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    On the Whole , we deem this Essay calculated to be eminently useful , nof only to those whom it more immediately concerns , but to the multitude who form no distinct conceptions of the qualities requisite to the successful purstiit of troth , aud arre therefore insensible of their obligations to honest

    inquirers , unreasonable in their demands on their benefactors , and unjust in their distrrt > trtion of encouragement and censure . To enli g hten the minds of the public respecting the pursuit of wisdom , is to aid their advancement k * the steps of their guides , and , at the same time , to ease the labours of the pioneers themselves . To this service the author has applied himself with

    peculiar success . The sectrtid Essay ( on the Progress 6 f Knowledge ) is presented in the form of a dialogue , to which we are far from objecting , when , as in this case , the speakers are designated by single letters alone , or by fictitious names . The practice of adopting the names of ancient philosophers is objectionable , because the expression of philosophical opinions of the present day can neVfcr be in keeping with their characters ; and it is painful to have our

    associations disturbed , and to be in danger of imputing to them sentiments which they never entertained . This objection apart , we like the form of dialogue , when well managed . It enlivens a heavy subject , and is appropriate to a fight one : and applies very well to an argument which , like the present , is something between the two . It is impossible for us to do more than advert to a few prominent passages of this Essay ; as it comprehends a wide field of speculation , so interesting that a regular survey would occupy too much time .

    The ground of argument is the rapidity or slowness of the Progress of Knowledge ; but it appears to us that thes £ philosophers have not taken sfcf&ient pains to ascertain what they are talking about , as rapidity and slowness are relative terms , and no positive meaning is here affixed to one or the other . Stich an inaccuracy may be allowed to pass in conversation , however , and the opinions elicited are too interesting to allow us attention for light cavils . The following remarks on the study of old authors appear to us strikingly just :

    * A > It seems to be an unavoidable inference , from your remarks , that the study of old authors is a waste of labour . "N . Mticl * of it is aft exhaustion of the strength to no purpose . This obsolete learning * is well enough for rblnds of a secondary cast , but it only served to hamper the man of original genius . It is unwise in such a one to

    Gfiter very minutel y into the history of the science to which he devotes Mmaelf , more especially at the outset . Let him perfectly master the jpresent state of the science , and he Vvill be prepared to push , it farther while the vig-our of Eis intellect remains unbroken ; but if he previously attempt to embrace all that has been written on the subject , to make himself acquainted With all its exploded theories and obsolete doctrines , his mind will probably

    btf tod mucft entangled in their intricacies to make any original efforts ; too wearied with tracing past achievements to carry the science to a farther degree of excellence , when a man has to take a leap he is materially assisted by stepping- backward a few p&ces , and giving his body an impulse by a short run' to the starting place ; but if his precursory range is too extensive , he exhausts hia fbitfes before he comes to the pri&dtoal effort . 9

    * A . Tlie general voice is against your doctrine . Old authors are universtiHy considered taut treasures of deep thought , mines of wisdom , frorri which the yo * m £ aspirant after distinction is recommended to extract the ore , Which he i « r to beat out and embellish for the public use . I think you underrate them . " N . Do not mistake me . I reverence as much as any man the great in-

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    &BG Essays on the Pursuit 6 f TfiM .

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Aug. 2, 1829, page 550, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2575/page/30/