into relief in contrast with the so…called non…essential。 But in order to render this possible； we must
know what is essential； and that is — in view of the History of the World in general — the
Consciousness of Freedom； and the phases which this consciousness assumes in developing itself。
The bearing of historical facts on this category； is their bearing on the truly Essential。 Of the
difficulties stated； and the opposition exhibited to prehensive conceptions in science； part must
be referred to the inability to grasp and understand Ideas。 If in Natural History some monstrous
hybrid growth is alleged as an objection to the recognition of clear and indubitable classes or
species； a sufficient reply is furnished by a sentiment often vaguely urged； — that “the exception
confirms the rule；” i。e。； that it is the part of a well…defined rule； to hew the conditions in which it
applies； or the deficiency or hybridism of cases that are abnormal。 Mere Nature is too weak to
keep its genera and species pure； when conflicting with alien elementary influences。 If； e。g。； on
considering the human organisation in its concrete aspect； we assert that brain； heart； and so forth
are essential to its organic life； some miserable abortion may be adduced； which has on the whole
the human form； or parts of it； — which has been conceived in a human body and has breathed
after birth therefrom； — in which nevertheless no brain and no heart is found。 If such an instance is
quoted against the general conception of a human being — the objector persisting in using the
name； coupled with a superficial idea respecting it — it can be proved that a real； concrete human
being； is a tru