THE DOCTRINE OF ENERGY 117 



the stream of transmutation. We never do, nor in 

 the nature of things do we ever try to, increase 

 or diminish the quantity of the real Energy itself. 

 We instinctively recognise the objective source of our 

 physical power, and this has led some thinkers to 

 suppose that the indestructibility of Matter is an a 

 priori datum of thought. But such a belief is quite 

 unfounded. All it amounts to is a recognition that 

 the destruction of Matter is beyond our poiver a 

 necessary consequence of the fact that we merely act 

 upon the transmutation-process. Many a long con- 

 test between the supporters of a priori and experi- 

 ential knowledge can be set at rest by this view 

 of the mediating functions of the energetic 

 organism. 



The reflections which we have thus briefly noted 

 and illustrated open a wide field for inquiry. The 

 scientific doctrine of Energy would seem to be 

 pregnant with momentous consequences for Philo- 

 sophy, and it is worth while for metaphysicians to 

 devote to this subject the deepest and most de- 

 liberate thought. The results cannot easily be 

 grasped by a mere cursory perusal of memoranda, 

 in which we have only sketched a few salient 

 aspects of the doctrine. We deprecate unwarrant- 

 able assurance, and are fully conscious of the diffi- 

 culty of adequately expressing thought on such a 



