We do not know that our readers would thank us, were we to attempt to give a complete system of meta physics. But, in truth, notwithstanding all that has been done, the attempt is too vast for any individual. Many have elucidated with peculiar success, particular branches of metaphysical science ; and they who have attempted more, have, in general, only demonstrated the deficiency of their qualifications, and the futility of their labours. We doubt not, therefore, that our pru dence will be approved in declining an undertaking in which so many have failed, though gifted with respec table talents, and armed with high pretensions. We have given in the article Loom, under the head Pneu matology, (which we have considered as embracing Psychology, the most interesting branch of metaphy sics,) an account of the origin of our knowledge, of the way in which the mind receives its impressions, of the methods which it employs to communicate its ideas, and of the various circumstances which tend to modify its conceptions. These topics, which might with pro priety have fallen under the present article, being al ready discussed, shall not be repeated. In the article MORAL PHILOSOPHY also, will be found some important discussions respecting the influence of the will and the affections, and the liberty or necessity of human actions. It is therefore unnecessary to dwell on these subjects here. We shall merely attempt a rapid sketch of what has been done in metaphysics ; and this, rather with a view to point out to our readers the subjects and scope of the science, than to require their acquiescence in the doctrines and speculations which have been so elabo rately detailed.
Aristotle stands at the head of metaphysicians in point of priority of time, and probably also in point of pre-eminence of intellect. What he fails to elucidate, lie envelopes in such a veil of mysticism and perplexing phraseology, that it is scarcely possible to divine his meaning, much less to correct his errors. This circum stance has misled many of his followers and admirers, who, trusting to his infallibility, and convinced that every thing he says must have a profound, if it has not an ob vious meaning, have laboured with most indefatigable industry to elucidate his inscrutable researches, and to persuade the world that they contain the substance and essence of all knowledge. The very obscurity which hangs over the writings of Aristotle has tended to in crease his fame, and to exalt the reputation of his genius. For ingenious men finding many passages of transcendent excellence in the writings of Aristotle, and many most profound and sublime speculations, have given him cre dit for a species of omniscience in every kind of science ; and whenever any thing occurs which is not very obvious, they uniformly asrribe the difficulty to the profundity of the author's views, and not to the obscurity of his con ceptions. Their own minds being at the same time pre occupied by some favourite metaphysical notions, they eagerly watch for any hint in the writings of their idol, which may serve to confirm their own opinion. These hints they may easily find. By disjoining one passage from another, or by connecting remote passages accord ing to their own conceptions, they may make Aristotle speak any language, and lend his suffrage to any set of philosophical opinions. Those passages which are most
obscure, will generally answer the purpose best. As they cannot he decidedly claimed as supporting an ob vious doctrine, we are ready to feel thankful to any who can attach to them a rational meaning ; and we generally find it as easy to assent to it, as to establish a different or opposite signification.
It is, however, but fair to remark, that Aristotle is perhaps scarcely chargeable with one half of the obscurity which now envelopes his writings ; and probably also, he is not entitled to full credit for many of the most useful doctrines contained in them. We allude to the vicissitudes which his writings have undergone, and to the mangled and mutilated state in which many of them were found. After having lain in a subterraneous cavern in the town of Scepsis, for 130 years, they were brought to light, and sold to Apellico, a Teian, who, with inju dicious industry, supplied from his own conjectures such passages as had become illegible. It is impossible to ascertain the extent of these supplementary emendations, which, in all probability, savoured more of the opinions of the transcriber than of the spirit of Aristotle. But this was not the last ordeal which they underwent. It is well known that they were transferred to Rome by Sylla, after the taking of Athens. Here Tyrannion, a gram marian, having obtained permission to make use of the manuscripts, employed ignorant amanuenses to take copies of them, which he suffered to pass out of his hands without proper correction. These errors have been continued by succeeding commentators and tran scribers, who have often introduced into the text con jectural emendations and variations. All ancient writings are liable, in a greater or less degree, to such acci dents; but none so much as those which record philo sophical doctrines ; for here, if there is a possibility of perversion, the commentator or transcriber will endea vour to make the text subservient to his preconceived opinions.
At present, we are only concerned with the metaphy sics of Aristotle ; and of these we shall give as concise an account as possible. According to him, the funda mental principle of ontology is, that it is impossible that the same thing should be, and not be, in the same subject, at the same time, and in the same respect. To this universal principle all demonstration may be reduced. Being may be reduced into the ten categories, or pre dicaments, which are, I. Substance, which is either pri mary, and can neither be predicated of, nor inherent in, any other subject : or secondary, which subsists in pri mal y substances, as genera or species. 2. Quantity, con tinued or discrete; which has no contrary, and denomi nates things equal or unequal. S. Relation, expressing the manner in which one thing is affected towards ano the•. 4. Quality, by which a thing is said to be such as it is. 5. .1ction, signifying the motion of the agent. 6. Passion, signify ing the state of the patient. 7. When, denoting time. 8. Where, denoting place. 9. Situa tion, expressing the external circumstance of local rela tion. 10. Habit, expressing the external circumstance of being habited.