Postulates of Evolution. 113 



see what is taken for granted as to the force whose 

 existence we posit. 



1. Our .first question, then, is as to the extent of it. 

 It is either infinite or finite : let us suppose it infinite. 

 If the force be infinite it must be heterogeneous ; for 

 an infinite homogeneity does not afford the conditions 

 necessary for cosmic motion in accordance with dy- 

 namic law. In a homogeneous mass extending to 

 infinity, every line of force would be counteracted 

 by a line of force equal and opposite, and motion 

 would be impossible. Let us, then, suppose the 

 cosmos in its primal state to be heterogeneous. 

 This heterogeneity may be either of two kinds the 

 heterogeneity of a universe regulated and shaped in 

 accordance with law, as the universe is in its present 

 condition seen to be, or the heterogeneity of an in- 

 determinate mass in which there is no known or 

 discoverable law. The former fails to unify know- 

 ledge, for it begins with the very diversity now 

 existing; we may for the present, then, put it 

 aside, and examine the latter conception. Is this 

 conception one which may form the starting point of 

 scientific knowledge ? Clearly it is not. A hetero- 

 geneous mass extending to infinity can have no place 

 in scientific thought. An infinite heterogeneity would 

 afford a limitless field for surprises. Traversing 

 this boundless region of heterogeneity, science could 

 never know what she might stumble upon at the next 

 step. Miracles would (tease to be wonders. This 



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