CHAPTER VI.

THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE.
It must be admitted that no satisfactory theory of the evolu- tion of man can obtain so long as the genesis of life upon this planet is shrouded in darkness.
The real factors and causes of evolution are bound up in this question of life itself.
Once given a primordial life cell demanding nutrition and capable of reproduction, and modern physical science constructs a man. Out of this primordial cell and these physical functions and a "hostile environment" it evolves a man physically, intellect- ually and morally.
This, however, does not in the least explain the original ap- pearance of the cell itself. Neither does it explain the nature nor the cause which originates it. It does not explain the original division of life into male and female. It does not explain the phenomenon of intelligence which attaches to the operations of all living things.
Indeed, physical science explains none of these things. On the other hand, it most unscientifically relegates them to the re- gions of the "Unknowable."
Interest in the genesis of physical life remains unabated. The inquiring mind of man is not dismayed by the "Unknowable" of other men nor schools of men.
The vital problem in science to-day is the appearance of or- ganic life upon this globe of inorganic matter.
Physical science confesses itself baffled at every point when it would explain how life evolves from non-life, how sensation evolves from non-sensation, or why intelligence inheres in living
86
THE FOUR KINGDOMS OF NATURE
COPY OF BRONZE PANEL OF AN ALTAR, BY J. OTTO 8WEIZER
The struggle of Intelligence through the Four Kingdoms of
Nature, culminating when the Soul casts
off its material wrappings
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 87
things. It fails to explain these phenomena just as it fails to ex- plain how intuitive intelligence rises into rational intelligence, or how unmoral perceptions rise into moral conceptions.
Modern physical science has traced the man physical through the lower forms of life. It has not, however, mastered the secrets of either life, sensation, intuition, reason, morality, love or happi- ness. The vigilant biologist traces life to the nucleated cell. Here, however, in the department of Protozoa he becomes be- wildered. He misses the connecting link. He fails to discover that subtle element which enters in and converts a simple vege- table cell into the nucleated animal life cell.
Physical science is baffled here just as it is when it seeks the connecting link between man and the ape.
The specialist of physical science finds a cell which may be either animal or vegetable. He can neither feel, see, weigh nor measure, however, that which differentiates the simplest form of the animal life cell from a vegetable cell. His science can not determine as to certain cells, whether they will germinate vege- table or animal life.
Thus, physical science fails to determine at what point a vege- table life cell is converted into an animal life cell. In the same way it fails to demonstrate where mineral activity is converted into the higher activities of vegetable life. Indeed, physical sci- ence has not, as yet, discovered the connecting link between any two of the great kingdoms of Nature, mineral, vegetable, animal and human.
The Darwinian theory of evolution depends upon the original hungry life cell.
This theory, it will be observed, does not account for the hunger of that cell any more than it does for life itself. There is one fact which physical science consistently ignores, namely, that the life cell seeks nutrition because of an innate and pre-ex- isting demand of some character. [
Darwinism declares that everything came to be as it is be- cause it was reinforced from without and because hunger and
88 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
hostile environment forced it to do thus or so. It therefore ac- cepts both hunger and life as ultimate mysteries. It thereafter concerns itself entirely with the physical phenomena manifested by this unexplained hungry cell after it is generated by undis- covered forces.
Thus, physical science rests upon assumptions which pre- clude further investigation as to the genesis of physical life. Failing to account for it by the means known to physical science, it therefore holds that it can not be accounted for in science. It contents itself with assuming that life somehow generates through mechanical and non-intelligent physical forces. It does not, however, explain either the principle or the elements under- lying this mechanical and non-intelligent physical movement.
With this for a major premise physical science thereafter is bound to assume that all further evolution or organization or variation of life cells rests upon mechanical principles and non- intelligent physical forces.
Physical science is thus bound to assume that man is the direct result of a blind digestive apparatus.
The physical materialist simply assumes that the physical functions constitute the sole factors in evolution. He does not concern himself with the principle which set the hungry life cell in operation. He fails to demonstrate and explain the genera- tion of life, the pre-existence of hunger and the original capacity for reproduction.
These assumptions, as will be seen, also ignore that principle in Nature which endows original protoplasm with the masculine and the feminine characteristics, qualities and capacities.
No school of science will satisfy human intelligence which at- tempts to explain evolution without reference to the principles which generate a living entity and endow it with hunger, sex and an impulse to persist as an individual.
"The present state of knowledge furnishes us no links be- tween the living and the non-living." Thus declares the Enc. Brit, when summing up the value of all experiments thus far
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 89
made by physical science as to the origin of physical life. This is true as to the research and experiment of modern physical sci- ence. It is not true, however, of the research and experiment of Natural Science. For years the world of science lived in ex- pectancy of generating life by experiment. Two groups of sci- entists warmly debated the issue. One group, the experiment- ers, held to a theory of spontaneous generation of life from non- living substance. The other group maintained that life gener- ates only from antecedent life.
The experiment consisted in sealing boiled water in air-tight jars.
When generation did not occur it had to be conceded that life does not generate in boiled water sealed in air-tight jars. The experimenters were right when they afterward agreed that life does not generate in a vacuum. Their opponents were also right when they declared that life generates only from antecedent life.
Upon the strength of these experiments physical science formulates what it terms the "Law of Biogenesis." While this theory fails to explain both the principle and process involved in the generation of life, yet it does undertake to explain how life can not generate. It claims that there can be no passage from mineral to plant life nor from plant to animal life. It declares that the doors of each kingdom are hermetically sealed upon the mineral side.
"Natural Law in The Spiritual World" is a popular work which attempts to apply this theory to the spiritual side of Na- ture. The argument is based upon the deductions of Huxley and Tyndall upon this subject. The author takes for granted that the opinions of these great specialists closed the case of Na- ture, for he says: "The organic is staked off from the inor- ganic by a barrier never yet crossed from the other side." Again he says: "No change of substance, no modification of environ- ment nor any form of energy nor any evolution can endow a single atom of mineral substance with life."
