ABSTRACT
A philosophical theory of evolution arises out of the physical theory, and no legitimate objection can be raised to it in itself, for it only corresponds to the requirements of the human intellect. The theistic view lays down as its foundation the subjection to law of the whole cosmic evolution and of the entire evolution of the inorganic world, asserting that the first combination of atoms or electrons contained the definite material disposition. The earliest laws of evolution were laid down for the organic world at the production of the first organisms. These laws are often misrepresented, as if they were little sprites hovering over the atoms, pushing and pulling them in some mysterious and supernatural way. In protoplasm the faculty of reacting conformably to an end implies the existence of an intrinsic law of evolution. The name Darwinism is applied in a general way to the theory of evolution.
