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mathematical proposition.

3. In relation to method. Method is procedure according to

principles. We may divide the methods at present employed in the field

of inquiry into the naturalistic and the scientific. The naturalist of

pure reason lays it down as his principle that common reason,

without the aid of science- which he calls sound reason, or common

sense- can give a more satisfactory answer to the most important

questions of metaphysics than speculation is able to do. He must

maintain, therefore, that we can determine the content and

circumference of the moon more certainly by the naked eye, than by the

aid of mathematical reasoning. But this system is mere misology

reduced to principles; and, what is the most absurd thing in this

doctrine, the neglect of all scientific means is paraded as a peculiar

method of extending our cognition. As regards those who are

naturalists because they know no better, they are certainly not to

be blamed. They follow common sense, without parading their

ignorance as a method which is to teach us the wonderful secret, how

we are to find the truth which lies at the bottom of the well of

Democritus.

Quod sapio satis est mihi, non ego curo Esse quod

Arcesilas aerumnosique Solones. PERSIUS*

is their motto, under which they may lead a pleasant and praise worthy

life, without troubling themselves with science or troubling science

with them.

*[Satirae, iii. 78-79. "What I know is enough for I don't care to be

what Arcesilas was, and the wretched Solons."]

As regards those who wish to pursue a scientific method, they have

now the choice of following either the dogmatical or the sceptical,

while they are bound never to desert the systematic mode of procedure.

When I mention, in relation to the former, the celebrated Wolf, and as

regards the latter, David Hume, I may leave, in accordance with my

present intention, all others unnamed. The critical path alone is

still open. If my reader has been kind and patient enough to accompany

me on this hitherto untravelled route, he can now judge whether, if he

and others will contribute their exertions towards making this

narrow footpath a high road of thought, that which many centuries have

failed to accomplish may not be executed before the close of the

present- namely, to bring Reason to perfect contentment in regard to

that which has always, but without permanent results, occupied her

powers and engaged her ardent desire for knowledge.

-THE END-

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