90 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
If by "life" the author refers to animal life he is right. If he means vegetable life, however, he is wrong.
Physical science is not familiar with the process by which mineral substance is raised to correspondence with the vito- chemical life element.
All that physical science has really demonstrated is :
(i.) Animal life appears in a single nucleated cell.
(2.) It contains one substance not found in vegetable forms of life.
(3.) These cells are endowed with the functions of nutrition and reproduction.
(4.) These cells have an inherent tendency toward organiza- tion.
(5.) These organisms differentiate and improve in appear- ance, complexity and capacity.
(6.) All entities endowed with animal life display intelligence in their operations.
(7.) Animal life successively develops sensation, intuition (instinct), reason and morality.
In its last analysis physical science fails to suggest the causes which produce the original cell. It therefore relegates the origin of physical life to the region of the "Unknowable." Thus, the modern school stands convicted of insufficiency upon a question vital to scientific progress.
More than this, it is highly probable that physical science will reject any explanation which emanates from another school.
Is it not singular that familiarity with the history of science does not more rapidly promote a spirit of toleration among men of science? On the contrary, modern physical science, as a school or coterie, is almost as intolerant as were the older groups of investigators.
A certain pride of intelligence has been the stumbling-block all along the path of science. Egotism and dogmatism appear to be the weaknesses of most great specialists. It seems inevitable that when the individual intelligence finds itself completely baf-
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 9*
fled it declares to the world, "We have reached the unknowable." For confirmation of this statement turn to the history of modern physical science alone.
When men of science will consent to substitute the word "Undiscovered" for the word "Unknowable," dogmatism and persecution will have received their death-blow. A pursuit of the facts of Nature will then replace the mere effort to sustain an individual opinion or the deductions of any certain school or coterie.
Physical science, in the person of Mr. Edison, goes far enough to declare that "All is a matter of vibration." Mr. Edi- son has already demonstrated that only a given range of the vibrations of physical matter can be reported and registered through the physical senses.
In the person of Professor Roentgen, physical science dem- onstrates that there are certain higher vibrations of matter, in- visible and intangible to physical sense, which may yet be dealt with by science. The "X-ray" is neither seen, heard, touched, tasted nor smelled. It exists, however, as an acknowledged real- ity and demonstrated force.
Physical science is making wonderful strides in the demon- stration of these higher vibrations of physical matter. It has al- ready conclusively proved that Nature embraces both matter and forces which make no impression upon the physical senses of man. By reason of such experiments it has arrived at the point where it could naturally and readily extend its lines into the broader field of Natural Science.
It remains to be seen whether pride of opinion is still stronger than a desire for knowledge. If so, the open door to another line of research and experiment will be ignored.
Natural Science embraces a comprehensive knowledge of physical science. It goes further. It demonstrates that there is a whole world of material vibrations and forces which eludes all physical organs of sensation, all physical instruments of registra-
92 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
tion, all physical experiments, and all physical means and meth- ods of analysis and demonstration.
Physical science agrees that the vibration of matter means the movement of matter. It agrees that this vibration or mo- tion of matter, as a whole, is maintained by the action and reac- tion of individual particles moving upon each other. Physical science also agrees that by and through this ceaseless activity of matter force is generated.
Thus far physical science coincides with Natural Science. The more liberal school, however, simply goes farther along the same line of experiment.
Natural Science goes far enough to demonstrate that it is the ceaseless activity of individual particles moving upon each other which refines matter itself and increases its vibratory action.
In yet another respect it points the way for modern experi- ment.
Physical science is concerned at present with the vibrations of physical matter only. Natural Science, on the other hand, is concerned with the vibratory activities of spiritual material as well as physical material. It studies physical matter by physical means and spiritual matter by spiritual means.
The higher science is therefore in position to discuss the law of motion and number from two points of view instead of one. That is to say, it is prepared to estimate and compare the dif- ference in the refinement of matter and the vibratory activities of two worlds of matter.
The present position and deductions of Natural Science rep- resent its researches crystallized to certain definite propositions concerning this law of motion and number. As already ex- plained, the law of motion and number refers, first, to matter in motion; next, to the degree of refinement of the atom in the compound. These deductions are presented to supplement rather than to antagonize physical science. It is hoped to estab- lish co-operative relations with the modern school and to secure its sympathy and aid rather than to invite antagonism.
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 93
Even though physical science rejects the principles here laid down, there are still many independent thinkers and investigators open to truth from Whatever source it may come. There are many difficulties in this attempt to discuss the genesis of life upon this planet. This is frankly admitted. This is true by reason of the fact that those experiments which deal with the progress of matter and the genesis of life are experiments which lie beyond the means and methods of physical science.
They do not, however, transcend the experiments of human science or they would not now be subject of record and publica- tion.
It is, indeed, difficult to present as facts of Nature those opera- tions of Nature which can not be demonstrated by the means known to popular science. For this reason the deductions of Natural Science concerning the genesis of life may be mistaken as theoretical, if not purely fanciful speculation. In view of this the writer suggests to the reader as follows :
(i.) Discard as false whatever conflicts with facts of Nature already proved by physical science.
(2.) Keep clearly in mind the difference between proved physical facts of Nature and the theories advanced by physical scientists to explain those facts.
It is admitted that experiments involving proof of these prin- ciples transcend popular science. It is, however, explicitly de- clared that they come within the range of human science and are clearly comprehensible to finite intelligence. As already stated, Natural Science has its limitations. They are not, however, the same limitations which hamper physical science. Physical sci- ence is limited to the knowledge gained by finite intelligence op- erating upon the physical plane. Natural Science is limited to knowledge gained by finite intelligence operating upon both the physical and the spiritual planes.
When finite intelligence masters a universal principle in Na- ture and acquires definite knowledge as to the processes and ef- fects of that principle, the limitations of finite science are appar-
94 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
ently reached. This is the nearest approach of the finite to the Infinite Intelligence.
All that man here or hereafter (as it appears) may aspire to know of the Law-Giver is some knowledge of His laws.
