WHAT OF IT? AN OPEN LETTER TO STUDENTS 515 



find all matter composed of invisible atoms, each of which in turn is a solar 

 system almost inconceivably small, with electrons swinging in orbits 

 around the atomic nuclei somewhat as planets circle about the sun. And 

 everywhere in between these extremes we find evidence of design. Atoms 

 are arranged in definite patterns to form molecules. The electron micro- 

 scope has shown us how molecules arrange themselves in perfect patterns 

 to form crystals. While design is most regular and easily seen in the inor- 

 ganic world, it is also apparent in living things. The outward patterning 

 observable in the bodies of plants and animals is a reflection of inner 

 patterning of organs, tissues, and cells, and this patterning in turn is a reflec- 

 tion of patterning of genes in chromosomes. And the genes are composed 

 of complex but regular arrangements of atoms. And so it goes — every- 

 where there is design. Everything is conforming to definite forces acting 

 upon it, is obeying natural laws applicable to its particular state. Whence 

 come these natural laws? There we find the Creator. 



It may seem to you that we have drifted rather far from the subject of 

 evolution, but in reality we have not. Evolution is part of the great design, 

 or better it is the way in which certain parts of the design are being pro- 

 duced. The principles of evolutionary change discussed in previous chap- 

 ters are the means employed by the artist to paint the picture — to create 

 the design. In other words, the design was not completed in its entirety at 

 some distant time in the past; it is not completed even yet. The process is a 

 continuing one and the end is not in sight. 



Now I am perfectly well aware that some students of evolution conclude 

 that there is no design in evolution, that the whole process is haphazard, 

 without direction or goal. They point to the many evolutionary blind alleys 

 up which animals have gone, only to become extinct. They emphasize the 

 fact that evolution is not steadily progressive, that progress is frequently 

 followed by retrogression. They stress the point that animals do not seem to 

 evolve according to an established pattern, that how animals evolve de- 

 pends upon the opportunities which chance to befall them. All these things 

 are matters of observation, yet may not they in themselves form part of 

 the pattern? Why should we assume that the laws of the universe, includ- 

 ing those of evolution, must be so organized as to reach a goal by what 

 seems to our human minds the most direct route? And why should we con- 

 clude that if the natural laws do not seem to be leading toward a goal by 

 what seems to us a direct route, there is no soal at all? 



Admittedly these are matters of speculation. Perhaps the universe, in- 

 cluding evolution on this planet, has no design and no goal. But exercising 

 the prerogative of voicing my own opinion here, I submit that the point is 



