7 1 2 Studies in the Theory of Descent. 



senses an actual world of the tru'e nature of which 

 we receive only an incomplete knowledge (i. e. a 

 knowledge corresponding only in reality with the 

 relations of time and space), so behind the co- 

 operating forces of nature which " aim at a pur- 

 pose " must we admit a Cause, which is no less 

 inconceivable in its nature, and of which we can 

 only say one thing with certainty, viz., that it must 

 be teleological. Just as the former first leads 

 us to perceive the true value of our sensual im- 

 pressions, so does the latter knowledge lead us to 

 foresee the true significance of the mechanism of 

 the universe. 



It is true that in neither case do we learn more 

 than that there is something present which we do 

 not perceive, but in both instances this knowledge 

 is of the greatest value. The consciousness that 

 behind that mechanism of the universe which is 

 alone comprehensible to us there still lies an 

 incomprehensible teleological Universal Cause, ne- 

 cessitates quite a different conception of the uni- 

 verse a conception absolutely opposed to that of 

 the materialist. Most correctly and beautifully 

 does Von Baer say that " a purpose cannot be 

 otherwise conceived by us than as proceeding 

 from a will and consciousness ; in this would the 

 'aiming at a purpose/ which appears to us as 

 reasonable as it is necessary, have its deepest 

 root." If we conceive in this world a divine Uni- 

 versal Power exercising volition as the ultimate 