Colquhoun, in his "History of Magic," has well said, "When we have once established a general law of Nature we have reached the limit assigned our faculties and must take our stand on the primitive will and fiat of the great Creator of the universe ; for who would otherwise attempt to explain the cause of a gen- eral law ? The true philosopher endeavors to connect the various phenomena of the universe in such a manner as to elicit one or more of these general laws; and it is in this way — and in this way alone — that we can best contribute to the completion of the sciences. To attempt to go beyond this point is an error into which no man of sound sense and philosophical tact will readily fall."
There is, however, so much obtainable knowledge of the spiritual side of Nature that Natural Science is justified in pre- senting certain spiritual principles as universal principles and certain deduction as fundamental in science.
The spiritual principle of polarity is the universal principle under immediate consideration. Those propositions which relate to the evolution of man rest upon this principle. Evolution in- volves the refinement of matter, the increase of vibratory action, the generation of life, the individualization of intelligence, the development of love and the attainment of happiness.
Those experiments which demonstrate the foregoing proposi- tions lie beyond the present scope and methods of physical sci- ence. They are experiments possible only to such as are spe- cially trained for such work. Further, it must be understood that these propositions are not intended to explain the principle of polarity itself. They indicate only the fact that science discovers such a principle. They are not intended to explain why this principle governs evolution. They are merely intended to state the fact that under this principle matter is refined and increased
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 95
in vibratory action, that life is generated, intelligence individual- ized, love developed and happiness attained.
All that science can ever hope to accomplish by mere publi- cation is to give facts, state principles and rationally elucidate them.
The principle to be stated and elucidated in this work is that principle by which matter is refined and increased in vibratory action through and by the efforts of individual entities seeking vibratory correspondences in other like individuals of opposite polarity.
Natural Science discovers something more in Nature than a universal spiritual principle of polarity or affinity. It discovers something more than physical matter in motion. It finds that a physical entity is something vastly more than mere phys- ical matter keyed to a certain rate of vibratory action. It finds that all matter is alive, or rather that matter is animated by something which we name either magnetism, vitality or life. It finds, for instance, that a steel magnet exhibits a certain char- acter of vitality, a tree possesses yet another, the animal still an- other, while it finds that man exhibits higher and more subtle energies than anything below him.
Science demonstrates that in addition to matter, Nature em- braces certain subtle elements which are universal in time and space and are defined as the "Life Elements."
Finite science, be it understood, does not attempt to account for these elements in Nature any more than it does for matter and motion. It accepts them as universals and ultimates in Nature, and works along that hypothesis. Science simply classi- fies these Life Elements along with the other universals, namely, matter, motion, life, intelligence and love.
The universal Life Elements are four in number, defined as follows :
( i .) Electro-Magnetism .
(2.) The Vito-Chemical Life Element.
(3.) The Spiritual Life Element.
(4.) The Soul Element.
96 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
Science demonstrates that one or more of these vital elements magnetizes, vivifies, vitalizes or animates all physical matter, in- cluding the mineral atom, the plant, the animal and the man. It finds, therefore, that what we know as magnetism in metals, vital- ity in vegetation, and life in the animal and man are, in fact, cer- tain temporary relations established between physical material and the finer and more subtle Life Elements.
The discovery and demonstration of the operation of these Life Elements constitute part of the occupation of Natural Sci- ence. The range of phenomena included in the operation of these elements extends downward to the unconscious mineral atom and upward to the self-conscious soul of man.
Study of the Life Elements in operation is the study of the universal principle of polarity or affinity. Through analysis of these elements is demonstrated the fact that the principle of polar attraction inheres in the vital elements themselves, and not in the solid particles of physical matter.
Knowledge of this important fact gives rise to certain other important deductions, viz. :
(i.) The union of physical matter and the Life Elements is brought about through and by the operation of that principle of polarity or affinity which inheres in the universal elements them- selves.
(2.) Each Life Element displays dual and yet differing pow- ers of positive and receptive energy.
(3.) In the union of physical matter with one or more of these Life Elements arise the phenomena of magnetism, vitality and life.
Science holds that these universal Life Elements are essen- tially unlike in essence and manifestation. As already stated, most of the experiments which support these statements lie be- yond the present means and methods of modern physical science. It is, however, possible for the intelligent reader to gain a per- fectly rational conception of the principles, properties and ele-
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. £?
mcnts with which the higher science deals. It is also possible for the casual student to obtain an intelligent idea of the processes by which these properties and elements are converted into phys- ical life.
The four universal Life Elements successively give rise to the four great physical kingdoms, viz., mineral, vegetable, animal and human.
Each one of the Life Elements gives rise to a distinctive form of physical activity or life. Each element governs a kingdom which is entirely distinct in physical appearance, in characteris- tics, capacities and activities.
Electro-Magnetism, the least potent of all the vital elements, animates mineral substance and displays merely the powers of union, cohesion and aggregation.
The Vito-Chemical Life Element, the next higher and more potent of the universal Life Elements, vivifies vegetable sub~- stance and governs a higher form of life and activity. This ele- ment displays something more than the powers of union, cohe- sion and aggregation. It does something more than unite al- ready existing particles. It possesses in addition the powers of growth and organization. It generates new forms by attracting the necessary material from the universal elements.
The Spiritual Life Element, a still higher and more potent element, generates a still higher form of life. Animal life is a distinct advance upon vegetable life. Animal organisms possess a vitality, capacity and power wholly unlike and superior to the plant. The animal cell exhibits the same unconscious union, co- hesion and aggregation of the mineral atoms. They also possess the power of growth and organization as do the plants. The animal, however, as a whole, possesses capacities which far tran- scend those of the mineral or vegetable kingdom. These capaci- ties are defined as an individual consciousness and the powers of sensation, intuition and volition.
