1 5 2 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



solved by a true theory of the ultimate constitution 

 of matter. 



Even within the seen, evolution has no light to 

 throw on those differentiations of matter indicated in 

 the long list of elementary substances a list which 

 has grown with the advance of chemical science. 

 "Much evidence now conspires to show that mole- 

 cules of the substances we call elementary are in 

 reality compound:"* but of their composition, as a 

 process in the continuous redistribution of matter and 

 motion, evolution can teach us nothing. Take as an 

 .instance gold : the continuous redistribution is here 

 at fault for the compound molecules of gold, if ex- 

 perience may be trusted, suffer no redistribution ; the 

 continuity of change is broken. Evolutionism fails 

 us. What problem is there, in terrestial or celestial 

 physics, of which the evolution hypothesis furnishes 

 a valid solution ? So soon as we reach a question 

 that runs deep into the constitution of the universe, 

 evolution has nothing better than a guess to offer. 



It is a barren hypothesis. It adds nothing to our 

 knowledge of the laws that direct the shaping of a 

 dewdrop or the formation of a crystal. If it has any- 

 thing definite to teach us in the realm of inorganic 

 matter, Mr. Spencer has not given the world the bene- 

 fit of that knowledge. Suppose a portion of sea water 

 has evaporated, leaving as a deposit the crystal of salt 



* Biology, Vol. I., Appendix, p. 486. 



