That the problem remains unsolved is nothing in comparison with the supreme fact that in wrestling with it, and in studying the laws of the machine, man is learning to control the small section of it with which he is specially concerned.

The veil of thaumaturgy which shrouded the Orient, while not removed, was rent in twain, and for the first time in history, man had a clear vision of the world about him--"had gazed on Nature's naked loveliness" ("Adonais") unabashed and unaffrighted by the supernatural powers about him.

Not that the Greek got rid of his gods--far from it!--but he made them so like himself, and lived on terms of such familiarity with them that they inspired no terror.( 2) (2) "They made deities in their own image, in the likeness of an image of corruptible man.

Sua cuique deu fit dira cupido.

'Each man's fearful passion becomes his god.' Yes, and not passions only, but every impulse, every aspiration, every humour, every virtue, every whim.