278 RELICS OF PRIMEVAL LIFE 



eclipse or any other physical phenomenon. Now, 

 there is not only no foundation in fact for these 

 assertions, but it is from our present standpoint not 

 conceivable that they can ever be realized. The 

 laws of inorganic matter give no data whence any 

 d priori deductions or calculations could be made 

 as to the structure and vital forces of the plant. 

 The plant gives no data from which we can cal- 

 culate the functions of the animal. The Protozoon 

 gives no data from which we can calculate the 

 specialties of the Mollusc, the Articulate, or the 

 Vertebrate. Nor unhappily do the present con- 

 ditions of life of themselves give us any sure 

 grounds for predicting the new creations that may 

 be in store for our old planet. Those who think 

 to build a philosophy and even a religion on such 

 data are mere dreamers, and have no scientific 

 basis for their dogmas. They are more blind 

 guides than our primaeval Protozoon himself would 

 be, in matters whose real solution lies in the 

 harmony of our own higher and immaterial nature 

 with the Being who is the author of all life — the 

 Father " from whom every family in heaven and 

 earth 13 named." 



