BioTic State of Energy 115 



So we conclude that protoplasm is the complex energized 

 substance that is the fundamental seat of all metabolic or 

 vegetative changes, and that the energy which binds together 

 its complex molecular organization is of a greatly more perfect 

 type than the lower energies, though next higher in quality 

 to the electricity of colloids. 



The two striking physico-chemical features, however, of 

 protoplasm are its great stability on the one hand and its great 

 lability on the other. Now, as Herbert Spencer long ago 

 pointed out clearly, the former seems to be due to the carbon 

 atom, the latter to the nitrogen atom, while oxygen is the go- 

 between element, that is alternately aiding in building up, 

 alternately in breaking down. If steady and harmonic in- 

 tegration of carbon and oxygen with other elements predom- 

 inates over nitrogen and oxygen integration, increase and 

 multiplication of the protoplasm are effected; if integration 

 of nitrogen and oxygen over the other two predominates, 

 disintegration and waste ensue. 



In regard to the great stability of protoplasm, as represented 

 by any one plant or animal, we too seldom realize its character, 

 even though familiar with the fact. Thus a Sequoia tree of 

 1500 years age, a Sea Anemone of 50 years, a man of 100 years, 

 all represent organized continuity of protoplasm in each case. 

 But, during the entire period of each individual's existence, 

 a constant change in the elements that make up the proto- 

 plasmic molecules, even in the molecules themselves, has been 

 effected. The one continuously uniform factor is the energy 

 that binds together the whole. Localized parts may alter or 

 die, leaves may drop or branches may be torn off by storms in 

 Sequoia; fresh food may be ingested by Actinia that in weight 

 may much exceed its own in a few months, and which is again 

 visibly excreted to be replaced afresh; a man may sustain 

 many injuries or local deaths of cells, but these may be and 

 often are satisfactorily replaced. All of this we would consider 

 to be due to continuous flows of biotic energy. 



As to the great lability of the nitrogen atom, this is equally 

 evident, and has often been discussed. So the living proteid 



