in this Review (vol. iv, p. 572):—"This edition of Mill's chief ethical writings is designed for the use of those who are beginning the study of moral science, and has been prepared in the belief that there is no better introduction to this subject than an accurate knowledge of Mill's ethical theory.… It is very important that the student should approach the problems of moral experience in a treatment of them which maintains the human interest of the subject, rather than in purely technical discussions, in which this interest may not appear to those who have not learned their importance; and Mill's simplicity, his seriousness, the fervor of his appreciation of morality, and his largeness of outlook, help to make his work a real introduction to ethical studies. That his errors are not the least instructive part of his writings is one of the many good results of his singular and unfailing candor." Thinking it unfortunate that the student's attention should be limited to the ethical statement of the Utilitarianism, "divorced from the conception of the method of ethical science by which Mill's work as a moralist is determined," Dr. Douglas has "prefaced the Utilitarianism by the chapters from his System of Logic in which that conception is chiefly set forth. It has also seemed desirable to give an opportunity of supplementing the knowledge of Mill's ethics which is to be gained from a study of these chapters, and of Utilitarianism, by quoting, as footnotes and appendices, passages from his other writings, which corroborate, supplement, or correct the statements of the text. It is hoped that in this way a reasonably complete account of Mill's ethical theory is presented.… The Introductory Essays, on Mill's theory of method, are intended to guide the student in his interpretation and criticism of the ethical writings, and to connect these writings with Mill's philosophy as a whole, and with his place in the development of speculation" (Preface). The Essays are entitled "Ethics and Induction," "Ethics and Psychology," and "Ethics and Morality." There is also an "Analysis," by the editor, of the chapters quoted from Mill. (Review will follow.)
The readers of Mr. Spencer's attacks on the great 'political fetish' of our age, so-called paternalistic legislation, have probably noticed with surprise the assurance with which he affirms that the conditions required for human evolution will be supplied under the régime of laissez-faire. It is true that his doctrine of individual rights is put forward as a rigorous deduction from the fundamental principle of justice, any extended interference with which, we are informed, will inevitably bring the evolutionary process to a standstill. Nevertheless the contrast between this fine theory and the facts observable in those societies whose members are most 'free to do what they will,' is so glaring that one can scarcely understand how it
