1 62 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



to hit the mark. A closer examination will confirm 

 the judgment that Mr. Spencer has not in this in- 

 stance hit the truth. 



1. The hypothesis assumes the evolution of mole- 

 cules distinct in kinds, as a process prior to the 

 evolution of protoplasm. Before Mr. Spencer is in a 

 position to obtain those " portions of protoplasm more 

 minute, more indefinite, more inconstant in their cha- 

 racters than the lowest Rhizopods less distinguish- 

 able from a mere fragment of albumen than even the 

 Protogenes of Haeckel," there must have been evolved 

 out of the simplest aggregates of atoms, molecules (a) 

 differentiated into kinds, and (b) reproduced in their 

 kinds. He must show, then, that the persistence of 

 force will account for the origination of differences of 

 kind among molecules; he must show further that 

 the same dynamic principle will account for the re- 

 production true to kind of these several kinds. 



If it be assumed that a universal law of aggrega- 

 tion of atoms determined the formation of molecules 

 unlimited in number and in variety, we may find the 

 first requirement. But then we have begun the first 

 chapter of the scientific book of Genesis with a de- 

 claration of the existence and universality of law 

 and we take for granted in the collocation and law 

 of the primordial forces all the phenomena of the 

 universe as it now is. 



Waiving this criticism, and accepting the formation 

 of myriad kinds of aggregates compounded of the 



