142 EXPLANATIONS. 



he said, with respect to my hypothesis of the first 

 step of organic creation — " The transition from an 

 inanimate crystal to a globule capable of such 

 endless organic and intellectual development, is as 

 great a step — as unexplained a one — as unintel- 

 ligible to us — and in any sense of the word as 

 miraculous, as the immediate creation and introduc- 

 tion upon earth of every species and every indi- 

 vidual would be !" 



The reader will now be able to judge of the 

 views opposed to the theory of luiiversal order. 

 He observes that they are of no distinct unique 

 character, but for the most part follow the measure 

 of ignorance, and are maintained at the expense 

 of consistency. It is not surprising that the idea 

 of an organic creation by special exertion or fiat 

 should be maintained by the advocates of these 

 views, for it is one of the last obscure pieces of 

 scientific ground on which they can show face. 

 One after another, the phenomena of nature, like 

 so many revolted principalities, have fallen under 

 the dominion of order or law ; but here is one 

 little province still faithful to the Boeotian govern- 

 ment; and as it is nearly the last, no wonder it is so 

 vigorously defended. As, in the political world, 

 however, men do not trust in the endurance of a 



