8 Disunion in the Camp . [January, 
or modifying the result. Hence among the compounds 
formed those which are in harmony with surrounding condi- 
tions are preserved, whilst those not in such harmony 
are decomposed and give place for others. Thus the 
struggle for existence is being waged among mineral bodies, 
governed by purely chemical and physical forces as it is 
among animals and plants, where, in addition, we recognise 
an unknown agency which we call “ life.” Whether this 
life is merely a modification of the ordinary chemical and 
physical energies working under a new set of conditions, or 
whether it is a totally distinct kind of energy, or whether, 
lastly, it is due to the presence in the plant and the animal 
of some immaterial power, is for our present purpose 
beside the question. 
It appears, then, that chemical phenomena do not present 
a region within which the great principle of Evolution does 
not hold good. That it aCts — necessarily aCts — here in a 
manner different in some respeCts from what is observed in 
the organic world need not perplex us, if we do not insist 
upon pushing too far the analogies between dead matter and 
living, growing, reproductive organisms, whose existence is 
not linear and of undeterminate extent, but cyclical or 
periodic. 
II. DISUNION IN THE CAMP. 
t N opposing a fanatical movement such as the Anti- 
ViviseCtion agitation there can be surely no doubt as 
to the absolute necessity for union among the friends 
of Science. We must be agreed as to our position and our 
demands, and there must be no attempts to make terms with 
the utterly irrational and irreconcilable enemy before us. 
Our position is this : that if it be justifiable to inflict pain 
and death upon animals for gain, for amusement, for conve- 
nience, for food, or for self-defence, it is, to say the least, 
equally justifiable to inflict pain and death in pursuit of 
knowledge. Our demands are the entire and unconditional 
repeal of the Vivisection ACt, and the concession of the 
same freedom of action to the biologist as he formerly 