The Soul Element, the highest and most subtle known to sci- ence, inspires the kingdom of man. In this fourth and highest 7
98 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
kingdom are found every capacity, characteristic and possibility of all of the lower kingdoms. Added to these, however, is a cer- tain character of life, of energy and of capacity never yet discov- ered in the lower kingdoms. In this kingdom and in this alone are found self-consciousness, a rational intelligence, morality, al- truism, and a free and independent will and desire.
Thus, each one of the Life Elements dominates a particular kingdom and gives rise to a distinctive class of phenomena.
The higher science demonstrates that these elements are unlike in essence, differing in character and capacity. It dem- onstrates also that they are of different degrees of refinement and therefore move at different rates of vibratory action.
The two lower Life Elements, Electro-Magnetism and the Vito-Chemical, have a physical as well as a spiritual side. That is to say, these are the only two of the vital elements which move at such a low rate of vibratory action as to come within the range of physical experiment. Man, through his knowledge and control of these two particular elements, revolutionizes, from time to time, the established order of human society. Electrical, chemical and medical sciences rest upon the knowledge, control and a practical application of the Electro-Magnetic and Vito- Chemical forces in Nature.
Such men as Franklin, Edison, Morse, Roentgen, Kelwin and Gray are masters of electrical science to whom the whole world is indebted. Considering the marvelous results achieved by physical science through its knowledge of the least potent of the vital elements, it is not difficult to conceive of the still more wonderful results which would naturally flow from a knowledge and control of all the Life Elements.
A knowledge and mastery of all the Life Elements constitute the active pursuit and employment of the Natural Scientist. For illustration, it is a fact, and not a fairy tale, that through knowl- edge and control of the Vito-Chemical Life Element a scientific man may suddenly materialize a grain of wheat or a growing plant. It is a fact, and not a fiction, that by knowledge and con-
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 99
trol of the Spiritual Life Element a physically disembodied man may materialize a part or all of his own body to the physical sense of sight. The spiritual man does not, however, really cre- ate a body of flesh and blood. All that he does is to control suf- ficient of the living physical substance near him to thinly cover a part or all of his spiritual body. This is a common occurrence in the seance room.
It is the understanding and application of these finer forces in Nature which are responsible for the wonderful tales of the Oriental "Masters," "Adepts," "Yogi," "Fakirs," "Jugglers," and in our own western world, of spiritual mediums and hypnot- ists.
The reader may ask, "What is the difference between Masters, Fakirs, mediums, hypnotists, etc. ?" Briefly, however, there are three fundamental differences; first, as to the range of exact knowledge ; second, as to actual power over the elements ; third and particularly, as to the use made of those powers.
The right use of such knowledge and the right application of such powers determine whether a man is an exponent of "White Magic" or "Black Magic." In other words, they determine whether he is a representative of a true or a false philosophy of life. For illustration, the reader is asked to compare the purposes and the work of a Master such as Christ with the ambitions and exhibitions of the professional fakir, medium and hypnotist.
The Soul Element is the highest life element with which finite science deals. This is true by reason of the fact that this is the highest and most subtle element which enters into the composi- tion of man himself. Water can not rise above its own source when left to itself. Thus far the intelligent soul of man has not risen to an intelligent perception of anything higher than his own highest element.
This, therefore, is the element most difficult of analysis and demonstration. Study of this element and mastery of its prin- ciples, therefore, constitute the highest occupation of human in- telligence on both sides of life.
100 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
"The proper study of mankind is man." This was not in- tended simply as the study of man anatomically or physiologi- cally. He who really studies man, investigates and analyzes the capacities and powers of the intelligent soul. He does not merely dissect the physical body nor analyze its physical func- tions.
Knowledge and power on the plane of the Soul Element, viz., knowledge of man and worthy dominion over him, are regarded as the goal of finite endeavor.
The several distinct kingdoms of Nature represent the union of physical matter with the several Life Elements in Nature. These several kingdoms are seen to rise successively as one after another the Life Elements are inducted into physical matter.
As already explained, the vitalization of physical matter de- pends upon the energies which inhere in the universal elements themselves.
For illustration, when electro-magnetism is extracted from iron or steel we have devitalized mineral substance or dead ore. If a bottle of herb extract is left uncorked, the medicine loses its potency or its life. When a man dies physically it means merely that the more permanent living spiritual man has withdrawn from the physical counterpart. It means that the spiritual organism, still animated by the higher life of the soul, survives that event and goes on with existence under new material conditions.
The withdrawal of the Life Element produces the same result in each kingdom of Nature, viz., devitalization or death. The material particles of any physical organism, divested of the con- trolling Life Element, experience a form of disintegration which, we name decay and death.
Physical matter is therefore negative to and subject to the action of the positive Life Elements. Physical life, as we see it, is therefore nothing more than the manifestation of a certain rela- tion between those animating Life Elements and coarser physical particles.
The principle of polarity or affinity inheres in the universal
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. IOI
Life Elements. This means that what physical science calls the law of vibration is, in truth, primarily a spiritual law operating through and upon physical material.
In the Life Elements, therefore, we find the cause of that universal cleavage in physical Nature known as sex, the phenom- enon of positive and receptive energy. Each and every one of the Life Elements is dual in its nature and manifests itself as either positive or receptive energy. As a result, the law of polar- ity, or the law of sex, governs everything known to man, from the chemical atom to the intelligent soul. It will therefore be seen that everything upon this physical plane belongs to either the positive or the receptive department of Nature. This applies to mineral, vegetable and animal substance. It applies also to organized entities, plant, animal and human.
Between the positive and the receptive energies of any one of the Life Elements there exists an inherent attraction and irre- sistible impulse for union.
As a result, all physical substances, entities and individuals representing those dual energies are impelled to union by the affinities resident in the Life Elements themselves. Thus, each kingdom of Nature is divided into a positive department and a receptive department. Thus, each individual of that kingdom is arrayed on one side or the other, as a positive or receptive factor in evolution.
Between these two departments, between these oppositely po- larized atoms, entities and individuals, exists an eternal affinity or impulse for union.
