IN our attempt to determine the several periods of Grecian philosophy, we characterised the third and last as that of its decline, and the history of this period will furnish an unbroken chain of testimony to the justness of this designation. But, as we formerly remarked, this check in the progress of philosophy cannot justly be regarded as a general retardation of human enlightenment. For the decline of philosophy does not necessarily involve anything more than a decay of the intrinsic and coneen trating energy of scientific culture, with which, however, its diffusion over both a more extensive range of matter, and a wider circle Of mind, may very well consist. Indeed, it is possible that, in all other branches of mental culture, considerable advancement may accompany the decline of philo sophy. And such indeed was actually the case; as in fact it could not well be otherwise, unless we were at liberty to suppose, that during the many centuries which compose this period of our history, the human mind had been asleep, and never once awoke into activity. Iv.

If to the right understanding of the earlier periods of this history, a brief sketch of the general state of literature and intelligence which prevailed in them were necessary, it is particularly so in the present case, since the weaker the philosophical impulse becomes, the more dependent is it on the circumstances of its age. In this sketch the most prominent feature will be the state of Rome, which had now become the centre of the civilized world, and with which consequently all the rest was more or less connected, and of which, on this account, our information is the most complete. Other places, however, which are at this time principal seats of learning will also claim our notice. Thus, notwith standing our wish to be brief, these preliminary remarks will inevitably extend to a greater length than any others which it has appeared advisable to introduce in this history.

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