1 1 4 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



omnipresent heterogeneity, working on in the un- 

 bounded activity of an infinite energy, could never be 

 fathomed, or the mode of its operation determined : 

 thought could not set to it any bounds, or lay upon 

 it any constraint of law. In face of it intelligence 

 is bewildered. Like Noah's dove, reason may for a 

 time circle in unresting flight over the boundless 

 waters, but it soon returns, not bearing even an olive 

 leaf. If an infinite heterogeneity be taken as the 

 primary condition, the evolution hypothesis breaks 

 down in its initial conception. 



Let us suppose the cosmos to be finite. This finite 

 force may be assumed to be either homogeneous or 

 heterogeneous, and it must exist under some particular 

 form. If it be limited and spherical, and at the same 

 time homogeneous, every atom will move in a right 

 line towards the centre ; these motions being uniform 

 and in one direction, circular motion is excluded, and 

 the conditions necessary to evolution are not given. 

 If the form be not perfectly spherical, but irregular, 

 motion may arise, but from the ensuing motion it will 

 be impossible to deduce a cosmos characterized by 

 orderly movement. Physics will fail to furnish any 

 explanation which will connect the existing condition 

 of the universe with that original shape. When we 

 go back by this line and seek for a firm footing on 

 which science might rest securely, and, from that solid 

 ground, work forward in the elucidation of things, we 

 plunge into the depths of chaos. 



