166 Life as a Physical Phenomenon. 



For my own part I see no manifestations in living organ- 

 isms which are not hetter explained by calling them the 

 properties of matter than by calling them the result of 

 vitality; and we have never been able to explain any 

 phenomenon in which the ordinary, recognized forces of 

 nature have not been our only aids. 



"Why then satisfy ourselves with mythical and mystical 

 words which shall deceive us with an appearance of wis- 

 dom, but whose only office must be to point us away from 

 the true path of investigation? 



