Page:Ferrier's Works Volume 1 - Institutes of Metaphysic (1875 ed.).djvu/554

526PROP. XI——————— could not have been demonstratively turned, had the universe by itself (objects per se) not been reduced to the predicament of the contradictory—hence the infinite importance of the dialectical operation by which that reduction is effected.

 

1. In proceeding to offer a short summary of these Institutes, with the view of aiding the impartial reader to form an estimate of their scope, character, and results, the main question for consideration is, how far have they redeemed the pledges held out at their commencement,—how far have they fulfilled the requirements by which they professed themselves bound,—how far have they executed the work which they took in hand? For it is but reasonable that a science should be tested only in reference to the end which it proposes, and to the means which it employs, and not in reference to the vague expectations or inconsiderate demands of its students. A man may desire to learn astronomy from the study of anatomy; but if he does so, he cannot fail to be disappointed. So, if a man expects to derive from metaphysics information which this science does not profess to impart, the mistake will lie with the man, and not with the science. This system, then, claims 