The science of chemistry is based upon those affinities which inhere in Electro-Magnetism and the Vito-Chemical Life Ele- ment. The philosophy of life is based upon those affinities which reside in the Spiritual and the Soul Elements of human life.
As already explained, the two lower Life Elements may be assigned to the department of physical science. This is by reason of the fact that they move at so low a rate of vibratory action as to bring them within range of physical experiment. On the
102 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
other hand, those higher elements which govern animal and human life must be assigned to the realm of purely spiritual forces. This is by reason of the fact that they are so rapid in vibratory action as to entirely elude cognition or analysis by and through physical means. These elements are susceptible to an- alysis only by the means and methods employed in the higher science.
The process by which physical matter is gradually refined and raised to certain ratios of correspondence with the universal Life Elements constitutes the evolutionary process upon this planet.
The spiritual principle of polarity which inheres in those Life Elements appears to be the agent employed by the Great Intelli- gence to guide this process.
This principle evolves the four great kingdoms in Nature, suc- cessively governed by the four Life Elements.
At this point an attempt will be made to briefly present Na- ture's working formula of evolution. With this simple outline clearly in mind the evolutionary scheme becomes fairly intelli- gible. It must be understood, however, that Nature's formula is not presented as a reason for Nature itself. It is, instead, pre- sented as an explanation of the method employed by Nature to generate life and to improve her living products.
In short, it is intended to show how a universal Life Ele- ment is inducted into physical matter, which explanation covers the question as to the genesis of physical life.
Careful attention to this formula will enable the reader to un- derstand what is meant by the inseparable phenomena of the refinement of matter and the increase of its vibratory activity. It may enable the thinker to grasp the purpose which Nature is bringing to an earthly culmination by means of one principle fundamental in Nature.
Nature's formula for evolution, if reduced to one fundamental proposition, would stand as follows :
THERE is A PRINCIPLE IN NATURE WHICH IMPELS EVERY ENTITY
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 103
TO SEEK VIBRATORY CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER LIKE ENTITY OF OPPOSITE POLARITY.
By keeping this one principle in mind the student can not fail to comprehend the entire formula, which is, in truth, but an am- plification of this one proposition.
According to all science there is a planetary period antedating all forms of vegetable, animal and human life. During this period, according to Natural Science, the lowest of all the vital elements directly governs physical substance. During this period the cold Electro-Magnetic forces operate directly through and upon all physical matter. These forces operate as positive and receptive energy. In consequence, all cosmic physical sub- stance is either positively or receptively charged with Electro- Magnetism.
As a consequence two important conditions obtain, viz. :
(i.) All physical matter is Electro-Magnetic or, in other words, mineral matter.
(2.) A distinct cleavage exists throughout this mineral king- dom, the one part being positively and the other receptively charged with the governing element of Electro-Magnetism.
The one part, the positive, is in a highly active state. The other part, though equally potent, is simply receptive to the de- mands of the positive side. Between the two parts there exists a universal attraction or affinity.
This attraction or affinity as between the two parts is, how- ever, maintained through and by the individual attractions of the atoms which compose those parts.
This affinity between individual mineral atoms is governed by
THAT PRINCIPLE IN NATURE WHICH IMPELS EVERY ENTITY TO SEEK VIBRATORY CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER LIKE ENTITY OF OPPO- SITE POLARITY.
The result of this attraction between individuals is union. When such union establishes a perfect vibratory correspondence an equilibrium of forces obtains. The result is a permanent co- hesion, or an indissoluble union, chemically considered. When
104 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
such union fails to establish vibratory correspondence repulsion occurs and the divorced atoms seek union elsewhere in pursuance of the law of chemical affinity.
The result of these individual efforts for an individual equi- librium is a ceaseless combining and recombining of mineral substances. By and through thes£ individual efforts for individ- ual adjustment new unions of mineral substances are being con- tinually formed. Gradually these individuals establish perma- nent unions, after which the same law operates to attract and unite whole groups of individuals. These combinations we term "chemical compounds."
These compounds are the offspring of the Electro-Magnetic energies in Nature.
Thus was our whole earth gradually solidified from its incan- descent and gaseous stages.
Moved by this universal principle of affinity, that entire gas- eous and liquid mass finally settled into a solid globe in the order of its individual affinities. The law of affinity, however, was not suspended with the crystallization of the mineral gases. On the contrary, it continues to operate through the solid as well as the gaseous and liquid substances. The result of this ceaseless ac- tivity of mineral substances is :
(i.) Reduction in the size of the individual atom.
(2.) Increased vibratory action of that atom in the com- pound.
In consequence, mineral substance is universally (though not simultaneously) refined as a whole and keyed to higher vibra- tions in Nature. There comes a time when a portion of this mineral substance is raised to certain ratios of correspondence with the vibratory action of a second and higher Life Element in Nature.
This next higher element of Vito-Chemical Life lies univer- sally and coextensively in time and space with the lower element of Electro-Magnetism (as far as science knows).
When the mineral atom has been thus raised to the harmonic
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 105
relation necessary, it becomes susceptible to the essence and ac- tivity of the Vito-Chemical Life Element. Impregnation occurs. The higher Life Element is inducted into mineral substance and the mineral atom becomes a vegetable particle, endowed with Vito-Chemical or vegetable life.
By this process and under this principle is all life generated upon this planet.
The phenomena of the vegetable kingdom are analogous to those of the mineral. Moved by the same principle of polarity or affinity, the Vito-Chemical Life Element operates through and upon vegetable substance as positive and receptive energy. In consequence all vegetable substance is either positively or re- ceptively conditioned. A distinct cleavage obtains throughout the vegetable kingdom. One part represents the highly active or positive energies of the Vito-Chemical Life Element ; the other, though equally potent, represents the receptive or absorbing energies of the same element.
Between these two parts, oppositely charged or polarized, there exists a universal and involuntary attraction or affinity. This attraction or affinity of the whole is maintained through and by the individual affinities of entities composing the whole.
