A Dynamic Theory. 73 



same ; for its mode of action, unless some Power 

 intervene, will be uniform. In so far as the accept- 

 ance of dynamic law in its applicability wherever 

 moving matter exists may be regarded as a unification 

 of knowledge, no one will think it worth disputing 

 that there has been a step though a very short step, 

 in the direction of unity. We are still, however, a 

 long way from the great central questions. We have 

 not so much as touched the extreme verge of the real 

 problems of philosophy. If " divine philosophy " be 

 narrowed to questions of dynamics to the mechanical 

 relations of matter, in whatever form matter is found 

 however subtile these relations may be, the greater 

 part of knowledge is left out of view ; knowledge is 

 unified by being mutilated. A neighbour of mine has, 

 by working out his idea year after year, succeeded 

 in evolving out of a growing thorn-bush a figure 

 having some resemblance to a peacock. The ingenuity 

 and labour of the artist have been considerable, yet 

 the result is a very ill-shaped thorn-bush, and a very 

 poor representation of a peacock. The greatest skill 

 and the most persistent toil expended in endeavouring 

 to mould all kinds of knowledge into the hard outline 

 of dynamic law is not likely to reach a more satisfac- 

 tory issue. 



For the distinctive features of each department are 

 sacrificed to a pretence of oneness. That which con- 

 stitutes the vegetal kingdom a distinct division of 

 -concrete existence is overlooked. The force that 



