1G0 Life as a Physical Phenomenon. 



at certain ranges of temperature more uustable than some 

 of them, ie) formed. 



On the other hand, from a solution containing oxide of 

 calcium and carbonic acid two binaries instead of thn 

 a selection of atoms takes place. The liquid solvent with 

 all the substances it contains, other than the two we have 

 mentioned, are rejected, while the compound atoms of 

 lime and carbonic acid, are united as a solid body having 

 greater perfection of outline than the cell, and equal 

 chemical purity. Here we have a crystal of calcareous spar ; 

 there we have a cryptogamous plant ; the one is made of 

 calcium, carbon, and oxygen, the other of carbon, hydrogen 

 oxygen, and nitrogen. Neither of these groups of elements 

 combine spontaneously under any and all circumstances. 

 Pass a current of carbonic acid over a quantity of quick 

 lime and you have not a crystal. Mingle carbonic acid, 

 water, and ammonia, and you have not a plant. Around 

 the plant are certain elements in solution which by a con- 

 tinual process of selection are assimilated to itself. Neither 

 the auimal nor the crystal differ from it in this respect. 



The undulations of light, of heat, or of electricity, singly 

 or in unison, cause these compound atoms to oscillate in 

 harmony with the moving force, and as the particles are 

 thus agitated by this tremulous molecular motion, the 

 crystal or the cell result according to the nature of the 

 ultimate particles interacting upon each other; and it is 

 more than probable that could we but measure the waves 

 that move the atoms, and weigh the molecules which enter 

 into the structures, we might mathematically deduce the 

 cell or the crystal from the materials and the force. 



In considering the relations of minerals with plants and 

 animals, we may perhaps soonest arrive at the real nature 

 of these relations by examining some of the reasons almost 

 universally accepted for regarding these classes as having 

 no relations at all. 



