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of man — I will take a much more simple proposition — can science account 
for the existence of the simplest particle of living matter ? We are, as yet, 
a very long way from the consideration of the far more complex question 
concerning the nature and origin of man. If the present rate of progress 
continues, it will he a century at least before we can reasonably enter upon 
that subject. Let us, then, begin with the origin of the simplest living par- 
ticle, and if the changes which are said to take place in non-living matter, 
and are supposed to result in the formation of the simplest living particle, 
can be fairly explained on physical grounds I shall be willing to grant so 
very much that I am sure my opponents will be satisfied. If only that one 
thing can be explained, you may depend upon it that everything else will, 
and must follow in time. I say, therefore, let us fully discuss this simple 
point, How does the living originate from the non-living? Does it originate 
from the non-living in obedience to physical laws, or does it result from 
some special or superphysical action? There are many, and I myself am 
one, who maintain most strongly that no man of science has yet shown 
the vestige of a reason for the inference that the living springs from 
the non-living in obedience to physical laws or physical action. I have 
maintained this position for the last twenty years, and I maintain 
it still. Some of the Fellows of the Royal Society do not behave as 
they ought to do towards those who take this view. Our opinions are 
unquestionably based on reason and observation. (Hear, hear.) Upon 
abstract scientific questions the public cannot judge, but surely the 
public ought to insist that these matters should be investigated, and 
that the whole of the facts should be plainly and clearly stated. If this 
were done, many well-trained intellects would be fully able to judge concern- 
ing the merits of the case, and scientific spirits claiming to be privileged 
would be compelled to give reasons for the faith that is in them. (Hear, 
hear.) At this time the real matter is disguised and obscured by a cloak 
of mysterious language. (Hear, hear.) If some scientific men are, as they 
pretend and declare, really acquainted with the facts, let them state them 
in such a way that persons of ordinary intelligence can understand. It is 
nonsense for men to say among themselves: “We know certain things 
which ordinary minds must fail to comprehend ; we are able to see through 
a greater number of deal boards than the rest of the population can pre- 
tend to do ; we are privileged beyond all others.” (Hear, hear.) Science 
is open to all the world, and it is monstrous to put forth the doctrine that 
these questions, which lie at the very foundation of all thought and know- 
ledge, are only to be dealt with by a favoured few. They are accessible 
to all, and, if scientific men will only state the facts in simple language, they 
can be easily comprehended. Let this subject be put forward in a plain 
and straightforward way, and the public will be quite able to judge 
between us. I, for one, at any rate, am ready to accept their verdict, or 
that of any body of scientific men who will meet together and have the 
subject fully and fairly debated. It never has been so debated. In spite 
of the hundreds of miles of print that are being continually published, this 
