The following Inquiry was originally published in a more condensed form in 1831, as an Appendix to a collection of Ancient Fragments. Lambeth. BIBLIOTECE STATALE February 5, 1833. C. WHITTINGHAM, LONDON. METAPHYSICAL INQUIRY. THE revival of literature in modern times was slowly followed by the introduction of a better system of philosophy. In some branches of literature we have not surpassed the ancients, and in their philosophy perhaps there are some points, which, even at the present day, may not be altogether unworthy of attention. To Lord Bacon the philosophic world justly looks up as the father and founder of modern science. Yet we have, in many respects, unconsciously departed from his instructions, and have arrived at conclusions directly the reverse of his. The differences which occur are not such, as, in the infancy of science, might have es B |