THE HUMAN MIND: A DISCOURSE ON ITS ACQUIREMENTS AND HISTORY. By S. W. FULLOM, AUTHOR OF THE MARVELS OF SCIENCE," ETC. ETC. "The knowledge of man is as the waters-some descending from IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: CHARLES JOSEPH SKEET, KING WILLIAM STREET, CHARING CROSS. 1858. 270. 6.53. PREFACE. THE history of the human mind is the whole progress of man. It embraces every discovery of science, every achievement of art, every intellectual and mechanical invention. It comprehends, besides, all the errors and delusions, all the false theories, and all the superstitions, which have at any period beset the human race. Nor is even this the limit of the subject; for it claims some notice of the great leaders of the movement, as examples of the power, and instances of the versatility of the understanding; and, finally, it treats of the various systems of mental philosophy, morals, and religion, which have from time to time prevailed among mankind. A subject so vast, if viewed in its full extent, might defy the grasp of a single work; but I have thought it possible to catch up its salient points, and give, in a readable compass, an outline of a story so universally interesting. In carrying out this design, I have preserved a chronological sequence, except where it would involve repetition; and, as far as my space would permit, have endeavoured to present every incident that has signally influenced the progress of knowledge. The state of my health obliges me to lay down the pen; and I shall feel the greater satisfaction if this work, as it is to be my last, should prove useful. Nor can I conclude without expressing my acknowledgments to the public, and to my brethren of the press, for the favour with which they have received my productions, which makes me regret the more that my vocation is at an end. 20, CHALCOT TERRACE, PRIMROSE HILL, December 2, 1857. S. W. F. |