138 EVOLUTION AND MAN*S PLACE IN NATURE 



natural sciences/ and it becomes apparent that they 

 are sectional in their interpretation of Nature. Here 

 are the words of Helniholtz : The iimof the natural 



^ 



sciences is to resolve themselves into mechanics/^&quot; a 

 j statement repeated in analogous terms by Kirchkoff, 

 Wundt, and Haeckel, and generally recognised in 

 the widest interpretation of physics. Within these 

 boundaries the characteristics of rational life are not 

 included. Recent advances in physical science are 

 carrying us towards the conclusion that there is 

 close connection between electricity, magnetism, 

 light, and heat. This conclusion gives greater vivid 

 ness to the essential contrast presented by the laws 

 appearing in the world of thought. Herbert Spencer 

 has said, thought leads by the pathway of the Know- 

 able, to a belief in an Absolute that transcends not 

 only human knowledge, but human conception ; 

 and he alleges that in this belief lies the only poss 

 ible reconciliation of science and religion. - Or shall 

 we turn to a literary authority, less concerned with 

 exactness of scientific distinctions, and more with 

 the amazing complexity of the conditions of human 

 life ? Then let us take an extract from Hallam, 

 when he is treating of Pascal s Thoughts. It might 

 be wandering from the proper subject of these 

 volumes if we were to pause, even shortly, to 

 inquire whether, while the creation of a world so full 

 of evil must ever remain the most inscrutable of 

 mysteries, we might not be led some way in tracing 

 the connection of moral and physical evil in man 

 kind, with his place in that creation ; and especially 



1 Popular- Wissenschaftliche Vortrage, 1869. 

 - First Principles, p. 46. 



