of all modern movements in this science (the most fruitful, with, perhaps, the sole exception of that which is referred to Beneke), will scarcely approve of such phrases as " the hideously fabulous performances of the Herbartian Vorstellungen" (II, p. 585); "hideous . . . glib Herbartian jargon" (I, p. 603), etc.
It is also doubtful whether so-called neo-Kantians will feel a warm sympathy with an author who ascribes "wanton assumption," "a thoroughly mythological position," to Kant; and who speaks of the view which cannot discover the origin of "space-intuitions" in the primitive sensation-complexes, as "Kantian machine-shop." That admirers of Herbert Spencer will not relish having his most elaborate theories pronounced "vagueness incarnate," "scandalous vagueness," "chromo-philosophy " (I, p. 149), "trade upon his reader's lack of discernment," the result of his being "bound to pretend," "beneath criticism" (II, p. 576), etc., scarcely requires to be said. The list of names, both well known and less known, to whom similar tributes are paid by these volumes is by no means a brief one.
On the other hand, personal acquaintances of the author will understand that this somewhat too free, and even loose, way of treating the opinions of others is not to be interpreted as indicating malice, prejudice, or lack of generous appreciation of fellow-workmen. They will rightly interpret it as native exuberance of interest in all the possible phases of all psychological problems. At worst, it is the irresistible but kindly disposition to hit a head wherever one is visible. And those who attend the fair should not feel irritated if they, or their dear friends, are among its temporary victims — so interesting and stimulating is the display of psychological wares and the distribution of the prizes.
Of the question of style we are interested to speak, only as it bears upon the more important questions of interpretation and of criticism. In fact, Professor James' style is such as necessarily to provoke criticism, favorable or unfavorable; but it is also such as to make calm and satisfactory criticism particularly difficult. One is constantly tempted to exclaim: Brilliantly and captivatingly said; yet I am not sure whether you mean exactly this,
