could account etymologically for any of the words in question, or was in the least acquainted with the opinions of others, or knew even the character of the language from which his proofs were to be drawn :-" it was general reasoning à priori that led me to the particular instances; not particular instances to the general reasoning." Chap. 7. p. 122, 130. And he observes again that the misapprehension of the nature and use of abstract terms has caused a false morality and an obscure (because mistaken) metaphysic, which Etymology alone can dissipate. Part 2. Chap. 2. p. 18. Chap. 6. p. 458. "But the importance rises higher, when we reflect upon the application of words to Metaphysics, and when I say Metaphysics, you will be pleased to remember that all general reasoning, all Politics, Law, Morality and Divinity, are merely Metaphysic." Chap. 4. p. 121. The great legislator in Science, Lord Bacon, who was as eloquent to interpret as he was sagacious to investigate Nature, thus defines it. Natural Science or Theory is divided into Physic and Metaphysic: Physic contemplates what is inherent in matter, and therefore transitory; Metaphysic what is abstracted and fixed. Physic handles that which supposeth in nature only a being and moving: Metaphysic that which supposeth farther in nature a reason, understanding, and platform. Physic enquireth and handleth the material and efficient causes; Metaphysic the formal and final causes. Natural History describes the variety of things-Physic the causes, but variable or respective causes, and Metaphysic the fixed and constant causes* * See the Proficience and Advancement of Learning: p. 185, 188, 189, and p. 194-5-6. 8vo. for T. Payne, Pall Mall, 1808—a small volume, but saturated with wisdom. Mr. Harris, in a note on the second of his Three Treatises, 4th ed. 8vo, p. 365. agrees in the main with Ld. Bacon: but considers Metaphysic as synonimous with the first Philosophy. "By the most excellent Science is meant the Science of causes, and above all others, of Causes efficient and final, as these necessarily imply pervading reason, and superintending wisdom. This Science, as men were naturally led to it from the contemplation of Effects, which effects were the tribe of Beings natural or physical, was, from being thus subsequent to these physical enquiries, called Metaphysical; but with a view to itself and the transcendent eminence of its object, was more properly called i gwrn popia, the first philosophy." And in his philosophical arrangements, p. 409, he observes" Metaphysics are properly conversant about primary and internal causes," &c.—and that is called Metaphysical, which though truly prior in itself, is " subsequent in man's contemplation, whose road of Science is naturally upward, that is from Effect to Cause, from 'Sensible to Intelligible." Lord Bacon distinguishes between Metaphysics and The first Philosophy, considering this as "the main and common way, before we come where the ways part and divide themselves." p. 174. The meaning of this Original or Universal Philosophy, he then explains by negative--" That it be a receptacle for all such profitable observations and axioms as fall not within the compass of any of the special parts of Philosophy or Sciences, but are more common and of a higher stage.” p. 176. And again he directly describes it as "the parent or common ancestor to all knowledge ;" and assigns to it "the common principles and axioms which are promiscuous and indifferent to several sciences:" &c. p. 187. In the Encyclopedia Britannica Metaphysic is defined “ the Science of the principles and causes of all things existent”and thus explained at large :-hence mind or intelligence is the principal subject of this Science: hence the Science receives its name. Aristotle calls this the first Philosophy ; as not only superior, but prior in the order of nature, to the whole circle of the other Arts and Sciences. As Aristotle calls the philosophy of the body Physics, some of his interpreters call that of mind, Metaphysics, meaning not only that the subject is more sublime and difficult, but that the study is most properly entered upon after that of Physics. And Aristotle, to those books in which he pretends to elevate the mind above things corporeal to the contemplation of God and things Spiritual, prefixed the words των μετα τα φυσικα ; (thus interpreted by Du Val in his Synopsis) cujus inscriptionis hæc ratio est, quod in hoc opere ea tractantur, quorum theoria posterior est doctrinæ naturali, saltem quoad nos, qui a corporum cognitione rerumque caducarum in substantiarum immaterialium atque immortalium contemplationem prove himur. 1 Body and Mind, with their properties, adjuncts and powers, comprehend the whole subject of the Science of Metaphysics. |