112 FRAGMENTS OF SCIENCE. 



their relationship to each other. When this is done, we 

 find that the observed motion of the hands follows of ne- 

 cessity from the inner mechanism of the watch, when acted 

 upon by the force invested in the spring. 



The motion of the hands may be called a phenomenon 

 of art, but the case is similar with the phenomena of Nature. 

 These also have their inner mechanism, and their store of 

 force to set that mechanism going. The ultimate problem 

 of physical science is to reveal this mechanism, to discern 

 this store, and to show that from the combined action of 

 both the phenomena of which they constitute the basis 

 must of necessity flow. 



I thought an attempt to give you even a brief and 

 sketchy illustration of the manner in which scientific think- 

 ers regard this problem would not be uninteresting to you 

 on the present occasion ; more especially as it will give me 

 occasion to say a word or two on the tendencies and limits 

 of modern science ; to point out the region which men of 

 science claim as their own, and where it is mere waste of 

 time to oppose their advance, and also to define, if possible, 

 the bourne between this and that other region to which 

 the questionings and yearnings of the scientific intellect 

 are directed in vain. 



But here your tolerance will be needed. It was the 

 American Emerson, I think, who said that it is hardly pos- 

 sible to state any truth strongly without apparent injustice 

 to some other truth. Truth is often of a dual character, 

 taking the form of a magnet with two poles ; and many of 

 the differences which agitate the thinking part of mankind 

 are to be traced to the exclusiveness with which partisan 

 reasoners dwell upon one-half of the duality in forgetfulness 

 of the other. The proper course appears to be to state 

 both halves strongly, and allow each its fair share in the 

 formation of the resultant conviction. But this waiting for 

 the statement of the two sides of a question implies pa- 



