CHAPTER XL 



EVOLUTION AS IT GIVES ACCOUNT OF 

 INORGANIC MATTER. 



THE Evolution Hypothesis, interpreting the uni- 

 verse by means of a dynamic principle, might 

 be expected to throw its clearest light on the processes 

 of inorganic matter. In this region dynamic law is 

 supreme. The law of the redistribution of matter and 

 motion should, therefore, have its most perfect illus- 

 tration in instances gathered from the changes taking 

 place in matter where vital action does not intervene. 

 In examining Mr. Spencer's system, the critic is placed 

 at a disadvantage in not having the doctrine applied 

 in this field. After discussing the general question 

 in his First Principles, Mr. Spencer devotes the 

 subsequent discussion to the application of his theory 

 in the departments of Biology and Psychology, Social 

 Organization, and Ethics. He does not expound in 

 any systematic way the bearing of his hypothesis as an 

 interpretation of the law of change in inorganic matter. 

 This omission is greatly to be regretted. Matter and 

 motion are more clearly seen in operation when un- 

 disturbed by vitality or mind, and the principles of 

 mathematical physics could have been more exactly 

 and rigidly applied aa test of the conclusiveness of 



