144 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



deny the exactness of Mr. Spencer's formula as a 

 scientific principle, and its universality as a law. We 

 look in vain to discover in it the basis of a complete 

 theory of things. 



An examination of this formula in its relation to- 

 thought and sensation would bring to light another 

 vast field in which it proves wholly without signi- 

 ficance ; but that question, presenting itself for dis- 

 cussion elsewhere, need not engage our attention at 

 this point. 



Our criticism of the formula which expresses the 

 law of evolution may be summed up in a few words. 

 We find it to be wanting in precision, incapable of 

 exact application, of no scientific worth, a loose gen- 

 eral description of change rather than a definite ex- 

 pression of the law of change; yet we are asked to 

 receive this formula as the embodiment of a principle 

 which is to dominate all thought, shape all doctrine, 

 form the basis of a universal philosophy, and effect 

 " the complete unification of all knowledge." 



