IN THE BEGINNING 69 



evolution of the comparatively stable atom and of the chemical 

 element is not more wonderful. You might as well claim a 

 "guiding and controlling " principle in the atom of carbon, 

 with its complex arrangement of electrons, as in the biogen 

 or the Procytella. In each case the " soul " is the har- 

 monious adjustment of the energies of the separate particles. 



Lastly, let me emphasise the fact that modern physics has 

 introduced a new factor that may have been very important 

 in this creation of stable groups of molecules of plasm, 

 mean radio-activity. Without giving positive adhesion to 

 Mr. Burke's claims, it is most instructive to examine them. 

 He and other students claim that they have turned the 

 battery of radium particles on tubes of organic matter, and 

 after a time living things have appeared in the carefully 

 sterilised solutions. This would mean that under the fierce 

 rain of electrons, or particles of electricity (or particles of 

 ether charged with electricity), the molecules once more 

 grouped themselves into stable clusters. Now, it is quite 

 impossible to say what may or may not have been the extent 

 of radio-activity in the peculiar early stages of our planet, 

 and so we have in it a very distinct possibility of great 

 importance. 



It is along these lines that the experts who are chiefly 

 engaged on the problem of the origin of life are proceeding. 

 They have already formulated conjectures that dispense us 

 from calling in the mystic aid of a creator. As Lord Kelvin 

 insisted long ago : " If a probable solution, consistent with 

 the ordinary course of nature, can be found, we must not 

 invoke an act of Creative Power." With the gathering 



