In all cases, the method is still that of alignment and blending of pre-
existent concepts.

Now the mere fact of proceeding thus is equivalent to setting up the
concept as a symbol of an abstract class. That being done, explanation of
a thing is no more than showing it in the intersection of several classes,
partaking of each of them in definite proportions: which is the same as
considering it sufficiently expressed by a list of general frames into
which it will go. The unknown is then, on principle, and in virtue of this
theory, referred to the already known; and it thereby becomes impossible
ever to grasp any true novelty or any irreducible originality.

On principle, once more, we claim to reconstruct nature with pure symbols;
and it thereby becomes impossible ever to reach its concrete reality, "the
invisible and present soul."

This intuitional coinage in fixed standard concepts, this creation of an
easily handled intellectual cash, is no doubt of evident practical utility.
For knowledge in the usual sense of the word is not a disinterested
operation; it consists in finding out what profit we can draw from an
object, how we are to conduct ourselves towards it, what label we can
suitably attach to it, under what already known class it comes, to what
degree it is deserving of this or that title which determines an attitude
we must take up, or a step we must perform. Our end is to place the object
in its approximate class, having regard to advantageous employment or to
everyday language. Then, and only then, we find our pigeon-holes all
ready-made; and the same parcel of reagents meets all cases. A universal
catechism is here in existence to meet every research; its different
clauses define so many unshifting points of view, from which we regard each