LIFE PROTOPLASM 103 



dependent and clothed with power capable of the greatest 

 things, it is rather infinitely dependent, dependent on 

 chances to which there is no number. Carbon cannot 

 account for the world of life. Carbon must itself be 

 accounted for. In like manner it is evident that hydro- 

 gen cannot account for it, that oxygen cannot, nitrogen 

 cannot. To yield the earth and its life demands the 

 existence of all these elements in multitudes so multi- 

 tudinous and ordered that we are compelled to look 

 outside themselves for the wisdom and power that have 

 fitted them for their work. 



This theory brings into strongest relief the force of the 

 arguments for the creation of the elements. It shows 

 the riches of order and potency that must be in carbon 

 in order to its being equal to the accomplishment of tasks 

 so high. It is compelled to speak of carbon as if it were 

 a unity, intelligent and powerful, and therefore could 

 easily act as one, do brilliant work in the sphere of mind, 

 and produce gems of organisation, as if it could easily 

 seek and find and bring other substances into its service, 

 and employ them to build up unities of the most complex 

 nature. But carbon is not a unity. It is made up of 

 particles the smallest, of numbers the vastest. And 

 many cannot of themselves act as one unless there be 

 concert among them, and intelligence to produce the 

 concert. The most extravagant imagination cannot 

 ascribe high intelligence to carbon atoms, cannot dream 

 of affirming that they take counsel together to produce 

 harmonious action. Neither is there in their midst king, 

 or queen, or leader, or commander, or guide. And yet 

 the shout of a king is among them, the sound of the 

 goings of a king of kings in the realm of mind is in 

 their operations. In their vast multitudes they are as if 

 perfectly led, commanded, and guided. They move and 



