Postulates of Evolution. 1 19 



experiences have imparted to it. This postulate, 

 required at every step in the interpretation of nature 

 on the principles of evolution, is one which could be 

 affirmed only by Absolute Intelligence itself. 



Whether it be true or not true as a matter of fact 

 that the total sum of force in the cosmos remains 

 constant, the need of taking it for granted, while its 

 truth is altogether unprovable, taints the evolution 

 theory throughout. The conditions in which the doc- 

 trine of evolution could be established do not exist. 



3. The evolution hypothesis postulates the inclu- 

 sion, under the law of the continuous redistribution 

 of matter and motion, of every event or change in 

 the universe. This law is taken as covering all 

 activities and all orders of existence. " Existences 

 of all orders do exhibit a progressive integration of 

 matter and concomitant loss of motion."* Mr. Spencer 

 applies his law alike to mechanical, vital, and mental 

 action. It must be accepted as of universal applica- 

 tion, for by it all knowledge is to be unified. 



In the postulates already examined, we had to do 

 with what we showed to be illegitimate processes of 

 thought. The conceptions were impossible or incon- 

 gruous with other conceptions necessary to the evolu- 

 tion doctrine. The postulate now in question lies so 

 far within the compass of knowledge of fact that it 

 may be tested by experience. There are whole classes 



* First Principles, 107. 



