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sequences likely to follow the rejection of, or any opposition, to, the 
said doctrines. He who doubts or opposes is to be numbered with the fools. 
Nevertheless, I beg of you to consider what you would think of a person who 
assured you that a watch differed from the iron and brass of which it is 
made only in degree, and I leave it to you to determine what you ought to 
think of a philosopher who tries to make you believe that a living thing 
differs from the non-living matter of which its body consists in degree only. 
If at this time you press for reasons in favour of the conjectural unity of 
the living and non-living, all you will get will be some dictum about 
primitive nebulosity and chains of causation. Anything like criticism is so 
disliked by the new Materialist, that he condemns those who differ from 
him by anticipation, and thus for a time criticism is deferred, and his con- 
jectures and fancies may find favour ; but that people should be led away 
so far as to renounce their belief in any form of religion, to deny God, and 
to abandon their hope of a future state, is marvellous indeed. 
In conclusion, let me commend to you the words of Kant. “ Criticism,” 
said he, “ alone can strike a blow at the root of Materialism, Fatalism, 
Atheism, Freethinking, Fanaticism, and Superstition, which are universally 
injurious.” 
THE LIVING AND THE NON-LIVING. 
The following remarks upon this subject were made by Professor Lionel 
S. Beale, F.R.S., during the discussion on Dr. Wallich’s paper* “ On the 
Fallacy of the Materialistic Origin of Life,” read before the Institute, April 
I7th, 1882. 
I propose to offer a few remarks on the view taken by Professor Huxley 
and other scientific men, both here and on the Continent, in reference to the 
very important question of the transition from the non-living to the living. 
I am quite sure we shall agree that this is really the kernel of this most 
interesting subject. We are constantly told of the gradual passage from 
the non-living to the living, and the formation of a living thing is often 
spoken of as if the process were something like the change which takes place 
in the formation of crystals. Most authorities who support the material- 
istic hypothesis draw a parallel between the formation of the lowest forms 
of living matter and crystals. Now, it must occur to every one who has at 
* As yet, ill-health has prevented this author completing his paper for 
publication ; but it is hoped that it may form part of No. (d 4 of the Joimial. 
- Ld. 
