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FIKST CLASS OF OBJECTS FOR THE SUBJECT. 91
Calculations have merely practical, not theoretical, value.
It may even be said that where calculation begins, compre
hension ceases ; for a brain occupied with numbers is, as
long as it calculates, entirely estranged
from the causal
connection in physical processes, being engrossed in purely
abstract, numerical conceptions. The result, however, only
shows us how much, never what.
"
Ij experience et le
calcul," those watchwords of French physicists, are not
therefore by any means adequate [for thorough insight] .)
If, again, stimuli are the guides of the Understanding, it
will produce Physiology of Plants and Animals, Thera
peutics, and Toxicology. Finally, if it devotes itself to
the study of motives, the Understanding will use them, on
the one hand, theoretically, to guide it in producing works
on Morality, Jurisprudence, History, Politics, and even
Dramatic and Epic Poetry; on the other hand, practically,
either merely to train animals, or for the higher purpose of
making human beings dance to its music, when once it has
succeeded in discovering which particular wire has to be
pulled in order to move each puppet at its pleasure. Now,
with reference to the function which effects this, it is quite
immaterial whether the intellect turns gravitation in
geniously to account, and makes it serve its purpose by
stepping in just at the right time, or whether it brings the
collective or the individual propensities of men into play
for its own ends. In its practical application we call the
Understanding shrewdness or, when used to outwit others,
cunning ; when its aims are very insignificant, it is called
slyness and, if combined with injury to others, craftiness.
In its purely theoretical application, we call it simply
Understanding, the higher degrees of which are named
acumen, sagacity, discernment, penetration, while its lower
degrees are termed dulness, stupidity, silliness, &c. &c.
These widely differing degrees of sharpness are innate, and
cannot be acquired ; although, as I have already shown,