Thus, although the writer is fundamentally in sympathy with the goal of Mr. Spencer's attempt, and although he accepts the same at posteriori truths, he is nevertheless compelled to criticise adversely the ambitious claims of the system, with the faultiness of reasoning and general bad workmanship entailed by the supposed accomplish ment of the endeavour. Although it is important that established truths should be frankly accepted, however inharmonious with previous beliefs, it is equally important that imperfections of theory should be freely acknow ledged. The attempt to outrun the gradual growth of knowledge by filling in every hiatus with theoretical ex planations is a positive obstruction to the progress of science.

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