372 FRAGMENTS OF SCIENCE. 



are still ours, to be incorporated, let us hope, in purer 

 and less shadowy forms in the poetry, philosophy, and 

 practice of the future. 



Thus, following the lead of physical science, we are 

 brought without solution of continuity into the presence 

 of problems which, as usually classified, lie entirely out- 

 side the domain of physics. To these problems thought- 

 ful and penetrative minds are now applying those 

 methods of research which in physical science have 

 proved their truth by their fruits. There is on all 

 hands a growing repugnance to invoke the supernatural 

 in accounting for the phenomena of human life ; and 

 the thoughtful minds just referred to, finding no trace 

 of evidence in favour of any other origin, are driven to 

 seek in the interaction of social forces the genesis and 

 development of man's moral nature. If they succeed 

 in their search and I think they are sure to succeed 

 social duty will be raised to a higher level of signi- 

 ficance and the deepening sense of social duty will, it 

 is to be hoped, lessen, if not obliterate, the strifes and 

 heartburnings which now beset and disfigure our social 

 life. Towards this great end it behoves us one and all 

 to work ; and devoutly wishing its consummation, I 

 have the honour, ladies and gentlemen, to bid you a 

 friendly farewell. 



