182 



BIOLOGY AND ITS MAKERS 



ing to living organisms only. In its most complete form, 

 this idea provided for a distinct dualism between living and 

 lifeless matter, making all vital actions dependent upon the 



FIG. 54. ALBRECHT HALLER, 1708-1777. 



operation of a mystical supernatural agency. This assump- 

 tion removed vital phenomena from the domain of clear 

 scientific analysis, and for a long time exercised a retarding 

 influence upon the progress of physiology. 



