New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-04-12

matter Of which living beings are chiefly composed, and
nresep, the latest results of science in field Of Organic
Chemistry and Organic Physics. After treating tho
general nature of organic matter the actions OF forces
upon it. and the reactions of organic matter forces Mr.
Spencer enters upon the profound question OF the nature
Of fe of which he aims TO work out more definite ana
comprehensive conception than has hitherto been attained
The range Of discussion in Part 1.-THE lnductons OF
Bioogy-w be indicated by the titles OF the chapters
They arc l., Growth: H., Development: Ill., Function
" Waste and Repair: ", Adaptation; VI, lndiyldu-
atty: VII, Genesis Will, Herediy; H. Variation;
X, Genesis Heredy and Variation: Al, Classiheatloh
XII, Distribution.
MI Spencer opens the third part Of the volume the
Evolution of Life with discussion Of the relative claims
of the Special Creation Hypothesis and of tho Evolution
Hypothesis lie accepts the latter and presents in very
clear and forcse manner the various arguments in its
favor from embryolosy, morphology distribution and
classification There has been end to denuncation OF
the Development Hypothesis piece of crude absurd
y scientifically worthless and morally pe-niconsi but
this is hardly the true method Of settling the question.
Let those who have hitherto appealed to prejudice ana
dealt in nvective lay their passion aside and give the
public straightforward and logical answer to Mr. spen-
GERS arguments The interests of truth will be thereby
promoted.
We have attempted to show fully is possible with
in the space at our command that this philosophy not
piece of amless and barren speculation Nothing can be
Of this character which affords deeper clue to the work
ings Of nature and thus gives higher understanding OF
the method of the Supreme Cause. But the nobeness oil
Spencers Philosophy is bes. dscerned in the conscious
conveyance of oil its lines Of inquiry to the great end OF
human benefcence In this it differs profoundly from all
preceding systems Its ultimate bearing is upon human
we-being, and it is the lofty inspiration of his purpose
al A uhOsOUly
grounded in tho positive knowledge which enfoces uni
versa assent-which starts with data that all men can
confirm and advances from this point to the consideration
of the most momentous subjects of human interest
education art ethics government and social Institutions
stands in majestic contrast the and made
quacy of preceding systems
If the very name Of philosophy has fallen into contempt
from the emptiness Of its results must not forget the
disadvantages under which its cuyators have labored IN
the past periods of imperfect knowledge and we should
gladly welcome the promise Of its elevation to higher
place IN the respect and reverence Of mankind.
1t has been happily said that Herbert Spencer is
tho greatest of Englishmen because he is so little OF an
Engshman He belongs to the world of thought rather
than to his nationality; to civilization rather than 10
Britain When estimated according to his principles,
sympahes, and aspirations, he is more of an American
than European. He lives in country which clings TO
the past and fears the fuuIe-whch worshps preeedents
and breads principles. Abundant reason has such
country to beware when God lets loose thinker upon
its SOIL and in this case true to the instincts of tho
situation. Mr. Spencer has been Systematically ignored
by the leaders of opinion in his country and while his
writings have had powerful influence upon the thinking
few tie English public have given him the full benefit of
the conspiracy silence" Instead of meeting with tho
reward which the scope of his genius and the value of
bis labors Justly entities him, he has been left to publish
his works at his expense and in this way has lost
thousands of dollars.
This policy he cannot afford to continue and accord
ingy his American readers have been lately startled by
the Of the discontnuance Of his system Of
philosophy for lack Of support That M Spencer should
be compelled to abandon his great undertaking for cause
Of this kind is dscrediablc his country and England
can afford IT, America cannot II would be a disgrace to
tho age and must account be permitted.
If yet behind Europe in the production Of great
phlosophc thinkers long way in advance Of her
in their general appreciation and in reducing the truths
they establish TO the practice Of life. While England did
not want enough Of Spencors Principles fEdrcaion to
pay the expenses Of issuing small edition. In this country
edition after edition has been called for, and not only
have many thousand copies been sold but tho work has
exercd powerful influence upon educational manage
ment in families and schools And while the growth of
brought on a conflict of ideas which resulted in mighty
clash OF the elements Of baTbarism and civilization and
while England was jeering at the mortal struggle as d
carnival Of brualitythe foul and bloody sequel OF the
great democratic eXporimont-we published some seven
teen thousand copies Of the various works Of this profound
writer and accorded TO him the full pocuniay nights oil
an American author. His thinking has thus taken
deep hold of tho American mind, and we cannot certainly
let him stop work now for interest in Independent
thought and the progress Of institutions IS more earnest
than since the II hardly possible that his lib
era counymen will suffer the discontnuance Of W. Spen-
Philosophy but England chooses TO neglect him,
America will vindcae the lberalty of the age and see
10 that he is put beyond embarrassment in the further
H. - Ii. 1. H.. Il IL