20 



As far as can be determined from his published re- 

 ports, the experiments of Francis were conducted with 

 the most rigorous precautions against accidental con- 

 tamination, and the identification of his synthetic prod- 

 ucts as proteins was based upon all the usual chemical 

 tests. The same experiments conducted in the absence 

 of atmospheric carbon dioxide did not result in the for- 

 mation of proteins. Francis expressed the opinion that 

 the synthesis of proteins was initiated on the surfaces 

 of the ferrous hydroxide granules, and that it was in 

 some way dependent on the magnetic effect of these gran- 

 ules — a speculation which seems quite plausible from 

 the standpoint of the spiral polypeptide theory. On the 

 other hand it must be remembered that iron silicates are 

 sometimes formed under similar conditions, and look 

 very deceptive. The experiments of Francis should be 

 carefully repeated so as to determine definitely whether 

 he had really produced proteins, or only iron silicates. 



Although the synthetic production of proteins, if it can 

 be verified by others, would be a long step ahead in the 

 direction of synthetic life, yet it should not be looked 

 upon as the final solution of the problem. This was 

 admitted by Francis when he stated in his 1932 pamphlet 

 that 



One of the most prominent features of an organ- 

 ism, which is absent from the specks and patches of 

 ferruginous material, is specific form. (p. 36.) 



In the absence of any specific forms there can also be 

 no cell division, whereas in the preparations of Herrera 

 there has been an abundance of cell division. Francis, 

 however, considers cell division not absolutely essential 

 in the lowest forms of life : 



The primal forms of life are visualized as com- 

 posed largely of mineral constituents, such as fer- 

 rous hydroxide. The ability of these precursors of 



