296 SCIENCE AND IMMORTALITY 



when we consider its past history, when we try to 

 realise it spinning in its axis and rushing through 

 space towards the constellation of Hercules ? Does 

 not the heart of man seem more wonderful when 

 we understand something of its mechanism ? 



Nor is Science fascinating merely in what it has 

 shown and done : more fascinating still are its 

 hopes and aspirations, and prophecies and questions. 

 What is to happen in future ? What is man to 

 become ? Will disease be finally extirpated ? Is the 

 philanthropic effort to keep the diseased alive 

 wise and far-sighted, or foolish and short-sighted ? 

 Will man ever be able to create life out of in- 

 organic molecules ? 



From whatever point regarded, science has both 

 practical importance and theoretical interest ; and it 

 is sad that it should be so unjustly neglected by 

 the man in the street, and so unjustly maligned by 

 the man in the pulpit. 



When, at the last meeting of the British Associa- 

 tion, subjects of the most fascinating interest were 

 discussed, the newspaper placards advertised only 

 cricket matches and breach of promise cases. 

 During the last few years Science has made the 

 most marvellous discoveries — discoveries more 

 marvellous than any romance, more kindling to 

 the imagination than any poem, and yet the great 

 majority of people know and care nothing about 



