The Teleo-Mechanics of Nature: Or, the Source, Nature and Functions of the Subconscious (Biologic) Minds from Scientific, Religious, Political and Medical Viewpoints. an Answer to Prof. Ernst

The Teleo-Mechanics Of Nature: Or, The Source, Nature And Functions Of The Subconscious (Biologic) Minds From Scientific, Religious, Political And Medical Viewpoints. An Answer To Prof. Ernst Haeckel's Riddle Of The Universe, Henry Drummond's The Ascent Of Man, And M. Alfred Binet's The Psychic Life of the Micro-Organisms — Hermann Wettstein. This work presents a polemical synthesis arguing that cosmic processes are guided by teleo-mechanic mind-forces, not blind mechanism. Wettstein defines teleo-mechanics as the governance of atomic, molecular, and cellular processes by innate mind-forces residing in the bioplasmic substrate, I.e., subminds or cell-souls, producing conscious action and memory across life forms. The volume attacks materialist positions of Haeckel, Darwin, Spencer, and Weismann; it cites T. H. Huxley, Balbiani, Binet, Clark, and Gates to argue for the consciousness of even protozoa and siphonophore colonies and for a unity of mind and matter. It uses allegory (Prologue about Unknown Land) and organizes its analysis in parts: introductory teleology, the executive abilities of subminds, the vito-psychic life of plants, malformations, and the ethical implications in procreation and motherhood. It culminates with world problems such as prohibition, vaccination, and a call for reconciliation of science and religion. The book advocates that no mechanism alone can account for life’s complexity, but rather a universal teleology unified with ethics and religion.