I already regarded the methods of physical science as the proper models for political.

But the chief benefit which I derived at this time from the trains of thought suggested by the St.Simonians and by Comte, was, that I obtained a clearer conception than ever before of the peculiarities of an era of transition in opinion, and ceased to mistake the moral and intellectual characteristics of such an era, for the normal attributes of humanity.

I looked forward, through the present age of loud disputes but generally weak convictions, to a future which shall unite the best qualities of the critical with the best qualities of the organic periods; unchecked liberty of thought, unbounded freedom of individual action in all modes not hurtful to others; but also, convictions as to what is right and wrong, useful and pernicious, deeply engraven on the feelings by early education and general unanimity of sentiment, and so firmly grounded in reason and in the true exigencies of life, that they shall not, like all former and present creeds, religious, ethical, and political, require to be periodically thrown off and replaced by others.
M.Comte soon left the St.Simonians, and I lost sight of him and his writings for a number of years.

But the St.Simonians I continued to cultivate.

I was kept _au courant_ of their progress by one of their most enthusiastic disciples, M.Gustave d'Eichthal, who about that time passed a considerable interval in England.