Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1872-11-27

by the rigid logic of induetive science
In each division of his exposition the
first step has been to marshal the
facts; to silt and methOdiZe the data.
The next step has been to gAneralize
the facts, ortO establish the induetions
warranted by the data. Finally he
verities these inductionn by showing
that they follow from previously es-
tablished principles, and harmonize
with them. The conditions by which
all science has been created are thus
strictly complied with. The concep-
tion of all nature, as in a slow pro-
cess of movement to higher state
of an ever eradvaGcing and ever perfect
ing order of a uliUerSe in eUOllftion,
Is no fantastic speculation brought
down to US by tradition from the
dreaming childhood of the race, but
it is a definite veritable principle
educed from a more comprehensive
range of facts than any other gener-
alization ever attempted-the out
growth of the ripest knowledge, and
which is eOercing the assent Of the
most disciplined intellects of the
world. The principle in question is
no barren formula to be class I'd with
u q ITiori speculatiOns which have
figured so largely In the past career of
the human mind. II is the result of
the steady concentration of the INTEL
lect of man for hundreds of years
upon the realities that surround US,
and is the profoundest answer vet
given to the questionings of the mys-
terry of being, l. is the latest inter-
probation of the ongoings of the world,
and brings with it the pOssr rbility of a
new and more stable philosophy of
things than we have vet knOwn-a
philosophy not spun from mystical a
priOri fancles, but constructed from
the valid truths of science, and an
chored in the depths of demonstrated
knowledge.
An able writer in the Quarterly
ReUie1O (London) for July, in discuss
ing the modern school of thought ani
Herbert Spencer's relation to it, says:
1.-The two deepest scientific principles
now known of all those relating to
material things are, the law of grav
itation and the law of evolution"
The principle is here recognized as an
hypothesis and more even than a the
ory, 1t is tdlO in the same sense that
gravitation is a law. The proof of
evolution is indeed very far from be-
ing so complete as that of gravitation.
Butts claims as an established law
are not therefore inyalidated, for the
accepted truths of science by no
means rest upon equal amounts of
evidence. From the newness of the
systematic investigation of the prin-
ciple, from the imperfeetion of knowl
edge in many spheres Of its applica-
tiOn, and from the stupendous reach
of its operation, it is impossible that
there should not be many defieien-
cies in its proof. 1t has its outstand-
ing and unresOlved difficulties which
it may take long to clear up. Truths
grOw-they are examples ofevoIution.
All great generalizations have been
arrived at gradually never at once
by complete demonstration. There
are first long fOreshadOwing preludes
in which principle is discerned as
into increasing distinctness.
1t is then accepted on grounds of
and preponderating
proofs, and as an advance on previous
beliefs. If a theory becomes increas-
ingly consonant with facts, and stead
lily makes way against inexorable
though it has grave diff
culties, it will be accepted. and these
will be left to the future.
1t was SO with the law of gravitation.
The Newtonian theory was beset by
palpable contradictions in its results
tIll many years after Newton's death,
yet all sound philosophers embraced
it. The motion of the apsides of the
moons orbit was with singular hon. |
esty confessed by Newton to be, in |
fact, nearly twice as great as calcula- !
lion from theory made it; and this |
remained an outstand- |
ng, palpable objection, yet without /
any misgiving as to the |
general truth of gravitatiOn, until the |
error was explained and the calcula- |
ion rectified by Clairault.n
And so it is in other branches of /
cience. The unjulating theory of
light is accepted by all physicists but |
Till has its difficulties. The theory |
If heat is not without its anomalies. |
The chemical theory of respiration is
adopted, but there are facts
hat still oppose it. 1t is claimed by
iOilC lAldI lliC CNluEuCc vi llc law VI
is complete, but it is a grow
ng conviction OF those who know the
ubjeet best, that the evidence in IT.
avOr preponderates overwhelmingly.
SOr is it dependent upon any of its
pecial interpretations. Darwin may
ie in error, Huxley may be wrong,
1ivart may be wide of the mark,
iaeckel may be mistaken, Cope may
lisjudge, and Spencer be at fault
ut, in common with a large and in
reasing body of scientific men, ehey
re all agreed as to one thing, that
vOlulion is a great and established
.ct-a wide and valid induction from
be conserved order of Nature, the COM
lete elucidation of which is the grand
task of the future. 1t is in
mis- sense that we hold the doctrine
evOlution.-Prof. YOundns in
'opuL0r Science Monthly.