Relations and Transformations of Energy 27 



results, we propose to speak of it as the *'biotic" type, and 

 in succeeding chapters of this work reasons will be advanced 

 for accepting its existence. 



We would therefore regard the colloid state of many inor- 

 ganic bodies as that which evolved out of previously anhydrous 

 matter, such as alone existed in pre-arch?ean times. This 

 colloid matter differed from the inorganic liquids and solids 

 in being built up of large hydrated molecules, whose size and 

 molecular upbuild were rendered possible by special and evolv- 

 ing condensation of electric energy, so as to form a double 

 charge round each molecule. But by further condensation 

 of this doubled energy, so as to constitute a new type or phase 

 of it, biotic energy gradually evolved, and in the process began 

 to energize colloid molecules of increasing size and complexity, 

 till the albumen molecule, and later the highly complex and 

 labile protoplasmic molecule, was upbuilt. This became the 

 fundamental organic energizing basis on which all subsequent 

 elaboration of more complex energized ether particles took 

 place, in the development of progressively evolving plants and 

 animals. 



But, if such complex molecular energizing took place, it is 

 unquestionably to the archaean epoch that we should turn 

 for evidence in favor. It is universally conceded by geologists 

 that in the lower scliistose strata of the period no direct traces 

 of life exist; also that the same is true of the middle period. 

 During those periods enormous and extensive volcanic activity 

 proceeded; huge deposits of volcanic rock were poured out 

 over, forced between, or overturned the sedimentary strata 

 then forming; atmospheric temperatures probably ranged from 

 85° C. to 100° C. over at least a considerable part of the earth. 

 Toward the close of the lower archsean period, however, and 

 in the dawn of the mid-archsean, the conditions stated in last 

 chapter seem to have become established (p. 12), and the bands 

 or masses of chert, of limestone, of iron ore, and of graphite 

 all strongly attest commencing organic activity. 



We may now try to ascertain how such activity originated 

 in its simplest expressions, by linking together such present- 



