Pantology

PREFACE.

THE present work is offered, as a guide book, to those who are seeking to explore the vast expanse of human knowledge. It aspires to be to Pantology, or knowledge in general, what a map of the world is to Geography: an outline, and nothing more: but such an outline as may be serviceable to all who are seeking to acquire general views of this wide region; by showing, however imperfectly, the relations of its parts, and their comparative extent and importance. And as the emigrant, who proposes to settle in a new country, first travels over it, and examines its different regions, before selecting a location; so, it is believed, may the student, before choosing a profession, derive benefit from a general survey of all the regions of knowledge, such as is here attempted to be presented. Or, as the traveller, in pursuit of health and pleasure, does not rest satisfied with his native state, rich and fruitful though it be; so may the philosopher derive strength and relaxation from an occasional excursion beyond his own immediate pursuits, or a systematic tour around the whole intellectual world.

The primary object of the following pages, was to present a Natural Classification of human knowledge, so full as to furnish a place for every topic of thought, and so simple that it might be of general and practical application. It would thus include what Sir James Mackintosh so appropriately terms an "Exhaustive Analysis" of Human Knowledge; in which all the fragments, even of minor importance, would find a distinct and proper place. It would also serve as a Mnemonical System, to aid in impressing and retaining ideas; as an Index Rerum, or method of arranging topics ɔf study; and as a Model for Libraries, by bringing those books which relate to the same subjects, into juxtaposition, whether in the catalogues, or on the shelves. Such a classification, it is futher conceived, would be the best of all arrangements for Encyclopædias: the whole advantage of their usual form being still preserved, by means of a copious alphabetical index; while they would exhibit the information which they contain, in a connected and systematic

manner.

But while proposing a classification of Human Knowledge, it seemed to the writer that its value would be greatly enhanced, and better appreciated, if connected with a brief summary of the knowledge which it was proposed to classify. The attempt has therefore here been made, to present such leading ideas of each branch, as would give just views of its nature, extent, and relative importance; thus in some degree gratifying curiosity, while stimulating it to farther inqui

ries.

Although this work is especially intended for advanced Students, who are about leaving our Colleges, Academies, or Schools, it seeks also to be useful, even to those who have entered the full career of life; by recalling elementary facts, and adding such reflections on the various topics glanced over, as will impress them most strongly upon the mind. In short, to convey accurate views of general knowledge, in a methodical and attractive form, and to apply that knowledge philosophically and practically, has been the writer's constant aim: but how far he has succeeded therein, a candid public can alone decide.

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