1 82 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



they, in that case, possess properties which are not 

 dynamic. The dynamic theory is abandoned at the 

 very outset, as insufficient to account for the simplest 

 phenomena ; and the philosophy based on it is over- 

 turned. If we adopt the latter alternative, and affirm 

 the existence of concrete being other than the forces 

 manifested in atoms and their motions, then, while we 

 can still hold by mechanical law as the law of atoms, 

 and may affirm the universality of dynamic law in so 

 far as the universe is constituted of atoms, we have 

 introduced a supra-dynamical element; we have 

 affirmed the existence of a mode of being other 

 than force as revealed in matter and motion; we 

 stand face to face with another form of concrete 

 existence, and the assumption that the principle of 

 the persistence of force covers the whole realm of the 

 knowable, is by consequence rejected. Choose which 

 of the alternatives we will, in either case, the dynamic 

 doctrine of evolution is found defective as a theory of 

 sentient organic life. 



Having reached the existence of feeling, we have 

 touched the boundary of another world. We are as 

 yet on the outer verge of that new mode of being; 

 but even at this point we feel the presence of other 

 powers ; we must henceforth take account of feeling 

 as well as force. Pleasure and pain form the most 

 characteristic feature of animal life. Here, within the 

 horizon of experience, a new phenomenon is full in 

 view. In accounting for it the evolutionist is again 



