56 
C. L. Herrick 
The final stage in synthesis is the recognition of the incompleteness 
of the concepts of matter and force and the determination of the 
ground of force in pure energy. It is on this last step that dy- 
namic monism is based. The doctrine of pure energy is not and can 
never be based on observation. It sustains the same relation 
to metaphysics as that sustained by the metaphysical concepts 
of inertia and ether to physics of force and matter. As a pure 
postulate it must satisfactorily fit and explain the observed facts 
and must leave no incomplete synthesis. We believe that, 
properly understood, the postulate of energy may serve to remove 
the hiatus existing between the physical and metaphysical 
sciences. 
Anyone familiar with physics will admit that no construction 
of matter and force is satisfactory. The two are made to play 
into each other’s hands in a very illogical way so that, at one 
moment, force seems a property of matter and, - at another, 
matter appears as a product of equilibrated forces. Neither 
accounts for all the phenomena so that it is necessary, on one hand, 
to postulate ether which abrogates the properties of matter and, 
on the other, to associate with force inertia which has other char- 
acteristics than force is supposed to possess. Neither matter or 
force is directly presented and neither is self-evidently conceivable. 
We have become familiar with the terms and they perhaps have 
come to seem simple concepts. We are led in physics to the idea 
of completely elastic media, but this is obviously inconsistent 
with the supposed properties of matter. We should substitute 
the idea of pure spontaneity. If it is objected that it is not con- 
ceivable, we reply that, strictly speaking, all of that class of pre- 
dicables are inconceivable. Activity not residing in matter and 
not subject to the limitations of force becomes conceivable, if at 
all, just as matter and force have, by construing the relation to 
phenomena. The concept of pure energy — of action devoid 
of resistance — is necessary to the proper explanation of physical 
phenomena as well as the so-called metaphysical. 
Philosophically the ultimate is existence (being). From the 
phenomenal point of view the ultimate is activity or pure energy. 
The two may be identified. Energy and being are one and the 
same. Look at the physical side. A purely elastic medium is 
a postulate rendered necessary by the phenomena ot radiant 
force. In like manner the phenomena of continuous psychical 
