304 THE FITNESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT 



no one can doubt that upon the properties 

 of matter as determined by the periodic 

 system, and upon the relative amounts of the 

 different elements, the actual process of cos- 

 mic evolution from nebula to solar system 

 is dependent. 1 



Hence, in accordance with the general 

 method of science, we must assume that the 

 origin of environmental fitness lies at least 

 as far back as the phenomena of the periodic 

 system, at least as far back as the evolution 

 of the elements, if they were ever evolved. 

 We simply cannot doubt that the origin of a 

 body like the earth depends exclusively upon 

 chance plus the properties of the elements, 

 their relative amounts, the indestructible 

 forces of nature, and the other known factors 

 of mechanism. The perfect induction of phys- 

 ical science, based upon each and all of its 

 countless successes in every department of 

 physics and chemistry, conclusively proves 

 that the whole process of cosmic evolution 

 from its earliest conceivable state to the pres- 

 ent is pure mechanism. 2 



1 The same considerations apply to any other scientific 

 hypothesis of the genesis of the solar system. 



2 Not only is this proved by all experience of physical 

 science, it has also ever been the necessary working hypoth- 

 esis of physicists and chemists. 



