Studies in Human Nature. By J. B. Baillie. (Bell. 15s.
net..)— Professor Baillie, unlike some other philosophers, writes well and clearly, and does not take too exalted a view of his own subject. "Philosophy is not the only form of self-examination. It is one way to mental freedom "—but not the only way. "The best service which philosophy can render at any time is that of supplying a criticism of life." Such introductory remarks are encouraging, and the essays contained in the book do not disappoint us, notably "Certain Non-Logical Factors in the Process of Knowledge," "The Significance of Philosophical Scepticism," "Laughter and Tears : the Sense of Incongruity," and "Science and the Humanities." In this last-named essay the author boldly -speaks of the "geographical limitations" of science, whoa : "domicile seems as much restricted to specific localities as a botanical or an animal species." "The native habitat of the modern scientific spirit has been primarily the middle region of Europe," from Italy to the Baltic, and including Great Britain ; North America as a European colony is included for this purpose in Europe. "We talk glibly of science uniting all mankind in the bonds of truth. This is a mere academic super- stition. Laughter will hold people together better than logic." In Asia and Africa there are a few isolated scientists, but their peoples are non-scientific. Professor Baillie's essay, and indeed his whole book, will repay attention.
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