XI.] ORGANIC DEVELOPMENT. 131 



proved. But these are inquiries in which demonstration 

 is out of the question. The proof is, perhaps, equivalent 

 to demonstration, but it is not of the same kind : it con- 

 sists of an accumulation of probabilities; it rests on the 

 consistency of the argument with itself, and with a multi- 

 tude of facts of various sorts ; and it involves laws with 

 which at first sight it may appear to have nothing to do. 

 In elaborately stating an argument of this kind, I fear it 

 wUl be scarcely possible for me to avoid appearing some- 

 times to take that for granted which I mean to prove. 



It is to be observed that the origin of species and the Origin of 

 origin of life are totally distinct questions. As stated and^origin 

 above, I believe that species have originated by descent, ^f ^^^^> ^^^ 

 with modification, from one originally vitalized but un- questions, 

 organized germ, like the germs of existing organisms. But, 

 as stated in the chapter on the Chemistry of Life, I believe 

 that the original germ must have been vitalized by the 

 same Creative Power that gave their origin and their 

 properties to matter and energy. 



On these two points I agree with the views stated by 

 Darwin in his work on the " Origin of Species." But to 

 Darwin's special and characteristic theory I am altogether 

 opposed. I do not believe that " natural selection among 

 sxjontaneous variations," or any other physical process or 

 agency whatever, will account for the most remarkable 

 facts of organization. 



K 2 



