The Persistence of Force. 1 1 1 



truth that the visible universe is an ever unmodified 

 manifestation of the Incomprehensible Actuality an 

 assumption which is not a dictum of consciousness 

 and which is impossible of proof. 



Tested in itself or in its corollaries, Mr. Spencer's 

 fundamental axiom is found wanting. It has no 

 validity as a universal truth. Evolutionism founded 

 on it is a pyramid built upon its apex. But no wider 

 foundation is available. " The sole truth which trans- 

 cends experience by underlying it is the Persistence 

 of Force. This being the basis of experience must 

 be the basis of any scientific organization of experi- 

 ence. To this an ultimate analysis brings us down, 

 and on this a rational synthesis must build up." * 



* First Principles, 62. 



