A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy

This landmark work sets out the principles and methods of scientific investigation, both at the theoretical and the practical level.

John Frederick William Herschel (Author)

9781108000178, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 July 2009

388 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.2 cm, 0.49 kg

Astronomer and philosopher J. F. W. Herschel's A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy, originally published in 1830, can be regarded as the first modern work on the philosophy of science. In this book, Herschel carefully sets out what he regards as the principles and methods of scientific investigation, both at a theoretical level and at the level of experiment or observation. He describes nature as being governed by laws which are difficult to discern by mere observation and so deduces that theoretical science requires analogical reasoning. In the Discourses, written as the first in a series called Cabinet Cyclopaedia, he covers a wide range of methodological, scientific and philosophical subjects that include discussions of contemporary astronomy, atomism and chemistry. His writing on light is heavily influenced by Newton. Herschel also ponders the differences between human beings and animals and the relationship between religious faith and scientific enquiry.

Part I. Of the General Nature and Advantages of the Study of Physical Sciences: 1. Of man
2. Of abstract science
3. Of the nature and objects
Part II. Of the Principles on which Physical Science Relies for its Successful Prosecution, and the Rules by which a Systematic Examination of Nature Should be Conducted, with Illustrations of their Influence as Exemplified in the History of its Progress: 4. Of experience
5. Of the analysis of phenomena
6. Of the state of physical science in general
7. Of the observation of facts and the collection of instances
8. Of the classification of natural objects and phenomena
9. Of the first stage of induction
10. Of the higher degrees of inductive generalisation
Part III. Of the Subdivision of Physics into Distinct Branches, and their Mutual Relations: 11. Of the phenomena of forces
12. Of the communication of motion through bodies
13. Of cosmical phenomena
14. Of the examination of the material constituents of the world
15. Of the imponderable forms of matter
16. Of the causes of the actual rapid advance of the physical sciences.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]