chap, xvn The Evidences of Evolution 281 



may mean that its fittest expression in words has not been 

 attained, or is unattainable. (2) It has been suggested 

 that germs of life reached this earth in the bosom of 

 meteorites from somewhere else. This at least shifts the 

 responsibility of the problem off the shoulders of this planet. 

 (3) It is suggested that living matter may have been evolved 

 from not-living matter on the earth's surface. If we accept 

 this suggestion, we must of course suppose that in not-living 

 matter the qualities characteristic of living organisms are 

 implicit. The evolutionist's common denominator is then 

 as inexpressibly marvellous as the philosopher's greatest 

 common measure. 



