ncapable in itself of affecting or changing the external world. So far
as the physical world is concerned, it is a mere by-product, a useless
adjunct--the feeling of energy-expenditure being delusory. Such is the
attitude of modern psychology, and a very hopeless and unattractive
belief it is!

As opposed to this view, I propose to show that the human will _is_ a
definite physical energy, which forms an essential part of our human
personality--and forms, indeed, the very core of our being, so far as
its expression into the physical world is concerned. This view of the
case, I may say, is not altogether new; several competent neurologists
have, of late, defended this conception in no measured terms. Thus, Dr.
William Hanna Thomson, in his _Brain and Personality_, says:

"An important conclusion is led up to by these facts, namely, that
we can _make our own brains_, so far as special mental functions or
aptitudes are concerned, if only we have wills strong enough to
take the trouble. By practice, practice, practice, as in Miss
Keller's case, the Will stimulus will not only organize brain
centres to perform new functions, but will project new connections,
or, as they are technically called, association fibres, which will
make nerve centres work together as they could not without being
thus associated.... It is not the power of the brain, it is the
masterful personal Will which makes the brain _human_. It is the
Will alone which can make material seats for mind, and, when made,
they are the most personal things in a man's body.... Man can
always do what he chooses, or, in other words, wills. Therefore
this very different thing, his Will, makes man different from every
other earthly living thing."

Such a view of the case certainly gives a far greater dignity and power
to the will; but is it true? That is the question; it is a mere matter
of interpretation, without any means of settling the facts one way or
the other. It may be "pleasant" to believe this or many other things;
but that does not make them true!

It is obvious that arguments such as this might go on for ever. The
nature of the human will would never be settled by such means. We desire
a more definite and concise method--one capable of settling the case one
way or the other--and settling it, not by argument, but by fact.
Arguments convince no one; facts every one! It is only by an appe