Upon

from the results which had been obtained, that the whole might be usefully classed together under the general term of Electro-Biology, which literally signifies, neither more nor less, than the relation of electricity to the vital functions. making enquiries, it seemed to be a universal opinion amongst those qualified to judge, that a very small number of copies of the work would be sold, inasmuch as the public had great distaste for such investigations. Nevertheless, a large edition was printed, and certainly its rapid and extensive sale has been a matter of astonishment to myself, more especially as there is not only a French translation, but the substance of the work has been very faithfully given in Chambers' Journal. The facts and principles have also been so carefully rendered by the Newspapers and other cheap publications of large circulation, that there are very few educated persons who are not more or less acquainted with the subject.

Many friends, whose opinions I value, have suggested that the matter has been hardly sufficiently elucidated; but, in answer thereto, it is right to state, that my object has been to place

the entire system before the Public in so small a space that any inconsistency or incorrect deduction, in any part of the scheme, may be immediately seen, and dealt with at once. To remedy, however, the defect of the abstruseness of the work, and render the subject more attractive, the treatise on Instinct and Reason was written and illustrated with numerous engravings.

It has been mentioned to me, on several occasions, that I do not take any pains to persuade the public, and induce them to take up the system I have developed, and which confessedly requires intense study fully to grasp. To this, I reply, that in my opinion it is neither consistent with the interest, nor with the dignity, of science, in any way to endeavour to induce any person to adopt any system; but, having made known its existence, it should be left to the diligent inquirer, who should, in his closet, carefully examine every fact for himself, and hold fast to that opinion which his natural powers of mind lead him to adopt. No true lover of science can possibly wish that his own investigations should do more than exercise their proper influence upon the sum total of that knowledge

which the labours of the philosophers of all ages have developed. Science loses its character when it is used solely to gratify the personal vanity, or either to make a name, or to give a fortune to its follower.

Although the system of Electro-Biology has extended with a rapidity, both at home and abroad, which even an author's sanguine expectations could not have led him to anticipate; yet many difficulties are opposed to its yet more rapid progress. The misapprehensions of other writers upon the subject, cause them to publish statements at direct variation with my meaning; and after three works have been already published, each explanatory of the subject, the reader may judge my inexpressible astonishment, at reading, a short time since, that Mr. Smee had asserted, that "Life was Voltaism," followed by a long argument to prove the incorrectness of the assertion!

Misapprehensions may arise from my own ambiguity of expression, or the reader's insufficient attention, or from the imperfection of words and language to convey exact ideas; but I regret to state that one or two instances have occurred

where there has been reason to fear that my words have been wilfully misrepresented, and statements have been put forward directly at variance with that which has been explicitly stated. This course, fortunately however, is so directly contrary to the practice of the literary men of this country, as to require no further comment.

This volume is a deduction from the general system of Electro-biology; and being a practical application of the subject may possibly be immediately useful. In submitting it to the Public, I am not without hope that the process of thought here detailed, and the artificial system of reasoning here given, may be of service, more especially as I dare venture to assert, that under the Relational system, if rightly used, no form of sophistry or quibble can be successfully employed; and it has the merit of allowing any number of premises to be used.

With respect to the relational and differential machines, it may, perhaps, be useful here to repeat, that they are described solely with the view of illustrating the artificial mode of reasoning, by the

aid of cyphers, which has been based upon the study of the laws deducible from the natural process of thought.

From the nature of the subjects on which I have been engaged, my writings have been much noticed, and whilst they have been too frequently the subject of immoderate praise, they have also, occasionally, received unmeasured abuse. It is customary only to quoted the good side; but I have been often amused to observe that opposite quotations could be selected upon every definite opinion. From my experience, whenever anything is violently abused, it is contrary to some favourite crochet, or popular prejudice, for which the holders venture an expiring struggle before it is for ever lost. Although quiet and repose might dictate to an author to bend to the follies or prejudices of the day, yet, to my mind, an author should faithfully record the results which he has derived from his own reflection and reason, without regard to the possibility of receiving abuse, or the desire of obtaining praise. Under the influence of this opinion, I have never, in any way modified my views, or kept back facts, to suit the public taste; and ex