150 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



vance a step, and inquire what the evolution doctrine 

 has to say about the combination of atoms in aggre- 

 gates with definite internal relations. Suppose three 

 atoms united in such an aggregate : they come 

 together in motion, and ceaseless internal oscillation 

 characterizes the little system. These combined atoms 

 or molecules, with their internal relations, are sur- 

 rounded by other like infinitesimal bodies, and move 

 in relation with them ; and these combinations go 

 on increasing in intricateness, forming a more and 

 more complex system or aggregate of systems. Some 

 such process is indicated by Mr. Spencer as going on 

 through countless cycles before evolution has reached 

 the stage of visibility ; while the universe is still in 

 the imperceptible. What rational account can the evo- 

 lution doctrine give of this original process in the 

 building up of atoms into molecules and systems of 

 molecules ? In these systems there is the complete 

 outline of Mr. Spencer's future cosmos : all coming 

 changes lay in those first co-ordinated movements. 

 The universe is not interpreted till they are eluci- 

 dated. The atoms have not only moved -themselves, 

 or been moved by the forces behind them ; but they 

 have moved, or been moved, in such directions and in 

 such skilful combination of motions, that the continu- 

 ance of the process on the same lines gives the universe 

 as we know it. Here is another question of vital 

 moment unanswered. 



The progress of organization goes on, according to 



