THE 
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 
MAY, 1882. 
I. THE IDENTITY OF VITAL AND COSMICAL 
ENERGY.* 
“ The question of questions for mankind ... is the ascertainment 
of the place which Man occupies in Nature, and of his relation to the 
Universe of things.” — Prof. Huxley, Evidence as to Man's Place in 
Nature. 
S HE history of human thought is the history of two 
rival philosophies. Arrayed in various disguises, 
linked with widely differing methods of investigation 
and inference, sometimes appearing for a moment to meet 
and coalesce, but quickly starting back from the uncongenial 
embrace, Materialism and Idealism have for ages maintained 
a separate hostile existence. Yet no Materialist has suc- 
ceeded in refuting the logic of Idealism, while every Idealist 
has practically assumed the real existence of Matter. 
Idealism has been in the position of a constitutional 
monarch, whose title is sure, but whose power is non- 
existent ; while Materialism has resembled an irresponsible 
popular ruler, insecure yet all-powerful. But, if we cannot 
think without acknowledging one system, and cannot aCt 
without assuming the other, it will be wise to search for 
some logical bond of union between the two ; and should we 
succeed in discovering aCtual unity beneath seeming dis- 
union, the resulting synthesis may be entitled Hylo-Idealism, 
or the somatic rationale of the subjective and objective 
Universe. Here are the two main pillars which support the 
fabric of life and thought : let us see whether they do not 
* Life and Mind on the Basis of Modern Medicine. By Robert Lewins, 
M.D. London: Watts and Co. 
VOL. IV. (THIRD SERIES). S 
