Continuity 5 



and the isolation of the electron in 1898, 

 expectation of further achievement be- 

 came vivid; and novelties, experimental, 

 theoretical, and speculative, have been 

 showered upon us ever since this century 

 began. That is why I speak of rapid 

 progress. 



Of the progress I shall say little, 

 there must always be some uncertainty 

 as to which particular achievement per- 

 manently contributes to it; but I will 

 speak about the fundamental scepticism. 



Let me hasten to explain that I do not 

 mean the well-worn and almost antique 

 theme of Theological scepticism: that 

 controversy is practically in abeyance 

 just now. At any rate the major con- 

 flict is suspended ; the forts behind which 

 the enemy has retreated do not invite 

 attack; the territory now occupied by 

 him is little more than his legitimate pro- 

 vince. It is the scientific allies, now, who 

 are waging a more or less invigorating 

 conflict among themselves; with Phi- 

 losophers joining in. Meanwhile the 

 ancient foe is biding his time and hoping 



