ch. iv.] TEE LAW OF EVOLUTION. 351 



during which the matter passes from an indefinite, incoherent 

 homogeneity to a definite, coherent heterogeneity ; and during 

 which the retained motion undergoes a parallel trans- 

 formation." x 



Here, it will be observed, we have obtained a formula 

 which applies not to organic development merely, but to 

 the transformations of Matter and Motion in general. 

 Though we have been led to it solely by the consideration 

 of those organic phenomena which, for reasons already 

 presented, most conspicuously exemplify it, and in con- 

 nection with which it was first partially generalized by 

 Goethe and Von Baer ; yet now that we have arrived at this 

 formula, we find ourselves expressing it in terms that are 

 universal. Instead of a mere law of biology, we have 

 enunciated the widest generalization that has yet been 

 reached concerning the concrete universe as a whole. 

 Having ascertained that in organic aggregates, where the 

 conditions are such as to allow of relatively permanent 

 structural rearrangements, the process of Evolution is cha- 

 racterized by a change from indeterminate uniformity to 

 determinate multiformity, we have assumed that like con- 

 ditions will everywhere be attended with like results. The 

 law asserts that wherever a relatively permanent system of 

 rearrangements is possible, whether in organic or in in- 

 organic aggregates, the change from indeterminate uniformity 

 to determinate multiformity will be manifested. This leap of 

 inference on Mr. Spencer's part, like the similar leap taken 

 by Newton from the fall of the apple to the motions of the 

 moon, is the daring act which completes the formation of 

 the hypothesis. This grand hypothesis we must now proceed 

 to verify by showing that the widest generalizations severally 

 obtainable in the concrete sciences are included in it, and 

 receive from it their common interpretation. It is to be 

 shown that in the case of sundry inorganic aggregates or 

 1 First Principles, p. 396. 