The affinity between individual vegetable particles is governed
by THAT PRINCIPLE IN NATURE WHICH IMPELS EVERY ENTITY TO SEEK VIBRATORY CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER LIKE ENTITY OF OPPOSITE POLARITY.
The result of this attraction or affinity between individual particles is union. In the temporary correspondences between individual particles, the powers of generation obtain and repro- duction of vegetable cells occurs.
These reproductions represent the positive or male energies of Vito-Chemical Life acting upon the receptive, absorbing, femi- nine energies of the same element.
The progeny of these combined powers is, therefore, but an incidental result of the effort made by two vegetable particles for vibratory correspondence.
106 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
The same natural law of affinity operates to draw individual pairs into definite groups or into definite forms. As a result we have a whole kingdom representing the processes of the Vito- Chemical Life Element, from the simplest lichen to plant, bush, vine and tree.
The effect of this ceaseless activity in vegetable substance is to refine it as to particle and to increase the vibratory action of that particle. As a result vegetable substance is universally (though not simultaneously) refined as a whole and keyed to higher vibrations in Nature. There comes a period when a pro- portion of these vegetable particles is raised to* certain ratios of correspondence with the vibratory action of a third and yet higher Life Element.
This third and higher element is known to science as the Spiritual Life Element. It is supposed to pervade all space, as do the lower elements of Electro-Magnetism and Vito-Chemical Life. When the vegetable cell reaches a given ratio of vibratory correspondence with this higher element it becomes susceptible to the essence and activity of that element.
As a result the Spiritual Life Element is inducted into the vegetable cell and converts it into the nucleated animal life cell.
Moved by the same principle of polarity or affinity the Spirit- ual Life Element operates through and upon animal life cells as positive and receptive energy. This principle operates to pro- duce results clearly analogous to those in the lower kingdoms. In consequence all animal nature is positively or receptively po- larized. A distinct cleavage obtains in the animal world, one part being positive or male, the other receptive or female. The one part represents the highly active and aggressive nature of the Spiritual Life Element, the other represents the receptive or absorbing nature of the same element.
Between the two sexes exists a universal and voluntary at- traction or affinity. This attraction or affinity between the two sexes, as a whole, is maintained through and by the individual affinities of the male and female animal.
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 107
This affinity between male and female animal is governed by
THAT PRINCIPLE IN NATURE WHICH IMPELS EVERY ENTITY TO SEEK VIBRATORY CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER LIKE ENTITY OF OPPO- SITE POLARITY.
The result of this affinity between individual animals is union. Where such union establishes vibratory correspondence it be- comes a permanent union. Where it fails of Nature's purpose, however, repulsion occurs and the divorced animals seek har- monic relations elsewhere. Reproduction is one of the physical results of this effort for self adjustment. The powers of genera- tion are attained in that supreme effort of the individual pairs.
Reproduction is, therefore, the- incidental result of the indi- vidual effort for self adjustment between animals.
The principle of affinity operating upon animal life produces :
(i.) The positive and receptive activity of protoplasm.
(2.) The organization of cells into complex organisms.
(3.) The union of individual animals.
The effect of this ceaseless activity in the animal kingdom produces results analogous to those of the lower kingdoms. Ani- mal substance is gradually (though not simultaneously) refined as a whole, and keyed to higher vibrations in Nature. This re- fining process in animal life goes on as to physical particle, cell, organism and intelligence. Consequently and correspondingly the vibratory action of particle, cell and organism in animal life is increased.
There comes a period under evolutionary processes when ani- mal substance is so refined and the animal man so raised in vibra- tory conditions that he comes into a natural and harmonic rela- tion with the fourth and highest Life Element in Nature.
This is the Soul Element, universal in time and space as are the lower elements of Electro-Magnetism, Vito-Chemical and Spiritual Life.
When this period is reached, the most subtle element in Na- ture is inducted into the animal man and the animal man becomes the human. From this point of progress man is said to possess
108 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
a soul. From this period man is defined in science as "A Living Soul."*
The birth of the human has been scientifically, though poet- ically, expressed in Genesis. The poet says, "God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul." The higher science regards this as merely a poetic version of a literal truth. That is to say, when the dual organisms of animal man reach a certain stage of refinement and vibratory action he becomes susceptible to the potencies of the highest Life Element in Nature.
When this evolutionary stage is reached, the infant so pre- pared breathes it as the breath of a higher life, thus becoming "A Living Soul."
Science holds that the induction of this element confers upon man those distinctive qualities defined as human. From this pe- riod man enjoys self consciousness and consciousness of other selves. This means an independent intelligence and a personal identity with the higher powers of reason, intuition and memory. It means also the higher powers of love and a capacity for purely moral development.
These, however, are not the limit of the soul's capacities.
The supreme power of the Soul Element is held to be its power of persistence after physical death as an individual and self conscious intelligence. The Soul Element in its positive and receptive energies corresponds with all of the lower Life Ele- ments of Nature. Moved by the same principle of polarity or affinity, the Soul Element animates and inspires humanity. It moves in lines of positive and receptive intelligence, the intelli- gent Ego being essentially masculine or feminine. The positive or masculine soul particularly represents intelligent force of will, while the receptive or feminine soul particularly represents in- telligent force of desire.
*See quotation at the close of this chapter from Alfred Russel Wal- lace in his "Darwinism."
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 109
Thus a distinct cleavage exists in the intelligence as well as in the physical and spiritual organisms of the human family.
It must be understood that each higher kingdom includes all of the energies and functions and powers of the lower Life Elements.
For illustration, a plant includes the energies and powers of Electro-Magnetism as well as those of Vito-Chemical Life. The animal also represents these same two elements though governed by the Spiritual Life Element. Man, however, combines the en- ergies, functions, and capacities of all the elements, though he is dominated by the highest, the self conscious soul. It follows, therefore, that the polar affinities in human life include an attrac- tion in all of the lower elements. The strongest attraction be- tween man and woman is, however, an attraction governed by the demands of the highest element, the soul.
