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Logic II 8

able of classifications. Because the true classification,
when found, will be found, [?] when it is sufficiently
understood, to be in some covert way, numerical, it does not
follow that numerical classifications generally are of
any particular value.

The habit practice of naturalists, who are, of course, the
most exercised in classification of all men, is to give
precise definitions of their classes. This may be convenient,
but that anything is gained in scientific truth to nature in
that way I cannot believe. [ I admit my ignorance of
natural history is such that it is rather presumptuous in me
to profess any opinion on the subject.] I cannot help thinking
that the real classes are separated by causes of divergent
modes of growth which causes cannot be observed in themselves. How
can it be otherwise? But if this be so, probably not definition
based on observable characters of any importance
could place the dividing line in the right place; although

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