82 WHAT IS LIFE 



2. It is equally certain that we have no facts 

 on which to base the theory that it was spontane- 

 ously produced at some former period. 



3. Nor have we the slightest suggestion from 

 those who put forward the theory as to how the 

 transformation may have taken place or under 

 what conditions, nor are we told why it is impos- 

 sible to reproduce those conditions in the chemist's 

 laboratory. We are treated to a good many nebu- 

 lous phrases, like Spencer's truly delightful and lu- 

 minous explanation of " successive complications " 

 but of solid bed-rock fact we get nothing whatsoever. 



4. Finally, that as science deals and can only 

 deal with ascertained facts, theories of this kind 

 must be taken for what they are, namely " pious 

 opinions," and estimated at the value which they 

 therefore possess. 



Weismann Weismann, the distinguished biologist, de- 

 clares, 1 "that spontaneous generation, in spite of 

 all vain efforts to demonstrate it, remains for me a 

 logical necessity ". 



Why a logical necessity ? Because the only 

 alternative is a return to that no doubt effete view 

 that life was introduced into this world by the 

 action of a Creator, for that is the only alternative. 

 That must be admitted. If there is no such thing 

 as spontaneous generation then one must admit 

 1 Essays, Poulton's Trans., p. 34. 



