INTERMEDIATE RÉGIME. 333 the convergent powers, spiritual and temporal, which constitutes the transitory régime, is a necessary consequence of all that we have been observing. Indeed, we need but look at the labours of metaphysicians and legists to see what their affinity is, amidst their rivalries; an affinity which stakes the philosophical ascendency of the one class on the political preponderance of the other. We may, then, regard as now complete the necessary explanation required by our fundamental law of human evolution, in order to its direct application to the study of this great phenomenon. That study will be guided by the consideration of the three dualisms which I have established as the only basis of sound historical philosophy. It is worth noticing the conformity of this law of succession, at once intellectual and material, social and political, with the historical order which popular reason has instinctively established, by distinguishing the ancient and the modern world, separated and reunited by the Middle Ages. The sociological law which I have propounded may be found to have for its destination to take up a vague empirical notion, hitherto barren, and render it rational and prolific. I hail this spontaneous coincidence, as giving a sanction to my speculative labours; and I claim this confirmation, in virtue of that great aphorism of positive philosophy which I have quoted so often, which enjoins upon all sound scientific theories to start from a point sufficiently accordant with the spontaneous indications of popular reason, of which true science is simply a special prolongation. The series of views of social dynamics sketched out in this chapter has established the fundamental law of human development, and therefore the bases of historical philosophy. We had before ascertained the spirit and method of that philosophy; and we may now therefore proceed to apply this great sociological conception to the analysis of the history of mankind. CHISWICK PRESS :-CHARLES WHITTINGHAM AND CO. TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE, LONDON. AN ALPHABETICAL LIST OF BOOKS CONTAINED IN BOHN'S LIBRARIES. Detailed Catalogue, arranged according to the various ADDISON'S Works. With the Notes of Bishop Hurd, Portrait, and 8 Plates of Medals and Coins. Edited by H. G. Bohn. 6 vols. 3s. 6d. each. ÆSCHYLUS, The Dramas of. Translated into English Verse by Anna Swanwick. 4th Edition, revised. 5s. The Tragedies of. Translated into Prose by T. A. Buckley, B.A. 3s. 6d. AGASSIZ and GOULD'S Outline of Comparative Physiology. Enlarged by Dr. Wright. With 390 Woodcuts. 5s. ALFIERI'S Tragedies. Translated into English Verse by Edgar A. Bowring, C. B. 2 vols. 35. 6d. each. ALLEN'S (Joseph, R. N.) Battles of the British Navy. Revised Edition, with 57 St el Engravings. 2 vols. 5s. each. AMMIANUS MARCELLINUS. History of Rome during the Reigns of Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens. Translated by Prof. C. D. Yonge, ANDERSEN'S Danish Legends ARIOSTO'S Orlando Furioso. Translated into English Verse by W. S. Rose. With Portrait, and 2 Į Steel Engravings. 2 vols. 55. cact ARISTOPHANES' Comedies. Translated by W. J. Hickie. 2 vols. 5s. each. |