5

Logic II 5

part in determining the conclusions of the botany and
zoology. The reason they hold cause of their holding this opinion is that on has two factors;
the one hand firstly, that they understand attach a metaphysical signification
to the term natural or real class, and secondly that they have embraced
a system of metaphysics according to which there which allows them to believe in
is no such thing as that which they have defined a real
or natural class to be. Far be it from me to wish to close any avenue
by which truth may be reached arrived at; and if botanists and
zoologists come to the conclusion that botany and zoology
must rest upon metaphysics, I have not a word of
objection to make. Only I can tell them that metaphysics is
a most difficult science, presenting more pitfalls for
the uninformed than almost any, which a mere amateur
at it must should would be foolish to fancy that he
could escape. Therefore, if botany and zoology must
perforce rest upon metaphysics, by all means let this metaphysics be
recognized as an explicit branch of those sciences, and be treated in a