224 PEOF. G. SIMS WOODHEAD^ M.A., M.D.j 



whose outlook is wide, and who can found his philosophy on a 

 broad scientific basis. Until then we are scarcely likely to make 

 any great advance in our knowledge of the Origin of Life. 



The Biologist will continue to study protoplasm, to place 

 unfertilised eggs in artificial sea-water, and he will find 

 evidence of departure from the ordinary processes of develop- 

 ment in that these unfertile eggs may become fertile even 

 under these conditions. He will bisect embryos that under 

 ordinary conditions would develop into a single organism, and 

 will find that each half will develop into a complete organism, 

 differing from the other only in size. The Pathologist will find 

 that amongst bacteria, certain changes in function and some- 

 times even in structure may be demonstrated, and will note 

 that as the result of their activity profound variations of 

 function may be set up in the organs and tissues of the animal 

 body. The Chemist will, by synthetic methods, go on building 

 up substances indistinguishable from proteins and pepteids, 

 substances that hitherto have been turned out from 

 I^ature's crucibles only. The Physicist will bombard us with 

 electrons and ions, the Chemico-physicist will point out how 

 the colloids manufactured in the body have many of the 

 properties of living matter, and also what part surface tension 

 plays in living organisms in determining their chemical 

 activities, and he will demonstrate the accumulation of potassium 

 salts in certain positions, in multiplying cells, and the like. The 

 Astronomer and the Geologist will each contribute his mite to 

 the treasury of knowledge, and it is well ; for truth is always 

 truth, though we do not always recognize it. Let us accept 

 any isolated fact that is fully demonstrated, and where possible 

 let us tit it into the great scheme of Nature, by the magni- 

 tude of which we are overwhelmed, and, therefore, but little 

 astonished at the comparatively small part of it that has 

 hitherto been filled in, but of which even the most sceptical 

 must admit the wonderful order and law that rule throughout. 

 So marvellous and complete are they that, when I am informed 

 that there is no personal God, I answer to myself that of this 

 great scheme I have but one experience, and that is that all the 

 will, the ruling power, the intellect, the soul and spirit of which 

 I have cognizance are personal ; and that if I am to argue from 

 the less to the greater, I must accept it that there is a great 

 Power above all, ruling, guiding, and regulating. Personal, but 

 all pervading, to Whom, in however small a degree, we are 

 allowed to liken ourselves ; rebelling against Whose laws, we 

 are bound to suffer directly or indirectly ; but obeying with 



