The following extract is from an article, on the abovenamed subject, which appeared in a recent issue of the Chicago Tribune. The article was written by Dr. Wilhelm Mueller, a German traveler and scientist. The doctor has evidently given much time and thought to the subject, and it would seem that he had almost reached the conclusion that, from a material basis at least, the problem of matter is inexplicable. Thus, even in the researches of natural science, we see illustrated the truth of the Scriptural declaration that "the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

All such conclusions which are being reached by natural scientists, are preparing the human thought for the reception of the teachings of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." The statement contained therein that "Ali is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation," furnishes a basis, which is both Scriptural and Scientific, for the solution of all the problems of life.

The extract from Dr. Mueller's article is as follows:—

"No theory, however ingenious it may be, can explain to us the mutual relations between mind and matter. We do not even know whether matter really exists, or whether it is not merely a creation of our active mind. We perceive that matter constantly undergoes changes, but we do not know whether those changes actually take place, or whether they are merely the reflection of changes in our perception. The attempt to dispose of matter by putting force or energy in its place is merely an acknowledgment of the impossibility of solving the mystery of matter. It means a change of the problem, but not its solution. The theory of causality may explain the transformation of one motion into another, but it does not lead us to the reason of the motion itself. Even in attempting to solve apparently more tangible problems we soon reach the barrier of our limitations. Chemistry teaches us that matter consists of various chemical and mechanical combinations of certain primary substances called elements. The study of chemical combinations led to the establishment of the atomistic theory. The latter is undoubtedly ingenious and apparently perfectly logical, but, if we follow it out in its consequences, we soon find ourselves in a dilemma. If the atom is indivisible it cannot occupy any space, for everything that fills space, no matter how small, can be thought divisible, and must be divisible ad infinitum. But, on the other hand, if the atom is really indivisible and does, therefore, occupy no space, it can never be a part, however small, of matter. O plus O plus O plus O . . . to infinity will always be equal to O. The total is equal to the sum of its components. Inasmuch as the total, in this case matter, occupies space, that equality must essentially pertain to every part, however small, of the whole. The logical deduction would be that matter is composed of parts which are not matter, a theory which is obviously unsound.

"Thus we continue to grope through the labyrinth of mysteries surrounding us, always hopeful, notwithstanding the fact that at every turn the gigantic interrogation point of the 'unknowable' stares in our face."

Dr. Mueller's statement that the addition or even multiplication of atoms which occupy no space, could not result in that which does occupy space, is very suggestive. However, for the purpose of presenting another view of the question, let us suppose that the atom, although infinitesimal, does occupy space. Even with this admission the atom has little to do with what natural science calls substance. Scientists tell us that no two atoms really touch They are drawn toward each other, but an opposing force prevents them from touching. Be it understood, however, that we are now dealing with infinitesimals. The atom is infinitesimal and the space between the atoms is also infinitesimal, but according to the teaching of natural science the space between the atoms is as much a constituent part of matter as the atom itself.

There is a force or power which prevents the atoms falling apart. If it were not so, the hardest substance would crumble to pieces. This force is called cohesion, and because it is not understood it is termed a property of matter. The strength, substantiality, and durability of matter is dependent, not upon the atoms, but upon the force which holds the atoms in place. This force is strongest in those substances which are hardest to break and weakest in those which are easiest pulled apart. It is almost if not altogether absent in gases.

This force constitutes the strength of the steel beam or the granite pillar. When the steel beam is broken the atoms are not broken, but a force greater than that which held them together has pulled them apart. Thus it is seen that this force is a most important factor in that which is called matter. Take away this force and matter would no longer be substance even to the material sense of things.

So clearly is this seen that some scientists have attempted to solve the problem of matter by substituting force, but this has not proven satisfactory even from a material point of view. As Dr. Mueller states it "is merely an acknowledgment of the impossibility of solving the mystery of matter."

The problems of science must remain unsolved so long as creation is considered independently of its Creator. Only that investigation and research which starts with the Creator will prove satisfactory. It will answer all questions as to man's origin and destiny, and explain all the phenomena of existence.

On page 18 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker G. Eddy, we read:—

"Adhesion, cohesion, and attraction are properties of Mind. They belong to Principle, and but support the equipoise of that thought-force which launched the earth in its orbit, and saith to the proud wave, 'Thus far and no farther.'

"Spirit is the Life, Substance, and continuity of all things. We tread on forces. Withdraw them, and creation must collapse. Human knowledge calls them forces of matter; but Divine Science declares that they belong wholly to Mind, are inherent in Mind, and so restores them to their rightful home and classification."