Elements of Mental and Moral Science

he found it to possess. He has certainly rejoiced to see that what he regards as the true principles of Mental Science, are in union with those views of revealed truth, which appear to him of great and paramount importance; his faith in both has been confirmed by the discovery of the alliance. Yet it would be to do injustice to the Work to suppose that it attempts to found a system of Mental Philosophy on any peculiar religious opinions. It is conducted on philosophical principles; and it respectfully invites the candid attention of the man of science, as well as of the friend of religion.

A regard to brevity has prevented the Author's enlarging on some points upon which he wished to enter more fully. He deemed it, on various accounts, inexpedient that the work should extend beyond one volume. Should it happen to obtain so much favour from the public as to render a second edition necessary, he has it in contemplation to expand considerably that part which treats on Moral Science, or rather to introduce additional topics and discussions; and either to abridge the former part, or to add another volume, as circumstances and the advice of friends may seem to direct. In its present form he solicits for it the kind consideration of his friends, and the candid attention of an enlightened public.

BLACKBURN ACADEMY, 1828.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. I.

PAGE

INTRODUCTION.

All philosophical inquiries relate to Matter or Mind-importance of a
knowledge of the latter-its influence upon physical science, in
Education, Poetry, Eloquence, Criticism, Moral Science, Theology,
&c.-its tendency to strengthen the faculties, &c. &c.

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CHAP II.

THE OBJECT OF INTELLECTUAL SCIENCE; AND THE MODE IN

WHICH OUR INQUIRIES SHOULD BE CONDUCTED.

Inquiries limited to the phænomena of Mind-its essence unknown,

but not material-its properties to be ascertained by observation

alone the only questions are, What are the elements of our

Thoughts, &c. and the order of their occurrence-the nature of

Causation, Mental Analysis, &c.

CHẠP. HI.

THE TRUE NATURE OF THE POWERS AND SUSCEPTIBILITIES OF

THE MIND EXPLAINED.

Thoughts, Ideas, Sensations, &c. are the Mind itself in particular states-
Mental Powers, &c. are capabilities of existing in these states-The
nature of Physical Qualities, &c.

CHAP. IV.

THE MANNER IN WHICH OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE MENTAL PHENOTM

MENA IS OBTAINED.

The nature of Consciousness-statements of Reid, Stewart, Welsh,

Brown, &c.-not a distinct power, &c.

CHAP. V.

THE ORIGIN OF THE NOTION OF SELF, AND THE IDENTITY OF THE

THINKING PRINCIPLE, &c. &c.

Difference between Stewart and Brown-The notion of Self, and the
notion of Identity, not the same-the former intuitive, &c.

CHAP. VI.

ANALYSIS AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE MENTAL PHENOMENA.

The power of recognizing Resemblances the basis of classification---

different principles on which it may be conducted-modes adopted

by Reid, Stewart, and Brown-reasons for following the latter :

DIVISION I.

PAGE

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Second-The term denotes those states of mind which directly result

from a change in the state of the Organ

Third-It is not confined to those which are decidedly pleasurable or

painful.

Fourth-The nature of the previous change in the state of the organ
is unknown

Fifth-The connexion between Matter and Mind is unknown-attempts
to account for it-the theories of Des Cartes, Dr. Briggs-Hartley--
fallacy-no especial mystery here

Sixth-External objects are known only relatively

Important difference between Reid and Brown on this subject-
mistakes of Reid and Stewart in reference to Primary and Secondary
Qualities and Perception-its true nature explained-Ancient theory
of Perception by Images-Examined.

Seventh-To Sensation all our knowledge may be traced

Statements of Locke, Leibnitz, Shaftesbury, Stewart, &c.-Examined.

CLASSIFICATION OF OUR SENSATIONS.

CLASS I-SENSATIONS OF SMELL,

100

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131

Considered in the following Order :-The Organ-the Sensations-the

Properties which produce them-the Knowledge derived from them 140

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The same order-Our knowledge of things external is not derived from

the sense of Touch, but from Muscular Sensations-by Intuition-

Statements of Reid, Brown, Welsh, &c.

CLASS V.-SENSATIONS OF SIGHT.

The same order-The knowledge of Distance, Magnitude, &c. not gained
by this Sense-Extension involved perhaps in our original percep-
tions-Opinions of Reid, Brown, &c.

Proof of their existence-their nature-importance-Phrenology-must

be analyzed and classified-caution necessary here-mistakes of

Condillac, Reid, &c.

ORDER I.-INTELLLECTUAL STATES OF MIND..

CLASS I-SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS.