xviii. 5] INTERPRETATION OF THE QUANTUM 253 
light. “ A steadily sounding note is explained as the outcome 
of vibrations in the air : a steady colour is explained as the 
outcome of vibrations in sether. If we explain the steady endur 
ance of matter on the same principle, we shall conceive each 
primordial element as a vibratory ebb and flow of an underlying 
energy, or activity. Suppose we keep to the physical idea of 
energy ; then each primordial element will be an organized system 
of vibratory streaming of energy. Accordingly there will be a 
definite period associated with each element ; and within that 
period the stream-system will sway from one stationary maximum 
to another stationary maximum—or, taking a metaphor from the 
ocean tides, the system will sway from one high tide to another 
high tide. This system, forming the primordial element, is nothing 
at any instant. It requires its whole period in which to manifest 
itself. In an analogous way, a note of music is nothing at an 
instant, but it also requires its whole period in which to manifest 
itself.” The theory of a primate as a vibrating pattern is shown 
to be in harmony with the ideas of the quantum theory, and to 
lead to the locomotion of the primate being regarded as discon 
tinuous in space and time. “ The path in space of such a 
vibratory entity—where the entity is constituted by the vibra 
tions—must be represented by a series of detached positions in 
space.” “If we go below the quanta of time which are the 
successive vibratory periods of the primate, we find a succession 
of vibratory electromagnetic fields, each stationary in the space- 
time of its own duration. Each of these fields exhibits a single 
complete period of the electromagnetic vibration which con 
stitutes the primafè.” According to Whitehead the cosmological 
outlook which he adopts is perfectly consistent with the demands 
for discontinuity which have been urged from the side of physics. 
5. Conclusion 
The final judgment passed upon any scientific theory involves 
a certain aesthetic element which influences our decision. “ A 
theory may predict much that is true and nothing that is false ; 
there may be no alternative proposed which achieves as much ; 
and yet it is perfectly legitimate to reject the theory without 
hesitation because it fails to give that intellectual satisfaction 
which is the only end and aim of science.” * As regards the 
quantum theory we cannot but admit that there has been 
brilliant success in co-ordinating a host of experimental facts; 
we must admit, too, that it has afforded a certain measure of 
* N. R. Campbell, Modern Electrical Theory, Chap. XVI, “ Relativity,” 
p. 113, 1923.