bodies, appeared like a man in his sober senses in comparison with those who heretofore had been speaking at random and in the dark."—Metaph. i. 3.
12. Aristotle compliments Anaxagoras thus highly because he was the first to introduce into philosophy the conception of ends or final causes. The argument founded on final causes has been largely insisted on in modern times. It is known popularly as the argument from design, the argument which, from the contemplation of the marks of forethought and contrivance observable in the objects and operations of nature, rises to the conception of a one all-wise, all-powerful, and all-benevolent Artificer of the universe. This argument, which is also called the argument a posteriori for the being and attributes of God, has been handled in modern times by many writers of distinguished ability, among whom may be mentioned with special commendation Dr Paley, and our own eminent Principal, Dr Tulloch, of St Mary's. These authors have worked out the argument in all its bearings, and their writings cannot be too strongly recommended to students, whether of philosophy or theology. But the argument was broached more than two thousand years ago by the philosopher of whom we are treating. Anaxagoras, as I said, was the first to introduce into philosophy the conception of ends or final causes, a conception which implies an intelligent principle as the upholder and designer of all things. He was
