Psychology
Psychology (from ψυχή, the soul, and λόγος, a discourse) is that branch of metaphysics which treats of the nature and relations of the human spirit. It has been divided into rational, or speculative, and empirical, or practical. (See Fleming and Krauth, Vocab. of Philos. s.v.)
Biblical Psychology is a term lately applied to the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures on the subject, especially as to the distinction between the rational and immortal soul in man (רוּחִ, πνεῦμα), and the animal, sensitive, and affectional spirit (נֶפֶשׁ, ψυχή). The subject has been treated with great acumen by Delitzsch (Biblical Psychology, tr. from the German, Edinb. 1867); but the results are rather curious than satisfactory. (See Brit. Quar. Rev. Jan. 1873, p. 162; New-Englander, July. 1873, art. iv.) In fact, the Bible has no scientific nomenclature, and the attempt to reduce its terms to the strict definitions of modern classification, especially on so obscure and abstract a subject, must necessarily prove abortive. SEE MIND.
