Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1836, by JACOB ABBOTT, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.

idering Materialism as not only unfounded, nature opposed to the First Principles of Philoiry

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relieving that the Thinking Principle is in its Es-
endent of the Body, and will survive it

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is entirely independent of our Speculations respectImmateriality of the Thinking Principle, and rests on es of evidence altogether different

to be something necessary as a guide to the contents of the page, both for the pupil in reviewing the lesson, and for the teacher at the recitation. That minute and familiar acquaintance, not only with the doctrines taught in the lesson, but with the particular contents of every page and paragraph, so essential in enabling the teacher to ask his questions with fluency, very few teachers have the time to seThe editor has accordingly added an analysis of the page in the margin. This analysis is given sometimes in questions, and sometimes in topics or titles, which can easily be put by the teacher into the form of questions if he pleases; or, what will perhaps be better, they can, at the recitation, be given to the pupil as topics, on which he is to state in substance the sentiments of the author.

cure.

In regard to the value of Dr. Abercrombie's treatise, there is, and there can be, but one opinion. Its useful tendency is most decided, both in making the pupil acquainted with his powers, and in guiding him to the most efficient and successful use of them. The effect of a proper study of this work must be highly salutary upon every mind brought under its influence; and it is a kind of effect which is exactly suited to guard against the peculiar dangers of the age.

Boston, September, 1833.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION

Design of the Study

Qualifications for engaging in it.

1. Ability to understand the language of the Book

2. Ability to appreciate the Thoughts

3. Willingness to make the proper effort

Method of pursuing the study

Particular directions

Page.

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PART I.

OF THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF OUR KNOWLEDGE

OF MIND.

Our Knowledge of Mind limited entirely to Facts

Ideal Theory of the Old Philosophy

Grounds for considering Materialism as not only unfounded,

but as in its nature opposed to the First Principles of Philo-
sophical Inquiry

Grounds for believing that the Thinking Principle is in its Es-
sence independent of the Body, and will survive it

This Belief is entirely independent of our Speculations respect-

ing the Immateriality of the Thinking Principle, and rests on

a species of evidence altogether different

PART II.

OF THE ORIGIN OF OUR KNOWLEDGE OF FACTS RE-
LATING BOTH TO MATTER AND MIND.

SECTION I.

SENSATION AND PERCEPTION.

Of the Primary and Secondary Properties of Matter
Knowledge of the Properties of Matter by the Senses
Of our Knowledge of Distance and Magnitude .
Apparent improvement of some Senses after loss of others
Of our Knowledge of the Nature of Perception
Remarkable Influence of Attention

Habits of Attention and Inattention
Of False Perceptions

SECTION II.

CONSCIOUSNESS AND REFLECTION.

Of the Knowledge which we derive from Consciousness and Re-

flection

1. The Knowledge of our Mental Processes

2. Compound Notions,-as Time, Cause, Motion

3. First Truths, or Intuitive Articles of Belief

SECTION III.

TESTIMONY.

Rules by which we estimate the Credibility of Testimony

Confidence in Testimony in regard to statements at variance

with our Personal Observation or Experience.

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Objections which have been made to the Reception of such State-

ments on the Evidence of Testimony

Fallacy of these Objections, and Grounds of our Confidence in

Testimony

Distinction between Events, which are marvellous and those

which are miraculous