SG8 ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY. 



" Firstly, a process by which carbonate of lime can be made to assume a 

 globular form, and the explanation of the nature of the process, 'molecular 

 coalescence,' by which that form is produced. Secondly, the explanation 

 of the probable cause of crystallization, and the manner in which the rectili- 

 near form of ciystals is effected. Thirdly, the discovery of a process of 

 ' molecular disintegration' of the globules of carbonate of lime, by invert- 

 ing the mechanical conditions upon which their previous globular form had 

 depended. Fourthly, the recognition, in animal tissues, of forms of earthy 

 matter analogous to those produced artificially. And, fifthly, the deduction 

 from the above fact, and considerations of the dependence of the rounded 

 forms of organized bodies on physical and not on vital agencies." 



The experiments, which are minutely described in a recently published 

 treatise by Dr. R., consist principally in the introduction into a glass phial 

 first, of a viscid substance, as gum arabic, saturated with carbonate of 

 potash; secondly, of a couple of pieces of glass, to catch and fix the glob- 

 ules ; and, lastly, of a solution of gum arabic and common Avater. After a 

 certain time, the pieces of glass are removed, and are found to have become 

 covered with clusters of globules or spherical molecules, which, on careful 

 examination by a powerful microscope, are found to be identical in all stages 

 of their development with those of which microscopic dissection shows that 

 the calcareous structures met with in living creatures are ultimately com- 

 posed. He compares carefully the results of these experiments with those 

 which demonstrate the principles and process of crystalline formation, and 

 shows that when the carbonate of lime is formed in pure water, its first form 

 is crystalline; but when formed in the same manner in water containing a 

 viscid substance in solution, its form is globular. The reasons for these fun- 

 damental or elementary differences in form are discussed and exemplified 

 with much care and great acumen; but a reference to the diagrams and 

 microscopic sketches, with which the book is illustrated, is necessary in 

 order to follow the author through them. His final deduction, however, as 

 regards the probable form of matter when it first came into being, is thus 

 summed up : 



"It has been shown I think I may say demonstrated that matter, 

 immediately it comes into existence in some new state of combination, as- 

 sumes one or other of two forms, according to the predominant force acting 

 upon its ultimate molecules. If that force be attraction, the first forms are 

 curvilinear; if impulsion, they are rectilinear. But I am aware that these 

 first forms, being made up of alternate particles, are not themselves atoms, 

 or ultimate molecules. Now, in order that the first portions of matter may 

 have a definite form, they must either come into existence in separate places 

 or at separate times, that is, they must not be within the sphere of each 

 other's attraction or impulsion, for they would then be formed into globules 

 or crystals before they had time to acquire their specific form. Now, as no 

 experimental or natm-al process can be conceived by which a molecule is 

 formed alone, this condition seems to be impossible. . . The idea of a definite 

 form of the nascent particles of matter is unsupported by any kind of proof, 

 and, therefore, is entirely untenable ; and the only inference is, that when 

 matter first comes into existence in some fresh state of combination, as, for 

 instance, carbonate of lime combined with a viscid substance, it has no defi- 

 nite form until gravity has given it one. . . . Consequently, it may be 

 inferred that all molecules are amorphous, and that, if there ever was a 

 period when matter existed unacted upon by attraction or impulsion, it must 



