Thus the whole system of metaphysics consists of four principal
parts: 1. Ontology; 2. Rational Physiology; 3. Rational cosmology; and
4. Rational theology. The second part- that of the rational doctrine
of nature- may be subdivided into two, physica rationalis* and
psychologia rationalis.
*It must not be supposed that I mean by this appellation what is
generally called physica general is, and which is rather mathematics
than a philosophy of nature. For the metaphysic of nature is
completely different from mathematics, nor is it so rich in results,
although it is of great importance as a critical test of the
application of pure understanding-cognition to nature. For want of its
guidance, even mathematicians, adopting certain common notions-
which are, in fact, metaphysical- have unconsciously crowded their
theories of nature with hypotheses, the fallacy of which becomes
evident upon the application of the principles of this metaphysic,
without detriment, however, to the employment of mathematics in this
sphere of cognition.
The fundamental idea of a philosophy of pure reason of necessity
dictates this division; it is, therefore, architectonical- in
accordance with the highest aims of reason, and not merely
technical, or according to certain accidentally-observed
similarities existing between the different parts of the whole
science.
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