On the Vitality of Matter. 61 
Petes 
through all its changes; it is the same specific and entire 
being ; and its race is continued subject to the same invari- 
able laws. It is not a casual association of atoms, at one 
time part of a horse, at another, part of a serpent. If the 
then the case would be parallel to the horse-hair snake. 
It is further stated, as will be kept in mind, that vegeta- 
oO 
the sides of the glass, became vegetables, with appropriate 
forms and colours: and finally, that a drop of water in which 
a vegetable (potatoe) had been boiled, discovered innume- 
rable atoms in great activity. This is an anomaly in the 
experience of the whole world, boiling heat being destruc- 
tive of life ; but in this instance the vital principle is stated to 
have triumphed over its vegetable origin—over death—over 
the destruction of fire—and, surpassing even the fabled Phe- 
nix, to have awaked to life and animation. 
_ The examination of this subject has been extended far 
beyond my original design; but on a review of the whole 
argument it appears that the following are undeniable posi- 
Ist. That life is not inherent in matter, because it is in 
proof that the material elements of animal and vegetable 
remains continue insensate for ages after death—that the 
presumed fact of their revivification rests upon the slender 
evidence of microscopic observations—that the phenomena 
adduced to establish it were probably optical illusions, occa- 
sioned by chemical action and disturbance—or were owing 
to some other cause than material innate vitality. 
‘2d. That the order which prevails throughout the visible 
creation proves that all things are governed by immutable 
whi ve been the same from the beginning, and 
which forbid the revolting idea that inert matter springs to 
