Contributions to the theory of natural selection. A series of essays ... By Alfred Russel Wallace ...

AS APPLIED 10 MAP. 365
an almost infinite complexity of molecular combinations,
subject to definite changes under the stimuli of heat,
moisture, light, electricity, and probably some unknown
forces. But this greater and greater complexity, even
if carried to an infinite extent, cannot, of itself, have
the slightest tendency to originate consciousness in such
molecules or groups of molecules. If a material element, or a combination of a thousand material elements
in a molecule, are alike unconscious, it is impossible
for us to believe, that the mere addition of one, two,
or a thousand other material elements to form a more
complex molecule, could in any way tend to produce
a self-conscious existence. The things are radically
distinct. To say that mind is a product or function
of protoplasm, or of its molecular changes, is to use
words to which we can attach no clear conception.
You cannot have, in the whole, what does not exist
in any of the parts; and those who argue thus should
put forth a definite conception of matter, with clearly
enunciated properties, and show, that the necessary
result of a certain complex arrangement of the elements or atoms of that matter, will be the production
of self-consciousness. There is no escape from this
dilemma,-either all matter is conscious, or conciousness is something distinct from matter, and in the
latter case, its presence in material forms is a proof
of the existence of conscious beings, outside of, and
independent of, what we term matter. (Nrote B.)
Matter is Force. —The foregoing considerations lead
us to the very important conclusion, that matter is