206 FRAGMENTS OF SCIENCE 



an idealist like Berkeley, or by a sceptic like Hume, Mr. 

 Spencer takes another line. With, him, as with the un- 

 educated man, there is no doubt or question as to the 

 existence of an external world. But he differs from the 

 uneducated, who think that the world really is what con- 

 sciousness represents it to be. Our states of conscious- 

 ness are mere symbols of an outside entity which produces 

 them and determines the order of their succession, but the 

 real nature of which we can never know.* In fact, the 

 whole process of evolution is the manifestation of a Power 

 absolutely inscrutable to the intellect of man. As little 

 in our day as in the days of Job can man by searching 

 find this Power out. Considered fundamentally, then, it 

 is by the operation of an insoluble mystery that life on 

 earth is evolved, species differentiated, and mind unfolded, 

 from their prepotent elements in the immeasurable past. 



The strength of the doctrine of Evolution consists, not 

 in an experimental demonstration (for the subject is hardly 

 accessible to this mode of proof), but in its general har- 

 mony with scientific thought. From contrast, moreover, 

 it derives enormous relative cogency. On the one side 



* In a paper, at once popular and profound, entitled "Recent Progress in the 

 Theory of Vision," contained in the volume of lectures by Helmholtz, pub- 

 lished by Longmans, this symbolism of our states of consciousness is also dwelt 

 upon. The impressions of sense are the mere signs of external things. In this 

 paper Helmholtz contends strongly against the view that the consciousness of 

 space is inborn ; and he evidently doubts the power of the chick to pick up 

 grains of com without preliminary lessons. On this point, he says, further 

 experiments are needed. Such experiments have been since made by Mr. 

 Spalding, aided, I believe, in some of his observations by the accomplished and 

 deeply lamented Lady Amberly ; and they seem to prove conclusively that the 

 chick does not need a single moment's tuition to enable it to stand, run, govern 

 the muscles of its eyes, and peck. Helmholtz, however, is contending against 

 the notion of pre-established harmony ; and I am not aware of his views as to 

 the organization of experiences of race or breed. 



