11. 



DESIGN VERSUS NECESSITY. — DISCUSSION BETWEEN TWO 

 READERS OF DARWIn's TREATISE ON THE ORIGIN OF 

 SPECIES, UPON ITS NATURAL THEOLOGY. 



(Ameeican Jotjrnal of Science and Aets, September, 1S60.) 



D. T. — Is Darwin's theory atheistic or pantheistic? 

 or, does it tend to atheism or pantheism ? Eefore at- 

 tempting any solution of this question, permit me to 

 say a few words tending to obtain a definite concep- 

 tion of necessity and design^ as the sources from which 

 events may originate, each independent of the other ; 

 and we shall, perhaps, best attain a clear understand- 

 ing of each, by the illustration of an example in which 

 simple human designers act upon the physical powers 

 of common matter. 



Suppose, then, a square billiard-table to be placed 

 with its corners directed to the four cardinal points. 

 Suppose a player, standing at the north corner, to 

 strike a red ball directly to the south, his design being 

 to lodge the ball in the south pocket ; which design, if 

 not interfered with, must, of course be accomplished. 

 Then suj)pose another player, standing at the east 

 corner, to direct a white ball to the west comer. This 

 design also, if not interfered with, must be accom- 

 plished. Next suppose both players to strike their 



