132 THE ASCENT OF MAN 



by the mechanical utilization of the energies of the 

 universe, the results of ages of development may be 

 anticipated. Further changes, therefore, within the 

 body itself are made unnecessary. Evolution has 

 taken a new departure. For the Arrest of the Hand 

 is not the cessation of Evolution but its immense 

 acceleration, and the re-direction of its energies into 

 higher channels. 



Take up the functions of the animal body one by 

 one, and it will be seen how the same arresting 

 finger is laid upon them all. To select an additional 

 illustration, consider the power of Sight. Without 

 pausing to trace the steps by which the Eye has 

 reached its marvellous perfection, or to estimate 

 the ages spent in polishing its lenses and adjusting 

 the diaphragms and screws, ask the simple question 

 whether, under the conditions of modern civilization, 

 anything now is being added to its quickening 

 efficiency, or range. Is it not rather the testimony 

 of experience that if anything its power has begun to 

 wane ? Europe even now affords the spectacle of at 

 least one nation so short-sighted that it might almost 

 be called a myopic race. The same causes, in fact, 

 that led to the Arrest of the Hand are steadily 

 working to stop the development of the Eye. Man, 

 when he sees with difficulty, does not now improve 

 his Eye ; he puts on a pince-nez. Spectacles — ex- 



