fundamental-point. We endeavour to show, in fact, that immortality is strictly in accordance with the principle of Continuity (rightly viewed); that principle which has been the guide of all modern scientific advance. As one result of this inquiry we are led, by strict reasoning on purely scientific grounds, to the probable conclusion that "a life for the unseen, through the unseen, is to be regarded as the only perfect life." (See Chap. VII.) We need not point out here the bearing of this on religion. Incidentally, the reader will find many remarks and trains of reasoning which (by the alteration of a word or two) can be made to apply to other points of almost equal importance. We may state that the ideas here developed-very imperfectly, of course, as must always be the case in matters of the kind-are not the result of hasty guessing, but have been pressed on us by the reflections and discussions of several years. We have to thank many of our friends, theological as well as scientific, for ready and valuable assistance. The matter of our work has certainly gained by this, though it is likely that the manner may have suffered by the introduction, here and there, of peculiarities of style which could not easily be removed without damage to the sense. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Illustrated by reference to astronomy, Breach of the principle illustrated, Extension to other faculties of man, Application of this principle to Christian miracles- Erroneous position of old divines, Such opposed to the genius of Christianity, . Application of this Principle to the doctrines of the extreme Newton's second interpretation of his Third Law, Friction changes work into heat, Historical sketch of the theory of energy, Melting point of ice lowered by pressure, Sir W. Thomson's rectification of Carnot's reason- (2.) Theory of Boscovitch (centres of force); . (3.) Theory of infinite divisibility, Remarks on these theories, . Relative quantity of matter associated with energy, 139 107 140 109 141-142 109 |