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34 MODERN DIFFICULTIES 



reality at these points of intersection should be com- 

 pared and harmonized, just because when considered 

 separately each is inadequate to the full reahty. 



But the particular point which I am now empha- 

 sizing is the inadequate and provisional nature of the 

 hypotheses which at any given moment exhibit the 

 contents of physical knowledge. All sciences are pro- 

 gressive, that is, they are incomplete and to an impor- 

 tant degree on trial. Their progress, however, is real, 

 and they are bringing priceless benefits to mankind. 

 The manner in which modern in\'entions have improved 

 the conditions of civilization affords convincing evidence 

 of this, for these inventions have depended for their 

 possibihty upon the discoveries of physical sciences. 

 These discoveries have been brilliant, and they encour- 

 age us to hope for still more wonderful advances in the 

 future. 



We need, however, to remember that a scientific 

 hypothesis does not derive its claim to acceptance from 

 its finality, but from its working value, and from its 

 being the best available generalization of the data 

 with which it is concerned. As such it determines the 

 proper point of view for fuller investigation and for 

 wider generalizations — at least until further knowl- 

 edge requires its modification.^ 



The proper attitude of theologians towards the 

 hypotheses of physical science is one of discriminating 

 appreciation, humble confidence in his own science, and 



1 Thos. Huxley, Darwiniana, pp. 374, 375; O. Lodge, Life and 

 Matter, pp. 83-86. 



