An introductory text-book of logic - Mellone, Sydney - Rare Books at ...

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OR SCIENTIFIC METHOD. 267
In simple Observation we sit still and listen to a
tale, told us, perhaps obscurely, piecemeal, and at long
intervals of time, with our attention more or less awake.
It is only by after rumination that we gather its full
import ; and often, when the opportunity is gone by,
we have to regret that our attention was not more
particularly directed to some point which, at the time,
appeared of little moment, but of which we at length
appreciate the importance. In Experiment, on the
other hand, we cross-examine our witness, and by com
paring one part of his evidence with the other, while he
is yet before us, and reasoning upon it in his presence,
are enabled to put pointed and searching questions, the
answer to which may at once enable us to make up our
minds. Accordingly, it has been found invariably that
in those departments of physics where the phenomena
are beyond our control, or into which experimental
inquiry, from other causes, has not been carried, the
progress of knowledge has been slow, uncertain, and
and in
irregular ; while in such as admit of experiment,
which mankind have agreed to its adoption, it has been
rapid, sure, and steady."
We must remember that it is impossible to draw a
precise line between these two processes, or to say when
one ends and the other begins. But we can clearly
distinguish the sciences according
to the extent to
which they depend upon experiment. Without experi
ment Mechanics, Physics, and Chemistry could scarcely
exist ; and these are fundamental sciences in an
advanced state. In Physiology experiment naturally
plays a much smaller part, for, if made at all,
be made on the organs of the living body. In the
it has to
sciences of description and classification, Botany,
Zoology, Mineralogy, the range of experiment is still