22 REPORT — 1901. 



is not, compatible with the observed phenomena of expansion. The 

 atomic theory must hold the field until another can be found which is not 

 inferior as an explanation of the fundamental difficulties as to the consti- 

 tution of matter, and is, at the same time, not less comprehensive. 



On the whole, then, the question as to whether we are attempting to 

 solve a problem which has an infinite number of solutions may be put 

 aside until one solution has been found which is satisfactory in all its 

 details. We are in a sufficient difficulty about that to make the rivalry 

 of a second of the same type very improbable. 



The Phenomena of Life. 



But it may be asked — nay, it has been asked^ — may not the type of 

 our theories be radically changed ? If this question does not merely imply 

 a certain distrust in our own powers of reasoning, it should be supported 

 by some indication of the kind of change which is conceivable. 



Perhaps the chief objection which can be brought against physical 

 theories is that they deal only with the inanimate side of Nature, and 

 largely ignore the phenomena of life. It is therefore in this direction, if 

 in any, that a change of type may be expected. I do not propose to enter 

 at length upon so difficult a question, but, however we may explain or 

 explain away the iliaracteristics of life, the argument for the truth of the 

 atomic theory would only be aflfected if it could be shown that living 

 matter does not possess the thermal and mechanical properties, to account 

 for which the atomic theory has been framed. This is so notoriously not 

 the case that there is the gravest doubt whether life can in any way inter- 

 fere with the action within the organism of the laws of matter in bulk 

 belonging to the domain of mechanics, physics, and chemistry. 



Probably the most cautious opinion that could now be expressed on 

 this question is that, in spite of some outstanding difficulties which have 

 recently given rise to what is called Neovitalism, there is no conclusive 

 evidence that living matter can suspend or modify any of the natural laws 

 which would affect it if it were to cease to live. It is possible that though 

 subject to these laws the organism while living may be able to employ, or 

 even to direct, their action within itself for its own benefit, just as it un- 

 questionably does make use of the [irocesses of external nature for its 

 own purposes ; but if this be so, the seat of the controlling influence is so 

 withdrawn from view that on the one hand its very existence may be 

 denied, while, on the other hand. Professor Hseckel, following Vogt, has 

 recently asserted that ' matter and ether are not dead, and only moved by 

 extrinsic force ; but they are endowed with sensation and will ; they 

 experience an inclination for condensation, a dislike for strain ; they 

 strive after the one and struggle against the other.' ' 



But neither unproved assertions of this kind nor the more refined 

 attempts that have been made by others to bring the phenomena of life 



' Riddle of tlw Universe (English translation), 1900, p. 380. 



