The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

98 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.Aided by the conceptions of position andmotion, we take the next step when we advanceto transnzutation or conversion of energy.What is made visible to us by motion is thetransference of energy from one object or portionof matter to another. And this is thesole explanation of what occurs. There is nosuch thing known to physical science as theorigin or creation of energy; all that is recognizedis the disappearance of energy from oneposition and its appearance in another. Ifwork has been done, energy was somewherestored capable of doing it; a transmutation hastaken place; and the work accomplished is therecord of the process. In recognition of this,every machine is merely a more or less skilfulcontrivance for transmuting energy into a formmore convenient or suitable for human purposes.The intelligence of man simply recognizesthe law of transmutation, and dealswith the problems which arise connected withthe mechanical arrangements facilitating theprocess.We next advance a further step, only toembrace another phase of the same truth,-the complement of what has been alreadystated,-that is, the conservation of energy.