RELATIONS OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS 603 



a spot would be one-sided both in its structure and subsequent dis- 

 solution. Were there thinking beings at such a spot their impressions 

 of time would be the same as ours, although the course of events in 

 the universe as a whole would not be one-sided. The above-developed 

 theory does indeed go boldly beyond our experience, but it has the 

 merit which every such theory should have of showing us the facts 

 of experience in an entirely new light and of inspiring us to new 

 thought and reflection. In contradistinction to the first fundamental 

 law, the second one is merely based on probability, as Gibbs pointed 

 out in the 70's of the last century. 



I have not avoided philosophical questions, in the firm hope that 

 cooperation between philosophy and natural science will give new 

 sustenance to both; indeed, that only in this manner a consistent 

 argument can be carried through. I agree with Schiller when he 

 says to the scientists and philosophers of his day, " Let there be strife 

 between you, and the union will come speedily;" I believe that the 

 time for this union has now arrived. 



