Aperçus de Taxinomie Générale

Abstract

EVERY scientific worker who takes in hand the task of classifying the objects of his study comes thereby into relation with the domain of logic and metaphysics. Whether this be done consciously or unconsciously, the classifier cannot avoid raising and dealing with questions which are the concern of philosophy as well as of physical science. The author of the book before us, starting from the position that all taxinomy (which form he prefers, on etymological grounds, to the more usual “taxonomy“) must conform to logical requirements, proceeds to give a careful and elaborate analysis of the principles of logical1 division so far as they are involved in the classifications of science. To this he adds a free criticism, mainly from the logical point of view, of the labours of scientific taxinomists; and in the last place he. furnishes some suggestions for the guidance of future workers in the same field. His preliminary analysis, if not very profound in its reasoning, is marked by the lucidity and good sense so constantly to be met with in writers of his nation. It does not add very much, except in clearness and fulness of treatment, to what is to be found in most standard works on logic, nor does it always avoid insisting at considerable length on the trite and obvious. This, however, evidently arises from the anxiety of the author to make himself thoroughly understood, and to allow no omission or ambiguity in the steps of his argument. He has certainly succeeded in expressing himself so clearly that whatever may be thought of his doctrine, no mistake can arise as to his meaning.

Aperçus de Taxinomie Générale.

Par J.-P. Durand (de Gros). Pp. 265. (Paris: Félix Alcan, 1899.)