Page:Things Japanese (1905).djvu/68

56 Perhaps the lack of a word for "nature" is a strength. For does not the word "nature" In our Western tongues serve to conceal, and therefore encourage, confusion of ideas? When we talk, for instance, of being "inspired by nature," what precise sense can be attached to the phrase? Sometimes "nature"—especially with a big N—is a kind of deistic synonym or euphemism for the Creator, who becomes "she" for the nonce. At other times it denotes His creatures. Sometimes it is the universe minus man; some times it is man's impulses as opposed to his conscious acts. Sometimes it sums up all that is reasonable and proper; sometimes, as in theological parlance, the exact reverse. The word "nature" is a Proteus. It stands for everything in general and nothing in particular,—impossible to define, and serving only as a will-o'-the-wisp to mislead metaphysically minded persons.

 Asiatic Society of Japan. This society was founded in 1872, for "the collection of information and the investigation of subjects relating to Japan or other Asiatic countries." The two seats of the Society are Tōkyō and Yokohama. The entrance fee is 5 yen, and the yearly fee likewise 5 yen to residents, but 3 yen to non-residents. It is also optional to residents to become life-members by paying the entrance fee and a lump sum of 50 yen; similarly, to non-residents for the entrance fee and 30 yen. Candidates are elected by the Council of the Society. Persons desirous of membership should, therefore, apply to the Secretary or to some other member of the Council. Members receive the Transactions