in the operations of that luminary (Good Words, April, 1863); we are transported from the regions of pure physical research into that of morals and religion. Or, turn to Mr. Herbert Spencer's "First Principles;" we are involved in a profound metaphysical inquiry as to the point where science and religion meet.
Therefore we follow the general current of modern thought in allowing our logical or physical inquiries to be carried towards the regions of religion and morals. All that can be reasonably demanded is, (1) that we do not allow considerations drawn from human emotions to intrude into the questions belonging to the domain of logic or physics; (2) that we stop at the boundary where physical or logical investigations pass into the provinces of morals or religion, without allowing ourselves to be tempted into excursions in these fields. Within these limits the present investigation has been scrupulously confined. Its conclusions, therefore, claim to be judged solely by logical and physical evidence, without reference to their possible bearing on moral or religious contro
A work treating of a subject so extensive within the compass of the present work, must necessarily be condensed in its reasonings, and brief in its historical or scientific notices. The Author, however, hopes that his reasonings will be intelligible, and has taken all the care in his power to insure accuracy in the facts stated; and if he should fail in producing a good book, he has at least the consolation of thinking, that he has avoided the proverbial denunciation against the man who produces a long one.