BIONOMICS 187 



" We know now that the problem of the process of cell- 

 growth and cell-nutrition is not one which we have at present 

 any prospect of solving in a mechanistic direction," says 

 Dr. J. S. Haldane. 



Again we see now from other considerations that the 

 Spencerian conceptions as they stand fail to give satisfaction 

 to the modern mind. Newtonian dynamics are fundamental 

 and all-pervading, but they are nevertheless insufficient for 

 the purpose of modern Biology unless supplemented by 

 biological considerations. Instead of reducing the body to 

 mechanics, we must, as Samuel Butler says, "raise the 

 mechanism to the body." Just as in Philosophy the new 

 school is trying to invert metaphysics, and beginning with 

 personality to work outwards, so in Biology we must invert its 

 old methods and beginning with action try to understand the 

 resulting forms. " Im Anfang war die That." The dynamics 

 of biological activities and relatedness must be considered, as 

 well as the simpler molar and molecular dynamics. 



I claim that the bio-economics and bio-dynamic theory 

 which I have set forth represents, above all, common sense. 

 In every-day life, as well as in national life, when it is found 

 incumbent on us as citizens to give serious attention to 

 " Economics," this is generally a symptom of common sense. 

 One of our statesmen has recently reminded us that Finance 

 is second in importance only to Religion. This applies to 

 National Economy; but it may be that even as regards Bio- 

 Economics more thoughtful future generations will be as 

 studious to set themselves right with the universe economically 

 as past generations have been anxious to be square with the 

 Lord theologically. It has indeed been said : " Seek ye first 

 the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things 

 shall be added unto you," but a searcher is ill-advised if he 

 thinks he can afford to neglect the path of bio-economic 

 rectitude which is one part of that righteousness. " Peut- 

 etre les societes futures reprouveront-elles energiquement les 

 pratiques ecoiiomiques que nous laissons passer aujourd 'hui," 



