INTRODUCTION.

94

series; and in some of these, the inter-relations of the
subjects belonging to them have been studied with much
care and ability. Beyond this, all is confusion and disorder.
 Sound generalizations are mingled with theories
wholly speculative and illusory. Professor Cairnes him.
self mistakes one of the groups, namely, that of wealth,
for the whole divisional-science of political economy;
and, under the impression that this division of Ideal
science belongs to Natural science, endeavours with much
perseverance and ingenuity to convert it into a physical
science. M. Comte, the positivist metaphysician, clearly
perceives that the nature of the subjects differs essentially
 from that of the subjects of Natural science,
and, in some cases, has an enlightened appreciation of
their inter-relations as subjects of Ideal science; but,
then, M. Comte does not apprehend the necessity of
scientific arrangement and law; considers it quite a
matter for choice, opinion, or argument; and prefers, if
we appreciate his doctrine correctly, that each one
should be free to group the subjects according to his own
liking, and to theorize, sentimentalize, or speculate in
whatever manner his imagination or fancy may suggest.
without any particular regard to definition or reality.
Whatever there may be of subtlety and refinement in
these speculations, M. Comte is evidently forgetful that,
as he recognizes no rules and acknowledges no authority,
 so will his successors feel themselves at liberty to
accept what they like and reject what they please, of
his doctrines, and that, since there is no demonstration,
no basis in reality and fact, his system cannot furnish a