Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/558

 544 /'///:' AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

The contribution which this volume makes to social science and philosophy will be readily recognized by sociologists. Its service is not so much that it presents new views although in the ethical dis- cussions, especially, these are by no means lacking but rather that it renders more precise and systematic conceptions made familiar by Mackenzie, De Greef, Tarde, and others. The point of view of per- sonal genesis is shown to be a most valuable aid in social interpreta- tion. The general conclusion is open to the criticism that society is resolved into an intangible, psychical entity, with no real physical evidence. It would be easy to show that thoughts organized in society are conditioned by material things, and, transmuted into emo- tion and volition, find expression through physical media.

There are many minor positions which are open to question, but it has seemed best in this notice to present a general view of a work which cannot fail to take a high place in the rapidly growing literature of social psychology. GEORGE E. VINCENT.

Consciefice et voluntf sociales. Bibliotheque sociologique inter- nationale. Par J. Novicow. Paris : V. Giard & E. Briere. Pp. 380. Broche, 6 frcs.

THIS readable volume offers an interesting illustration of the for- mal survival of an analogy after it has ceased to be essential to the further development of the problem under discussion. Setting out with an ingenious completion of Spencer's organic conception, the author gradually changes his instrument of interpretation from the biological to the psychological. In other words, he could have made his exposition quite as effective in terms of imitation, invention, oppo- sition, etc., which, as it is, he is compelled to employ in connection with his biological descriptions. The best that can be said for M. Novicow's consistency is that he has shifted from the analogy of the whole organism to that of the single organ, the brain.

The most valuable part of the discussion is that which relates to the e"lite. Whether or not it is worth while to regard the intellectually and morally best in society as constituting a collective sensorium, the essential service rendered by such a class is clearly and effectively set forth. This theory fits admirably into the general system of social psychology which gives so important a place to the imitation of social