Preface 



proofs, historical illustrations, analogies, and so 

 forth. But to largely alter or amend the essay 

 without seriously crippling it would be impossible ; 

 and though the form may be hurried or inade- 

 quate, yet as far as the actual contents and con- 

 clusions are concerned I still adhere to them 

 absolutely, and believe that time will show them 

 to be fully justified. 



With regard to my views on Modern Science 

 the last quarter of a century has curiously corro- 

 borated them. For while on the one hand — as 

 expected — the progress in actual discovery and 

 application of observed facts has been enormous, 

 the theories on the other hand about all these things 

 have receded more and more into the background, 

 and have passed almost out of sight. While 

 knowing, for instance, infinitely more about elec- 

 trical actions and adaptations than we did, we 

 seem to be if anything further off than ever from 

 any valid theory of what Electricity is. The same 

 with regard to Heat and Light, to Astronomical, 

 Biological and Geological " laws," and so forth. 

 On such matters Modern Science is on the verge 

 of confessing itself bankrupt, but not wishing 

 to do that, it keeps a discreet silence. 



The Atom, which I ventured (to the disgust of 

 my scientific friends) to make fun of 30 years 

 ago, has now exploded of itself as thoroughly as 

 a German *' coal-box " ; and the fixed Chemical 

 Elements of older days have of late dissolved 

 into protean vapours and emanations, ions and 

 electrons, impossible to follow through their end- 



