GENERAL SUMMARY. 335 



can probably never be fully explained, the objec- 

 tions to evolution in general are very few, and are 

 gradually disappearing. The conclusion of science 

 is, therefore, that organic evolution is a fact, and we 

 may regard it as one of the theories of science 

 which is to remain as a foundation for future advance. 

 When we next ask as to the limits of evolution, 

 we reach a question whose answer is much less cer- 

 tain. Recognizing that the essence of the theory 

 of evolution is the substitution of natural law for 

 miracle, it is evident that if applied to its fullest ex- 

 tent it would include the whole universe. Conse- 

 quently we find Spencer and others do carry the 

 principle as far as it is logically possible for them to 

 do, and comprise within its far-reaching influence 

 the development of every thing from the nebula. 

 But even this extreme reaches no satisfactory stop- 

 ping-place, for the nebula could not have been 

 evolved. Indeed, a logically complete theory is im- 

 possible. Recognizing this, most scientists prefer 

 to leave out of consideration the question of specu- 

 lation, and confine the term evolution to the realm 

 where evidence demands it. Now a break is found 

 at the beginning of life. Most scientists would 

 doubtless be very glad to be able to prove that life 

 can originate from inorganic matter, but they do not 

 claim to have any evidence that it can do so ; nor, 

 indeed, have they any evidence, except the logic of 

 the evolutionary theory, that it ever has done so. 

 This matter is therefore generally omitted from the 

 discussion, as at present impossible either of proof 

 or disproof. 



