but it is well worth thinking about." — Albany Evening 

 Journal. 



"Whether the reader agrees with the author or not, he will be delighted with the 

 work, not only for the beauty and purity of its style, and breadth and cyclopedic char- 

 acter of Mr. Spencer's mind, but also for its freedom from prejudice and kindred imper- 

 fections." — Norwich Bulletin. 



"This work compels admiration by the evidence which it gives of immense re- 

 search, study, and observation, and is withal written in a popular and very pleasing 

 style. It is a fascinating work, as well as one of deep practical thought." — Boston Post. 



D. APPLETON & CO., Publishers, 549 & 551 Broadway, N, Y. 



