y borne in mind that between the microscopic
limit, and the true molecular limit, there is room for infinite
permutations and combinations. It is in this region that the poles of
the atoms are arranged, that tendency is given to their powers; so
that when these poles and powers have free action, proper stimulus,
and a suitable environment, they determine, first the germ, and
afterwards the complete organism. This first marshalling of the
atoms, on which all subsequent action depends, baffles a keener power
than that of the microscope. When duly pondered, the complexity of
the problem raises the doubt, not of the power of our instrument, for
that is nil, but whether we ourselves possess the intellectual
elements which will ever enable us to grapple with the ultimate
structural energies of nature. [Footnote: 'In using the expression
"one sort of living substance" I must guard against being supposed to
mean that any kind of living protoplasm is homogeneous. Hyaline
though it may appear, we are not at present able to assign any limit
to its complexity of structure.'--Burdon Sanderson, in the 'British
Medical Journal,' January 16, 1875. We have here scientific insight,
and its correlative caution. In fact Dr. Sanderson' s important
researches are a continued illustration of the position laid down
above.]

In more senses than one Mr. Darwin has drawn heavily upon the
scientific tolerance of his age. He has drawn heavily upon time in
his development of species, and he has drawn adventurously upon matter
in his theory of pangenesis. According to this theory, a germ,
already microscopic, is a world of minor germs. Not only is the
organism as a whole wrapped up in the germ, but every organ of the
organism has there its special seed. This, I say, is an adventurous
draft on the power of matter to divide itself and distribute its
forces. But, unless we are perfectly sure that he is overstepping the
bounds of reason, that he is unwittingly sinning against observed fact
or demonstrated law--for a mind like that of Darwin can never sin
wittingly against either fact or law--we ought, I think, to be
cautious in limiting his intellectual horizon. If there be the least
doubt in the matter, it ought to be given in favour of the freedom of
such a mind. To it a vast possibility is in itself a dynamic power,
though the possibility may never be drawn upon. It gives me pleasure
to think that the facts and reasonings of this discou