11592

Bi •H18

PREFACE.

The treatise now offered to the public, though the outgrowth of studies which the author has long pursued with pleasure, immediately originated from aims which have been entertained during the last ten or twelve years. First of all it has been his effort to compose a metaphysical system satisfactory to himself. Discontent with the various published theories of belief and conviction forced him to form new views on these fundamental topics; and, from this beginning, he was led on to attempt a general reconstruction of the philosophy of mind. While deeply conscious of imperfection both in the design and in the execution of this undertaking, he yet is confident that the leading doctrines advocated have been framed correctly, and cannot be set aside by future investigations.

Along with the desire of producing a satisfactory philosophy, the ambition arose to write a scientific book, such as every American gentleman should have for reading and for reference. During the composition of this treatise, the author has had in view those thousands of our people, whose education has interested them, more or less, in metaphysical studies. He felt assured that this considerable body of his fellow-citizens would welcome a volume in which the principal names and terms, questions and controversies, of mental philosophy might be compendiously presented and discussed. He sincerely