190 CLUES AND SUGGESTIONS CHAP. 



last. We insist upon it that the naked 

 formula now confessed to be tautologi- 

 cal of "survival of the fittest," is an 

 empty phrase, explaining nothing, and 

 only filling our mouths with the east wind. 

 Mr. Spencer does, indeed, towards 

 the close of his article, use some language 

 which may mean all that we desire to be 

 included in the stereotyped phrase 

 organic evolution. He says that all the 

 vast varieties of organic life are " parts 

 of one vast transformation," displaying 

 " one law and one cause," namely this, 

 " that the Infinite and Eternal Energy 

 has manifested itself everywhere, and 

 always in modes ever unlike in results, 

 but ever like in principle." But every- 

 thing in this language rests on the sense 

 in which the word Energy is here used. 

 Etymologically, indeed, it is a splendid 

 word, capable of the sublimest applica- 

 tions. We do habitually, in common 



