Chapter I: Preface

This volume is the first of a series described in a prospectus originally distributed in March, 1860. Of that prospectus, the annexed is a reprint.

A SYSTEM OF PHILOSOPHY.

Mr. Herbert Spencer proposes to issue in periodical parts a connected series of works which he has for several years been preparing. Some conception of the general aim and scope of this series may be gathered from the following Programme.

FIRST PRINCIPLES.

PART I. THE UNKNOWABLE.—Carrying a step further the doctrine put
into shape by Hamilton and Mansel; pointing out the various
directions in which Science leads to the same conclusions; and
showing that in this united belief in an Absolute that transcends
not only human knowledge but human conception, lies the only
possible reconciliation of Science and Religion.

PART II. LAWS OF THE KNOWABLE.—A statement of the ultimate
principles discernible throughout all manifestations of the
Absolute—those highest generalizations now being disclosed by
Science which are severally true not of one class of phenomena but
of _all_ classes of phenomena; and which are thus the keys to all
classes of phenomena.[1]

[_In logical order should here come the application of these First
Principles to Inorganic Nature. But this great division it is
proposed to pass over: partly because, even without it, the scheme
is too extensive; and partly because the interpretation of Organic
Nature after the proposed method, is of more immediate importance.
The second work of the series will therefore be_—]

THE PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY.

VOL. I.