PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. THE fourth edition of this volume, published in 1897, represented the Synthetic Philosophy as completed by Mr. Spencer. Since then he has published a revised and enlarged edition of The Principles of Biology, and a revised edition of First Principles. He has most kindly allowed me to adapt these alterations and additions to the following pages, which therefore represent the Philosophy in its latest and most complete form. November, 1901. F. H. C. 104750 PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. THE object of this volume is to give in a condensed form the general principles of Mr. Herbert Spencer's Philosophy as far as possible in his original words. In order to carry out this intention each section (§) has been reduced, with but few exceptions, to one tenth; the five thousand and more pages of the original being thus represented by a little over five hundred. The Epitome consequently represents The Synthetic Philosophy as it would be seen through a diminishing glass: the original proportion holding between all its varied parts. Should this volume lead the general reader to a better acquaintance with Mr. Spencer's own works, I shall feel amply repaid for my labour. My warmest thanks are due to Mr. Spencer for his invaluable preface; and also to Miss Beatrice Potter, and Mr. Henry R. Tedder, F.S.A., the able and accomplished secretary and librarian of the Athenæum Club, for their valuable suggestions while the work has been in progress. F. H. C. PREFACE. AFTER spending several years in the self-imposed task of making indexes to my books, for the efficient execution of which I am much indebted to him, Mr. F. Howard Collins volunteered to undertake a far larger and more difficult task. He expressed the wish to make an epitome of The Synthetic Philosophy; and asked me whether, if an epitome were satisfactorily made, I would agree to the publication of it. After some consideration I assented. > Before starting on a journey through an unknown region, study of a map is desirable; and a clear preliminary conception is more readily obtained from a small outline-map than from a large one full of details. In like manner, before commencing a series of volumes which, though all pervaded by certain organizing ideas, deal with various subjects, an introductory view presenting these organizing ideas in smaller space and freed from elaboration, can scarcely fail to facilitate comprehension. The epitome which Mr. Collins has prepared in the course of five years fulfils this purpose. Ill-health has prevented me from reading it through; but I have read portions taken at random here and |