Attraction between intelligent human beings is based upon
THAT FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE IN NATURE WHICH IMPELS EVERY ENTITY TO SEEK VIBRATORY CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANOTHER LIKE ENTITY OF OPPOSITE POLARITY.
The result of attraction and affinity between intelligent human beings is union or marriage. Failure to attain the harmonic relation sought results in a natural repulsion, natural divorce and a natural desire to seek self adjustment elsewhere. The physical union of two human beings is an expression of the soul's desire for an individual happiness.
In that physical union, however, the powers of generation are attained and reproduction follows. Reproduction in the human family is, therefore, an incidental result of an effort made by individual intelligence seeking its own satisfactions.
Thus the same principle of affinity which crystallized the fiery cloud ball into our solid earth continues to operate even after it has perfected the four great physical kingdoms and established man as master of them all. The arrest of the physical body oc- curs with man. Nature has completed the physical instrument of intelligence as far as its mechanism is concerned. Man is now
1 10 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
provided with all'necessary organs for the uses of physical, spirit- ual, intellectual and moral living.
NATURE FURNISHES NO HIGHER KNOWN TYPE IN ORGANIC FORM
THAN MAN.
The physical organism of man is susceptible to immeasur- able refinement and corresponding increase in vibratory action, but not to any known change structurally.
With the arrest of the physical body begins the higher evolu- tion of man.
The Soul Element, though manifesting through physical forms, yet governs the distinct kingdom of intellectual life and therein carries on the higher evolution of man. The greatest kingdom in Nature, the realm of rational intelligence and of eth- ical development, is the kingdom of the Soul.
Thus, the universal Life Elements appear to have special offices in the economy of Nature. To Electro-Magnetism is assigned the refinement of mineral substance and the solidifying of the planet. To Vito-Chemical Life is given the task of pre- paring the planet for physical life. The particular office of the Spiritual Life Element appears to be the completion of the physical body. To the intelligent soul is specially assigned the acquisition of knowledge, the acquirement of power, the exercise of love and the attainment of happiness.
From lowest to highest each element has performed its task through the sex principle of positive and receptive energy. Only by comparison is human intelligence able to comprehend this stupendous drama which is being enacted by the positive and re- ceptive powers in Nature. Only by comparing a positive and a negative mineral atom with a man and a woman can the mind grasp the meaning of the word evolution.
Linnaeus concisely expressed these evolutionary steps in Nature when he said : "Stones grow, plants grow and live, ani- mals grow, live and feel."
Had he gone one step further and added, "Men grow, live, feel and think," he would have expressed our philosophy.
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. Ill
It requires the greatest effort of intelligence to perceive that all of this marvelous movement, change and progress depend upon that one principle which impels everything that is, to seek correspondence in that which is of opposite polarity. It is, how- ever, these ceaseless efforts of individuals, seeking individual adjustment, which occasion all this mighty movement, variation and improvement. To the effort of the individual must be attributed all evolution, from coarser to finer, from simple to complex and from unconscious and involuntary to conscious and voluntary, to self conscious and independent.
To the efforts of individual intelligence are attributed the rise of consciousness into self consciousness, the addition of rational conceptions to intuitive perceptions, and finally, the evolution from unmoral animal nature to moral human nature. Man, the highest product in Nature, a living soul physically embodied, continues the higher evolution through ceaseless efforts for self adjustment.
Thus, it appears that everything, from the unconscious min- eral atom to the self conscious living soul, is seeking an individ- ual relation that is in correspondence or harmony with itself.
Everything that is, atom, cell, organism, animal and human, is in a present state of refining, change and improvement. The physical matter of one kingdom is being perpetually refined for the uses of another. The life of one kingdom is continually pre- paring the way for the higher life of another kingdom. The in- telligence of one kingdom is continually aspiring to intelligence of a higher order.
Thus, the universal principle of polarity or affinity, recognized by physical science as the law of vibration, is, in reality, the fundamental principle of evolution and the generator of all phys- ical life.
Thus, the teaching of the older school comes to fulfill and not to destroy the laws already apprehended by the modern school. It approaches physical science, not to belittle its achievements, but simply to enlarge its scope. It denies none of
"2 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
the facts of physical science. It only refutes certain theories of physical materialism and presents additional facts to support that refutation.
What is denied, and all that is denied, are those deductions which ignore the spiritual principles, elements and forces in Na- ture and assign the evolution of an intelligent moral being to the blind and mechanical physical forces of digestion. It denies only those deductions which reverse the natural order of cause and effect, and refer that which is spiritual, intellectual and eth- ical to that which is physical and mechanical.
The higher science does not undertake to explain why the principle of affinity governs the universal Life Elements. It simply accepts both the principle and the elements as it does matter and intelligence, viz., as ultimates in finite science. It does not attempt to explain why evolution is conducted through the sex principle of positive and receptive energy. It merely demonstrates that the affinities and unions of entities thus polar- ized refine matter, increase its vibratory action, generate life and develop individual intelligence.
It does not pretend to explain how or why Nature improves its products through vibratory correspondences. It merely dis- covers that the nearer two entities of opposite polarity approach a perfect correspondence in vibratory action, the finer are the effects upon that entity physically, spiritually and ethically. What the higher science has really verified is :
(i ) The universality of the principle of polarity in the evo- lutionary scheme.
(2 ) The universality of the Life Elements in physical man.
(3 ) The process by which these polarized elements charge physical matter, combine it, refine it and key it to higher vibra- tions in Nature.
(4 ) The effects correlated to such combination, refinement and increase of vibratory action.
These deductions are not presented as explanations of the first cause of either matter, motion, life or intelligence. They
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. 1 13
may, however, simplify to the mind those principles and processes which are involved in the generation of physical life, the com- pletion of the physical body, and the rise of individual intelli- gence.
The moralist who claims that "Everything in the moral world has a physical basis" has also declared that "Evolution began in protoplasm and ends in man."
Natural Science, more conservative, would say — evolution begins ? and ends ?
