ole's _Laws of Thought_[161] both very elaborate works, and greatly
in the direction taken by ourselves. That the writers amazingly surpass
us in learning we most willingly admit, but we venture to pronounce of
both their learned treatises, that they deal with the subject in a mode
that is scholastic to an excess.... That their works have been for a
considerable space of time before the world and effected nothing, would
argue that they have overlooked the vital nature of the theme.... On
the whole, the writings of De Morgan and Boole go to the full
justification of our principle without in any wise so trenching upon
our ground as to render us open to reproach in claiming our Calculus as
a great discovery.... But we renounce any paltry jealousy as to a
matter so vast. If De Morgan and Boole have had a priority in the case,
to them we cheerfully shall resign the glory and honor. If such be the
truth, they have neither done justice to the discovery, nor to
themselves [quite true]. They have, under the circumstances, acted like
'the foolish man, who roasteth not that which he taketh {76} in
hunting.... It will be sufficient for us, however, to be the Columbus
of these great Americi, and popularize what they found, _if_ they found
it. We, as from the mountain top, will then become _their_ trumpeters,
and cry glory to De Morgan and glory to Boole, under Him who is the
source of all glory, the only good and wise, to Whom be glory for ever!
_If_ they be our predecessors in this matter, they have, under Him,
taken moral questions out of the category of probabilities, and
rendered them perfectly certain. In that case, let their books be read
by those who may doubt the principles this day laid before the world as
a great discovery, by our newspaper. Our cry shall be [Greek:
eurekasi]![162] Let us hope that they will join us, and henceforth keep
their light [_sic_] from under their bushel."

For myself, and for my old friend Mr. Boole, who I am sure would join me, I
disclaim both priority, simultaneity, and posteriority, and request that
nothing may be trumpeted from the mountain top except our abjuration of all
community of thought or operation with this _Novum Organum_.

To such community we can make no more claim than Americus could make to
being the forerunner of Columbus who popularized his discoveries. We do not
wish for