and this brings us into close connexion with the essential nature of the great rules of induction, as established and explained by their illustrious propounder and more especially as contrasted with the sources of false philosophy, and erroneous theory, which he has happily designated and classified under the name of "Idola ;" (the false divinities which the mind is apt to raise as the objects of its worship, and at whose shrine truth is often sacrificed ;)-a portion of his argument, which is found more full of valuable instruction, the more extensively it is examined and applied. THE EVIDENCE AND NATURE OF PHYSICAL TRUTH. I. EVIDENCE OF PHYSICAL TRUTH. THE INDUCTIVE METHOD. II. NATURE OF PHYSICAL TRUTH. CAUSE AND EFFECT. SECTION I. EVIDENCE OF PHYSICAL TRUTH. THE INDUCTIVE METHOD. "There is a certain analogy, constancy, and uniformity, in the phenomena or appearances of nature, which are a foundation for general rules; and these are a grammar for the understanding of nature, or that series of effects in the visible world, whereby we are enabled to foresee what will come to pass in the natural course of things." BISHOP BERKELY, (Siris, p. 120.) 66 Usque adeo natura, una eadem semper atque multiplex, disparibus etiam formis, effectus pares, admirabili quadam varietatum simplicitate, conciliat." SCARPA. Introduction. THE Inductive Philosophy stands forth as the distinguishing boast of modern intellectual advancement, and the prolific source of innumerable advantages,―mental, moral, and physical. It has opened the path now universally recognised as alone leading to the correct interpretation of nature; of that stupendous order of varied existence, and incessant activity of causation, with which we are surrounded and filled. It is justly characterized as a method framed in conformity to experience; and stands essentially opposed to those artificial systems of former ages, which were but the vain chimeras of minds bewildered in the obscurities of verbal mysticism, or deluded by the conceits of gratuitous hypothesis; systems which cramped all energy of thought and invention, and fettered all freedom of opinion and discussion. By a combination of vague and unmeaning abstractions, involved in a pedantic jargon of empty terms, the scholastic disputants thought to settle the order of natural causes, and determine what must be the character of physical laws. From a few abstract, and those hardly intelligible, arbitrary positions, they affected to advance, by the mere subtilty of their reasoning powers, to a comprehension of the entire system of the material universe. But the appeal to experiment and observation, and the high and pure physical philosophy inculcated by Bacon, and practically followed up by Galileo, Newton, and their successors, soon established the dominion of principles, at once more correct and rational, and better suited to the limited range of the human faculties. By the humble unpretending path of the inductive method, all the great triumphs of physical discovery have been achieved; by a steady adherence to its principles, can we alone expect the further extension of natural knowledge; and so long as they are adhered to, we can assign no limit to the progressive advance which may be made. And minds duly impressed with the sublimity of those inquiries which the contemplation of the universe suggests, will easily recognise the truth and value of this method. They perceive, in the reference to observation and experience, an appeal to the sole authority of nature: they would interrogate her in her own language, and in the replies to those inter |