; 
162 MR. DARWIN’S CRITICS v 
that nervous matter has attained a certain degree 
of organisation, just as we know the other 
“actions to which the nervous system ministers,” 
such as reflex action and the like, to be. As 
have ventured to state my view of the matte 
elsewhere, “our thoughts are the expression 
molecular changes in that matter of life which 1 
the source of our other vital phenomena.” ; 
Mr. Wallace objects to this statement in the 
following terms :— : 
‘* Not having been able to find any clue in Professor Huxley's 
writings to the steps by which he passes from those vital pheno- 
mena, which consist only, in their last analysis, of movements 
by particles of matter, to those other phenomena which we term 
thought, sensation, or consciousness ; but, knowing that so 
positive an expression of opinion from him will have great weight 
with many persons, I shall endeavour to show, with as much 
brevity as is compatible with clearness, that this theory is ne 
only incapable of proof, but is also, as it appears to me, 
inconsistent with accurate conceptions of molecular physics.” — 
With all respect for Mr. Wallace, it appears to” 
me that his remarks are entirely beside the ques- 
tion. I really know nothing whatever, and never 
hope to know anything, of the steps by which the 
passage from molecular movement to states of 
consciousness is effected; and I entirely agree 
with the sense of the passage which he quotes 
from Professor Tyndall, apparently imagining that 
it is In opposition to the view I hold. — | 
All that I have to say is, that, in my belie 
consciousness and molecular action are capable 
