28 BEGINNINGS OF PROTOPLASM. 



In the same way as the worlds came 

 into existence, so did protoplasm and man ; 

 all in pre-ordained time and succession, 

 and by pre-ordained means, nothing needing 

 special interposition. And as there may 

 still be worlds being formed out of nebulous 

 matter in the depths of space, so may 

 metals still be in the process of formation 

 in the interior of the earth, as protoplasm 

 is on the earth's surface. * 5 



In all probability protoplasm started in 

 infinitesimal specks, single molecules, in 

 the first instance the " primordial germs " 

 of Darwin, the " physiological units " of 

 Spencer. 1 6 And it may have started not 

 in one region only of the earth, but perhaps 

 in many localities ; in the depths of Nature's 

 laboratories, where there were suitable 

 conditions as to moisture, warmth, sun- 

 shine, or absence of sunshine ; and may 

 even now be starting in the same way, 

 under similar conditions. 1 ? 



is " The mind and will of the inscrutable Creator prevised 

 and pre-ordered the whole series of conditions which, by 

 their immutable action, inter-action, and rhythmic occur- 

 rence as 'laws' evolved the universe." DALLINGER, p. 41. 



1 6 See note to p; 1 1 . 



1 7 " Is it not conceivable that infinite resource, infinite 

 wisdom, infinite prevision and power, could in a manner, 

 which this illustration only suggests, have caused the 

 non-vital universe to become in some parts vital ? " 

 DALLINGER, p. 42. 



