358 THEISM NEC ESS A R Y TO SCIENCE. 



physics, that life is inorganic force ; and it has even been 

 affirmed that life is associated with every kind of matter., 

 non-living as well as living that physical force is life, and 

 that life is physical force. But this is pure assertion, for no 

 form or mode of force under any conditions has been known 

 to effect changes in any way analogous with those by which 

 every form of matter that lives is characterised. And as I 

 am compelled by the facts of the case to admit that some 

 peculiar non-physical agency influences in a particular manner, 

 material particles and their forces, it seems to me by no 

 means unreasonable on the part of a physiologist to assume 

 the existence and activity of an agency perhaps related to 

 vitality, but of a yet higher order, capable of influencing, 

 controlling, and directing not only living power, but all 

 matter and all forces of whatever kind. Thus in some 

 form the Theistic idea presents itself to the scientific 

 imagination, and the argument of Design, although surveyed 

 from a point of view somewhat different from that previously 

 taken up, receives additional confirmation, and acquires new 

 strength, the results of the most minute investigation into 

 the structure and actions of living beings being carefully 

 considered. 



I think I have shown that the hypothesis of a power 

 governing and directing the movements of matter while it 

 remains in the temporary living state, and far transcending 

 in capacity and power all matter-forces and physical and 

 chemical attractions and repulsions of every kind whatever 

 is scientifically admissible. I believe that it will be found 

 that the institution of the series of preparatory changes, 

 which occur previous to the development of the lasting 

 form and structure of tissues, can only be accounted for 



