303 
of Edinburgh, Session 1880-81. 
these into larger and larger alliances. Such a method of classifica- 
tion is obviously, therefore, that of which we are in search. It 
accepts our ordinary conceptions as far as possible, and systematises 
them ; it is in real accordance with the order of nature, it pushes 
specialisation and generalisation to the uttermost limits of possi- 
bility, it is universal in application, and, as far as possible, simple of 
understanding and convenient in use. 
§ 9. Using, therefore, the ordinary method of the classificatory 
sciences, let us take a concrete case — let us examine some actual 
statistics. For this purpose nothing is better than the useful little 
Annuaire , published by the Bureau des Longitudes .* Some of its 
principal contents are as follows : — Calendar, times of eclipses, 
sunrise and sunset, tides, &c.; tables of weights, measures, and money ; 
heights of mountains, depths of rivers ; superficies and population 
of European and other countries, special statistics of France, her 
colonies and Paris, laws of mortality, &c. Then come “ Tables 
diver ses” in great number, of which the few following instances 
will suffice — Magnetic inclination, chemical elements, specific 
gravities of elements, rocks, gems, thermo-chemistry, velocity of 
sound, indices of refraction. 
At first there is no difficulty. We simply separate out in order 
the statistics of each of the preliminary sciences, physical, chemical, 
astronomical, geological (including geographical, meteorological, &c.), 
and leave these to their special cultivators. It will be noticed that 
even this simple step disposes of a not inconsiderable part of the 
actual statistics of various countries (e.g., see Austria, Colonies, &c., 
p. 297). Social statistics now alone remain • how are they to be 
classified in accordance with our canons 1 
§ 10. Let us first inquire what is the fundamental scientific idea of 
a society. Some statists and economists answer exchange, others divi- 
sion of labour, others find it in history, others in the rights of man 
or the like. This diversity of opinion makes it unnecessary to criti- 
cise each in detail, and we are thrown back upon our own resources — 
our knowledge of the preliminary sciences. Just as the biologist is 
accustomed to classify man along with inferior organisms, and to 
trace the fundamental resemblances in structure and function which 
his organisation presents to theirs, so he may reasonably inquire 
* Paris : Gauthier- Yillars. 
2 Q 
VOL. XI. 
