20 
composed of a small number out of some sixty or seventy 
elements, of which many are of rare occurrence, while some 
may be traced in other worlds than our own ; and not only is 
each of these elements itself a definite existence, distinct 
from every other, — a separate integration, — but the sub- 
stances which are chemical combinations of these elements 
have the same character, being not uncertain or irregular 
mixtures, but combinations in definite and fixed propor- 
tions. There is no confusion, such as must have been the 
result of chance, nor yet is there, except in the case of crystal- 
lization, that symmetrical or geometrical regularity, which 
might seem to indicate that mechanical law could have deter- 
mined the arrangements. Scientific thought, indeed, which 
in all directions seeks for unity in Nature, its own sphere, sug- 
gests that under different conditions from those that exist at 
present on this earth all these distinct elements might be 
reduced to one primary element. It seems not impossible that 
the progress of spectroscopy may lead to some discoveries as 
to the relation of the molecules of the different elements that 
might be sufficient evidence of this. Yet this would not bring 
us in the least nearer the cause of these integrations in the 
order of Nature, much less would it enable us to explain the 
properties of the different elements and their combinations. 
It is hopelessly beyond the power of Science to determine how 
the unity, which Science is compelled to postulate and endea- 
vours to trace, can be consistent with an order in which the 
existences are so very different in their properties from one 
another. Science demands unity, and demands also causes for 
the differences ; but it finds in this part of Nature nothing to 
satisfy the two principles. Where (we ask) must we look 
for a rational basis for both principles ? Science cannot help 
us here ; it leaves a void which clearly compels us to look for 
a profounder basis for the unity of Nature than any which 
Nature can itself provide. 
9. The view which Science exhibits in inorganic nature 
of distinct integrations in its order is illustrated also in 
living existences ; and first of all in the distinctness of these 
from all other existences. The phenomena which are charac- 
teristic of living matter (I use the words of Professor Huxley) 
are strongly marked off from all other phenomena.* Certain 
properties distinguish it absolutely from all other kinds of 
matter ; “ our present stock of knowledge furnishing no 
kind of link between that which is living and that which 
* Encyclopaedia Britannica. Ninth edition. Biology. — T. H. H. 
