order and conduct of a battle, than the use to be made of the battle
itself. Yonder physical weapons clash with each other, and although mind
is not wanting therein, matter must have its rights. But in the effects
to be produced by battles when the material results become motives, we
have only to do with the moral nature. In a word, it is easier to make a
theory for TACTICS than for STRATEGY.

27. THEORY MUST BE OF THE NATURE OF OBSERVATIONS NOT OF DOCTRINE.

The second opening for the possibility of a theory lies in the point of
view that it does not necessarily require to be a DIRECTION for action.
As a general rule, whenever an ACTIVITY is for the most part occupied
with the same objects over and over again, with the same ends and means,
although there may be trifling alterations and a corresponding number of
varieties of combination, such things are capable of becoming a subject
of study for the reasoning faculties. But such study is just the most
essential part of every THEORY, and has a peculiar title to that name.
It is an analytical investigation of the subject that leads to an exact
knowledge; and if brought to bear on the results of experience, which in
our case would be military history, to a thorough familiarity with it.
The nearer theory attains the latter object, so much the more it passes
over from the objective form of knowledge into the subjective one of
skill in action; and so much the more, therefore, it will prove itself
effective when circumstances allow of no other decision but that of
personal talents; it will show its effects in that talent itself. If
theory investigates the subjects which constitute War; if it separates
more distinctly that which at first sight seems amalgamated; if it
explains fully the properties of the means; if it shows their probable
effects; if it makes evident the nature of objects; if it brings to
bear all over the field of War the light of essentially critical
investigation--then it has fulfilled the chief duties of its province.
It becomes then a guide to him who wishes to make himself acquainted
with War from books; it lights up the whole road for him, facilitates
his progress, educates his judgment, and shields him from error.

If a man of expertness spends half his life in the endeavour to clear up
an obscure subject thoroughly, he will probably know more about it than
a person who seeks to master it in a short time. Theory is instituted
that each person in succ