1864.] Introduction. 17 
of the origin of man now stands side by side with that of the lowest 
living types of existence. An eminent physiologist of our day has 
hinted that it may be possible, before half a century has elapsed, for a 
man to take inorganic substances such as carbonic acid, ammonia, 
water and salines, “and be able to build them up into protein matter,” 
and that that protein matter should “begin to live in an organic form.” * 
On the other hand a French geologist of note has in a most solemn 
manner protested against the presumption of the man who seeks in his 
laboratory to compete with the Creator! + Both these writers are 
disbelievers in the theory of “ spontaneous generation,” and it is in the 
treatment of this question that they have expressed such opposite views. 
Whilst we must admit that at present we have grave doubts of Man 
being able to accomplish such a feat as is here described within the 
prescribed period, if at all, we confess that we regard without the 
slightest religious apprehension, any experiments that may be under- 
taken with this object. The stronghold of life appears to be as safe as 
it ever has been, and most assuredly, all that man can learn or effect, 
he is not only justified, but is bound by the gift of an intelligence 
second only to the Divine Intelligence, to attempt; and if, through his 
chemical, physical, and microscopical attainments, he should one day 
become a maker (a Creator he never can become) of living forms, it 
will only serve as an additional evidence of his vast destiny; and of 
the boundless powers and infinite wisdom of Him who can thus afford 
to reveal His secret places in nature to the inquiring gaze of Man. But 
at present the evidence which we possess on the subject, although of a 
* negative character, is rather adverse to the doctrine of ‘‘ heterogenesis’’} 
in any form. A few words will suffice to explain the actual state of 
the inquiry. 
At present there are three modes by which it is either known or 
suspected that living beings may be produced. 
First, by “ Spontaneous generation.” That is to say, by the spon- 
taneous combination of decaying organic matters, under certain condi- 
tions, and according to an unknown law, to form anew living, moving 
beings of the lowest known types. 
Secondly (an allied form of heterogenesis), by the hand of man. 
That is to say, through the artificial application of physical or chemical 
forces and agencies to inorganic substances in the laboratory. 
Thirdly, through the operation of the parental law only. In this 
case the ordinance must have ceased to exist, under which the lower 
* Professor Huxley, ‘Lectures to Working Men.’ ye Ue: 
+ M. Boucher de Perthes, “* Avons-nous Pere et Mere?” (This isnot said in 
reference to any particular observer. ) é ; 
{ “Heterogenesis” is a term employed to express the creation or birth of 
living beings in an abnormal manner. 
VOL. I. Cc 