It is thus admitted that finite science has neither compre- hended nor demonstrated the beginnings nor the endings of the infinite scheme of evolution. Evolution is regarded as an infi- nite process. Man is considered as a factor in that process. To actually know the beginnings and the endings of this stupendous drama would be to know God.
That which the higher science does claim to know concern- ing the genesis of physical life and the evolution of man are:
(1) That the genesis of the animal life cell is the point of contact between a particle of vegetable substance and the uni- versal Spiritual Life Element.
(2) That point of contact is the stage of evolution at which the vibratory action of the vegetable particle rises to a neces- sary ratio of correspondence with the Spiritual Life Element.
(3) The genesis of all physical life is governed by the spir- itual principle of polarity or affinity.
(4) Polarity, or positive and receptive energy, are powers which inhere in the Life Elements.
(5) The operation of these highly active but opposite ener- gies occasions the phenomena of chemical affinity and of sex in plant, animal and human life.
(6) The office of sex in Nature is to promote and achieve equalization of those positive and receptive energies.
(7) Nature seeks equalization of the whole by and through individual efforts for self equalization of the individual.
(8) The ceaseless attractions, unions, combinations and 8
114 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
activities of positive and receptive physical entities entail the refinement of matter, the increase of vibratory action and the genesis of physical life.
Says Alfred Russel Wallace:
The special faculties we have been discussing clearly point to the existence in man of something which he has not derived from his animal progenitors — something which we may best refer to as being of a spiritual essence or nature, capable of progressive development under favorable conditions. On the hypothesis of this spiritual nature, super- added to the animal nature of man, we are able to understand much that is otherwise mysterious or unintelligible in regard to him, espe- cially the enormous influence of ideas, principles, and beliefs over his whole life and actions. Thus alone we can understand the constancy of the martyr, the unselfishness of the philanthropist, the devotion of the patriot, the enthusiasm of the artist, and the resolute and persever- ing search of the scientific worker after Nature's secrets. Thus we may perceive that the love of truth, the delight in beauty, the passion for justice, and the thrill of exultation with which we hear of any act of courageous self-sacrifice, are the workings within us of a higher nature which has not been developed by means of the struggle for ma- terial existence.
It will, no doubt, be urged that the admitted continuity of man's progress from the brute does not admit of the introduction of new causes, and that we have no evidence of the sudden change of nature which such introduction would bring about. The fallacy as to new causes involving any breach of continuity, or any sudden or abrupt change, in the effects, has already been shown; but we will further point out that there are at least three stages in the development of the organic world when some new cause or power must necessarily have come into action.
The first stage is the change from inorganic to organic, when the earliest vegetable cell, or the living protoplasm out of which it arose, first appeared. This is often imputed to a mere increase of complexity of chemical compounds; but increase of complexity, with consequent instability, even if we admit that it may have produced protoplasm as a chemical compound, could certainly not have produced living proto- plasm— protoplasm which has the power of growth and of reproduction, and of that continuous process of development which has resulted in the marvelous variety and complex organization of the whole vegetable kingdom. There is in all this something quite beyond and apart from chemical changes, however complex; and it has been well said that the first vegetable cell was a new thing in the world, possessing alto-
THE GENESIS OF PHYSICAL LIFE. H5
gethcr new powers — that of extracting and fixing carbon from the carbon-dioxide of the atmosphere, that of indefinite reproduction, and, still more marvelous, the power of variation and of reproducing those variations till endless complications of structure and varieties of form have been the result. Here, then, we have indications of a new power at work, which we may term vitality, since it gives to certain forms of matter all those characters and properties which constitute life.
The next stage is still more marvelous, still more completely be- yond all possibility of explanation by matter, its laws and forces. It is the introduction of sensation or consciousness, constituting the funda- mental distinction between the animal and vegetable kingdoms. Here all idea of mere complication of structure producing the result is out of the question. We feel it to be altogether preposterous to assume that at a certain stage of complexity of atomic constitution, and as a necessary result of that complexity alone, an ego should start into existence, a thing that feels, that is conscious of its own existence. Here we have the certainty that something new has arisen, a being whose nascent consciousness has gone on increasing in power and defi- niteness till it has culminated in the higher animals. No verbal explana- tion or attempt at explanation — such as the statement that life is the result of the molecular forces of the protoplasm, or that the whole existing organic universe, from the amoeba up to man, was latent in the fire-mist from which the solar system was developed — can afford any mental satisfaction, or help us in any way to a solution of the mystery.
The third stage is, as we have seen, the existence in man of a number of his most characteristic and noblest faculties, those which raise him furthest above the brutes and open up possibilities of almost indefinite advancement. These faculties could not possibly have been developed by means of the same laws which have determined the pro- gressive development of the organic world in general, and also of man's physical organism.
These three distinct stages of progress from the inorganic world of matter and motion up to man, point clearly to an unseen universe — to a world of spirit, to which the world of matter is altogether sub- ordinate. To this spiritual world we may refer the marvelously complex forces which we know as gravitation, cohesion, chemical force, radiant force, and electricity, without which the material universe could not exist for a moment in its present form, and perhaps not at all, since without these forces, and perhaps others which may be termed atomic, it is doubtful whether matter itself could have any existence. And still more surely can we refer to it those progressive manifestations of life in the vegetable, the animal, and man — which we may classify as
Ii6 HARMONICS OF EVOLUTION.
unconscious, conscious, and intellectual life — and which probably depend upon different degrees of spiritual influx. I have already shown that this involves no necessary infraction of the law of continuity in physical or mental evolution; whence it follows that any difficulty we may find in discriminating the inorganic from the organic, the lower vege- table from the lower animal organisms, or the higher animals from the lower types of man, has no bearing at all upon the question. This is to be decided by showing that a change in essential nature (due, probably, to causes of a higher order than those of the material universe) took place at the several stages of progress which I have indicated; a change which may be none the less real because absolutely imper- ceptible at its point of origin, as is the change that takes place in the curve in which a body is moving when the application of some new force causes the curve to be slightly altered.