24i rROi\ G. MACLOSKIE, D.HC., LL.13., ON 



alchemy developing into modern cliemistry ; for the continuity 

 between the Egyptian and tlie modern science is through 

 alchemy, which, as Myers shows, had its origin in Egypt. T may 

 also set ofl: against his exception to my reference to the iatro- 

 mathematicians the facts that the hydraulic idea of circulation 

 forms a valuable chapter in modern works on physiology, and that 

 the mechanics of the bones and joints is now being worked out by 

 our ablest " theoretical anatomists." 



I hope that Dr. Schofield did not understand me to argue 

 that life is only a physical force. My attitude is that of an 

 earnest Theist. The point of my contention was, that if proof 

 were forthcoming that vitalism wns only a special kind of 

 chemism, a doctrine very extensively held, still the argument in 

 favour of Theism would be sound. I did not think it necessary 

 to give my personal views about the nature of life. If I 

 could make good the contention for which I argued, I believe 

 that this would be a gain to our cause, for some people are 

 prejudiced in favour of the chemical theory of life because of its 

 apparently atheistical look, and others for the same reason are 

 prejudiced against it. I think that chemistry as well as biology 

 proves the Being and wisdom and power of an imminent 

 God. 



The same critic's remark that the laws of nature ai'e laws of 

 God will have no disclaimer from me. I think that they are 

 the laws referred to in Scripture as '' ordinances of heaven." 

 But I entirely dissent from the position that they vary in their 

 action ; unless the meaning is that they are liable to perturbations 

 from the interfei'ence of other laws. It would also appear that 

 God has confei-red on His creatures a certain measure of inde- 

 pendence, just as our limbs are in a qualified way able to act 

 independently of our will ; and thus all of men's acts are not to 

 be directly considered as Divine acts. But I regard God as not 

 only initiating but as upholding and controlling all the processes 

 of nature. 



I am grateful to Prof. Bernard for the valuable remarks which 

 he offered on the general question. 



I may here remark that whilst I am not an advocate of evolution, 



