The Tupelo journal., 1904-01-29

matter passes from an indefinite, inco-
herent homogeneity to a definite CO.
herent heterogeneity; and during which
transformation"
The purpose of his volumes was to
trace the application of this law
throughout all the phenomena OF the
universe-astronomic, geologic, biolog-
ic, psychologist, sociologic. He read
comparatively little, always declaring
that if he read as much as other people
he would know as little; but his mind
was stored with knowledge which he ac-
quired somehow, and indeed the lists of
authorities cited at the end of his vol
umes show hat he was familiar with
the writings of those whose works bore
on his subjects.
With the theory of evolution Darwin's
name is more widely associated than
Spencer's, and it is generally held that
his doctrines are more solidly built and
thoroughly proved. But Darwin's work
covers far less ground-namely, biology
and some problems of psychology. He
worked within his own ground. 1t was
impossible that Spencer should have
an equally sure knowledge at first hand
Of all the vast regions that he ventured
to explore. If it be said that in that case
he should not have %ventured, the reply
is that philosophy could never have ex-
listed upon prudential maxims. 1t is es-
sentially daring. AS Aristotle says, we
must not listen to those who advise us
as mortals to be content with mortal
things. The worst a philosopher can do
is to prepare the way for others ever by
his own failure. But it would be afro
ciously unjust to call Spencer's specula-
lions a failure.
AS the First Principles" has run to
1900 copies. it must be widely known.
Anyone who has not read it may be COM
mended to begin at the second part.
The first part is taken up with meta
physical ~reasonings which do not throw
much light upon the sequel, and in which
Ito tell the TRUTH Spencer was by no
means at his best. For metaphysics is a
literary, traditional thing, and Spencer's
reading in such matters was not extern
sive nor ever very intelligent. He was
not a bookish man. His imagination,
vast and subtle, delighted in facts: and
all the facts of the world seem to have
lain spread out there in that order and
proportion which he has made known
to us. Although it is said that scientific
pursuits lead men to think in symbols.
Spencer seems to have preserved an
extraordinary visualising power; and in
spite of the heaviness of his style (due
to the practice of dictation), whether he
is treating of geological changes, or the
growth of tree trunks, or the play of hu-
man thought and motive, the whole
scene is manifestly realized by himself
and pictorially presented to the reader.
Spencer's social ideas are not popu-
lar; he was an extreme individualist.
He believed that competition is the only
means of insuring that the best men
shall come to the front, and that the eff
ficiency and happiness of mankind de-
pend Upon the survival of the fttest.
Fol some time, in comparatively re-
cent years, he lived in st. Johns Wood,
but he subsequently moved to Brighton,
where he died. He was offered innum-
cradle honors and decorations, includ-
ing the Prussian Pour lie Merite," but
it was n of his principles to decline
them all, and he also refused title when
offered by Queen Victoria.
At his death on December s, 1905, he
was SO years of age.