A Dynamic Theory. 69 



Dynamic laws exist as an important part of experi- 

 ence. The evolution theory cannot furnish any higher 

 principle under which these might be included. 

 Either dynamic law is supreme, or it constitutes a 

 separate kingdom : it must be enthroned as supreme, 

 if knowledge be unified ; for a separate kingdom is not 

 admissible. Every fact capable of explanation, every 

 thing that comes within the field of knowledge, is to 

 be brought under " the law of the continuous redistri- 

 bution of matter and motion." This law is made to 

 account for the present form and order of the heavens 

 and the earth ; the whole universe of inanimate matter 

 is interpreted by its aid. Subtile molecular motions 

 in complex systems, too minute to be discoverable by 

 the most powerful microscope, emerge into the field of 

 knowledge in the shape of living organisms, vegetal 

 and animal. Like subtile combinations of moving 

 molecules, built up into systems of inconceivable com- 

 plexity, and with adjustments, the nice precision of 

 which cannot be realized by the keenest scientific 

 imagination, create those higher organisms, having 

 their consummation and crown in man. His mental 

 nature is not excepted from the all-pervading and all- 

 govering dynamic principle. Thought and emotion, 

 conscience and will take their place in the continuity 

 of the correlation of physical forces. The rhythmic 

 thrill of the atom, combined and recombined in rela- 

 tions whose complexity exceed immeasurably the 

 utmost power of though^ is the ultimate conceivable 



