clear my path by using phrases easily understood, and avoiding questions too intricate, and subtleties too refined. As I do not wish to anticipate any of my conclusions, I forbear to enter into a general view of the principles it is my object to support: For believing the subject to be connected in a chain of reasoning, however loosely in some parts, I have the less reluctance in requesting my reader to follow it, with what patience he may be able to exercise, to the end. I do not flatter myself that the view I have taken is original; yet I think it, on the whole, important. Neither do I flatter myself, that the inferences I have drawn will be generally received; though I believe them to be founded in Truth. For, some of them seem to be opposed to great authorities; but I have satisfaction in thinking that they are not opposed to the greater authority of Scripture. In reference therefore to the authors with whom I differ-and I am not alone in differing from them-I can feelingly apply the often quoted saying,-Amicus Socrates, amicus Plato, sed magis amica Veritas. TABLE OF CONTENTS. MENT PROPOSED. INSTINCT CONTRASTED Sect 1. General view of different writers opi- EXAMPLES OF INSTINCT IN THE WORKS OF ANIMALS, AND THE CARE OF THEIR YOUNG, AND CHOICE OF FOOD-REMARKS ON THE ADAPTATION OF STRUCTURE TO CLIMATE, AND OF HABIT AND DISPOSITION TO STRUC- Sect. I. Examples of Instinct in the works of PAGE 2. Of the perfection of the natural Senses, as distinguishable from Instinct.... RECAPITULATION-THE PERFECTION OF IN- STINCT IN ITS PHYSICAL OPERATIONS, AND OF REASON, AND THE EXTREMES OF OPINION RESPECTING IT-ITS EXTENT OR USES, AND LIMITATION OR INSUFFICIENCY.... OF THE NATURE OF THE MENTAL FACULTIES, AND THE PRIMARY ELEMENTS OF REASON- Sect. 1. Of the nature of the Mental Faculties. ib. |