New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-05-26
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

PRINCIPLES OF MENTAL PHYSIOLOGY. By Wl5Isn B. CAR
Sxsr.a NJ d. r. R s. l2n~ pp. 1871 D. Appleton 20
The outline of psychology contained In the
earlier editions Of the authors standard work on the
Principles OF Human Physiology" is here reproduced
separate treatise with variety Of important ad-
,,ons which have been suggested by the studies and
researches Of twenty 1t intended as contrbu
zion TO the of human nature rather than as
complete system of psychology, treating OF class OF
subjects that belong to the border land between phys-
oogy and metaphysics but which have been almost en-
tirely neglected BOTH Dr. Carpenter contends, with
eoua for the existence of two principles IN
the human constitution namely the dependence of the
spontaneous activity of the mind upon physical cond
TONS and the action Of independent power which
and directs that activity Each of these facs
Is confirmed not only by personal consciousness nut oy
the common consciousness of mankind The advocates
ef extrene oninions on either side find themselves
compelled 70 this conclusion. John Stuart MIL
was brought by his own mental experiences
70 what is virtually an acceptance OF INC nut
pendence Of the will On the other hanu, Arch
bishop Manning and Mr.. James Martneau, VINO
hold the freedom of the Will as fundamental arti-
ale Of their religious and ethical ceed admit that the
succession OF thoughts and feelings is In great degree
determined by antecedent conditions which are
Intimately related those Of our physical mechanism
These two agencies primary facts OF man composite
nature, which only be thoroughly understood by
taking into view their mutual relations In the usra
results of abstract reasoning or of expert
mental analysis. but adduces immense variety OF
facts aud taken from actual life which serve
TO the truth of his propositions. and to place
their significance and bearing in clear light In this
respect his may claim the character OF cabinet
of psychological curIosities They TO relieve the
severity or the discussion, AMI Will engage the interest
of readers who have taste for purely speculative
studies The views maintained in the volume with re-
gard to the duplex constitution Of the human race are
applied by the author TO the relation between the Crea
tor and the Universe of which the phenomena but
continual revelation OF his universal presence and
ceaseless agency this way he undertakes to recon-
ce Of science and religion Science in his
yieW is mans intellectual representation Of the phe-
nomena Of Nature. his conception OF the order OF the
Universe which he is placed. This conception Is for
INFLATED IN what he terms the laws Of But these
IN their primary sense simple expressions OF phe-
nomenal uuiformties and have coercive power what
ever To speak Of such phenomenal laws as govern
ing phenomena Is altogether unscientidc, such laws
being nothing else than comprehensive expressions OF
aggregates Of particular facts. But when we endeayor
10 resist the motion Of moving bodies, impart
ton body at rest own sense OF effort suggests
an entirely conception. that of force No advance
In science greater than that which has recently
extended the conception OF force 10 the agencies coz
cerned in the molecular changes which we refer to heat
light. electricity, magnetism, and forth The man of
science is thus enabled to attach distinct idea to that
efficient causation which lOgicians have constantly
denied but which the common sense of mankind has
universally recognized. The strices scientific inquiry,
then must recognize dynamical agency fundamentally
distinct from material conditions, thus bringing our
scientific conception into harmony with the universal
consciousness Of mankind. The eliminating point of
mans Interpretation of Nature is his recognition of the
unity OF the power Of which her phenomena are the
manifestations. All scientific inquiry Is tending
toward this point. The correlation Of the physical
forces and their connection with the vital forces lead
toward and the conclusion that the o.
oil power is Mind This philosophical conclusion is Che
apex a pyramid which has its foundation in the primi
five instincts Of humanity. While these deepseated
instincts, alike with the prOfoundest researches
of philosophy point to Mind as the only source Of
power IT is the noble function of science 10 demon
citrate the unity OF the power whchis operating through
the mitless extent of the universe and 10 trace its
continuity through the vast series Of ages that have
been occupied in It's evolution. The results OF scientific
inquiry DR. Carpenter argues cannot disturb the found
alton Of religion This, he contends placed IN the
religious consciousness OF man. The man Of science who
studies the of Nature aud who fixes his Thought
the conception Of force the expression Of will which
We derive from experience OF its production Is
thus led to recognize the agency OF the Deity in every
phenomenon OF the Universe, and to feel thai in the
material creation be has the distinct evidence o,
his personal existence aud ceaSeess ACT 0ty he has
of the agency OF intelligent mind in the creations of
artistic genius, the products Of mechanical skill
or in the records OF thought and feeling which
arouse our intellectual nature into Kindred activity.
No one can read this eminently thoughtful production
o. d.. .rpcnter without being impressed with the rare
union IN his mind of profound religious sense, and Of
true scientific spirit He loses himself in the
Ipazes OF speculation. He is blind to the reality
of facts His clear percepuve faculties do not eclipse
the brightness OF his powers of temptation and retcc
ton. He is equally at home among the phenomena Of
our spiritual nature, ana the agencies OF the material
universe He never pursues the researches OF science
at the expense of religion, nor INDUCES in the ecsacies
of religion at the sacrifice Of science To singular de-
gree he combines the modesty OF science with the humi
iy OF religion The lucid stamp of sincerity Is impressed
on every line OF his writings. dscOverer OF truth he
may not be- of truth lie Is. Whatever judgment
may he pronounced upon his dOctrines-and on this
point there Will doubtless be differences of opinion-no
one car question his claim 10 the possession Of singular
honesty candor, and courage their expression. De-
fecls may found in his philosophy but mono in the
manner Of its exposition. He may not command the
Hottest place among the original lights OF science but
he will not be honorcd for the sobrety OF his
thought and the serenity Of his intelligence ana 10 draw
many disciples his side Of tue medatOria re-
cOucinng spirits Of humanity
THE FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW.
One of the most prominent articles in this
number is reply 10 the sex in Mind and