f  It  follows  from  this  attribute  that  there  can  be  no  scientific  study
of  society,  either  in  its  conditions  or  its  movements,  if  it  is  sep*
arated  into  portions,  and  its  divisions  are  studied  apart.  I  have
already  remarked  upon  this,  in  regard  to  what  is  called  political
economy.  Materials  may  be  furnished  by  the  observation  of  dif-
ferent departments;  and  such  observation  may  be  necessary  for
that  object ;  but  it  can  not  be  called  science.  The  methodical  di-
vision of  studies  which  takes  place  in  the  simple  inorganic  sciences
is'thoroughly  irrational  in  the  recent  and  complex  science  of  soci-
ety, and  can  produce  no  results.  The  day  may  come  when  some
sort  of  subdivision  may  be  practicable  and  desirable ;  but  it  is  im-
possible for  us  now  to  anticipate  what  the  principle  of  distribution
may  be  ;  for  the  principle  itself  must  arise  from  the  development
of  the  science  ;  and  that  development  can  take  place  no  otherwise
than  by  our  formation  of  the  science  as  a  whole.  The  complete
body  will  indicate  for  itself,  at  the  right  season,  the  particular
points  which  need  investigation ;  and  then  will  be  the  time  for  such
special  study  as  may  be  required.  By  any  other  method  of  pro-
ceeding, we  shall  only  find  ourselves  encumbered  with  special  dis-
cussions, badly  instituted,  worse  pursued,  and  accomplishing  no
other  purpose  than  that  of  impeding  the  formation  of  real  science.
