132 Protoplasm. 



be at least for the moment, and for the 

 sake of the argument conceded. What then ? 

 The properties of protoplasm, as we have seen, 

 are altogether dependent upon the arrangement 

 of its constituent atoms. But protoplasm in 

 one of these conditions (i.e., dead) manifests 

 passive properties only ; while, in the opposite 

 condition, without any change, i.e., any known 

 or knowable change, in its chemical properties 

 or molecular arrangement, we find it exer- 

 cising a vast variety of active properties, as- 

 similation, contraction, reproduction ; not to 

 mention thought, feeling, and will. Here then 

 we have an effect, or rather a whole train of 

 effects most marvellous, witJwiit a cause, a 

 conclusion that the most enthusiastic Evolu- 

 tionist would hesitate to pronounce in " general 

 harmony with . scientific thought." * From this 

 impossible, and yet inevitable conclusion there 

 is no possible escape except (i) by hypo- 

 thecating a change, mechanical or chemical, of 

 which, by Professor Huxley's own confession, 

 we can have no possible knowledge, * and on 

 which therefore " we have no right to speculate ;" 



1 " Belfast, Address," ut sup., p. 58 : " The strength of 

 the doctrine of evolution consists . . . in its general 

 harmony with scientific thought," 



* Fortnightly Review. 



