1 80 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



which the sense of pain arises ? There are two aspects 

 of the phenomenon a change in the condition of the 

 organism and a sensation. It is the latter with which 

 we have to do. The question at issue is not as to the 

 mode of molecular action in the nerve-tissue. We 

 have no controversy with the evolutionist as to his 

 explanation of nerve-action. We are ready to accept 

 any theory of isorneric change or decomposing mole- 

 cular processes that may seem to accord with the 

 facts. Let the motions internal to the molecules, or 

 due to the interactions between molecules, or arising 

 from the relation of molecules and their aggregates be 

 what it may ; let the disordered movement be of any 

 kind that may be imagined, there remains still un- 

 touched the essential part of the instance the feeling 

 of these disordered activities. Until this fact is eluci- 

 dated evolutionism is at fault. 



Where lies the source or origin of the feeling ? Is 

 it a property of matter, or of some special collocation 

 or movement of matter, or is it an attribute of some 

 mode of concrete being distinct from matter ? Let us 

 suppose the entire universe to be composed of forces 

 manifested in atoms and their motions; or, if it be 

 preferred, let the primary constituents of matter be 

 conceived of as points of force or vortex rings in a 

 uniform tenuous ether. The same method of criticism 

 is equally applicable under any one of these supposi- 

 tions; but, as the conception of atoms in motion is 

 more easily represented in thought, and is that adopted 



