298 Aiticricaii Quarterly Microscopical Journal. 



are they ? The idea of an ether filling space, however probable, 

 rests upon conjecture. Even atoms are not objective. Cieology 

 requires a theory of its records. In fact, Hackel shows the im- 

 possibility of teaching science at all, if Virchow's position is 

 tenable. 



Prof. Virchow renders himself liable to severe criticism by 

 his assertion that the attempt to depose church dogmas, and place 

 in their stead the religion of descent, must fail. Hackel is not 

 slow to avail himself of this opportunity to reply, and takes issue 

 with his opponent in no measured terms. With this assertion at 

 least he has no patience. He asks pertinently, which idea of reli- 

 gion is to be adopted, and leaves his opponent to define upon 

 what scientific basis the chosen one shall rest. A discussion 

 follows upon the connection between socialism and the doctrine 

 of descent, in which any logical contact of the two is disclaimed. 

 The theory of descent, it is asserted, is aristocratic in the fullest 

 sense, and warning is given against the misapplication of scientific 

 theories. 



The views of Prof. Virchow have naturally been received with 

 delight by the clerical party in (Germany, and have also been 

 applauded, owing to the odium brought upon the theory of 

 descent, by falsely coupling it with the political vagaries of the 

 socialists. . The alarm about these malcontents extends to any 

 philosophical views which appear to be in dissonance with the 

 established social condition. The high standing of Virchow has 

 lent an additional weight to his argument ; opposed to him stands 

 Hackel, the uncompromising advocate of free thought. 



Owing to these tides of opinion, which ebb and flow in the 

 ocean of human thought, it is well at times to have a restatement 

 of the positions of the leaders — reports from the outlying posts 

 of the tendencies of intellectual progress. Theories should stand 

 the tests of criticism, hostile and appreciative ; and as they 

 approximate the truth, their value is proportionately increased. 

 What seem to be certainties are, after all, only probabilities : 

 science only can show what is the most likely to recur under 

 similar conditions, and to it are we indebted for all positive 

 advancement. 



Hackel, in basing his conclusions upon observation and experi- 

 ment, seems to approach nearer the truth than any who advocate 

 views from mere conjecture. 



In raising the "odium theologicum " against purely scientific 



