Scientific Sophisms. 259 



as to make a bit of material ready for its use, 

 or even to make any definite substance that 

 would have similar chemical relations." l 



Let it however be supposed, that Prof. Hux- 

 ley's vaticination has been realized. Let it 

 be assumed that some day "by the advance 

 of molecular physics " the learned Professor will 

 be able to show us how it is that the properties 

 peculiar to water have resulted from the pro- 

 perties peculiar to the gases whose junction 

 constitutes water; and similarly, how the 

 characteristic properties of protoplasm have 

 sprung from properties in the water, ammonia, 

 and carbonic acid that have united to form 

 protoplasm ; even then, knowing all this, we 

 should be as far as ever from the more recon- 

 dite knowledge up to which it is expected to 

 lead. For this knowledge leaves us as ignorant 

 as before concerning that " supplied energy " of 

 Life, without which no protoplasm is ever 

 formed. " To extract the genesis of life from 

 any data that completest acquaintance with the 

 stages and processes of protoplasmic growth 

 can furnish, is a truly hopeless problem. Given 

 the plan of a house, with samples of its brick 

 and mortar, to find the name and nationality 

 of the householder, would be child's play in 

 1 Dr. Elam, "Automatism and Evolution." 



