186 THEORY OF THE CELLS. 



THEORY OF THE CELLS. 



The whole of the foregoing investigation has been con- 

 ducted with the object of exhibiting from observation alone the 

 mode in which the elementary parts of organized bodies are 

 formed. Theoretical views have been either entirely excluded, 

 or where they were required (as in the foregoing retrospect of 

 the cell-life), for the purpose of rendering facts more clear, or 

 preventing subsequent repetitions, they have been so presented 

 that it can be easily seen how much is observation and how 

 much argument. But a question inevitably arises as to the 

 basis of all these phenomena ; and an attempt to solve it will 

 be more readily permitted us, since by making a marked sepa- 

 ration between theory and observation the hypothetical may be 

 clearly distinguished from that which is positive. An hypo- 

 thesis is never prejudicial so long as we are conscious of the 

 degree of reliance which may be placed upon it, and of the 

 grounds on which it rests, Indeed it is advantageous, if not 

 necessary for science, that when a certain series of phenomena 

 is proved by observation, some provisional explanation should be 

 conceived that will suit them as nearly as possible, even though 

 it be in danger of being overthrown by subsequent observations; 

 for it is only in this manner that we are rationally led to new 

 discoveries, which either establish or refute the explanation. It 

 is from this point of view 7 1 would beg that the following theory 

 of organization may be regarded ; for the inquiry into the source 

 of development of the elementary parts of organisms is, in fact, 

 identical with the theory of organized bodies. 



The various opinions entertained with respect to the funda- 

 mental powers of an organized body may be reduced to two, 

 which are essentially different from one another. The first is, 

 that every organism originates with an inherent power, which 

 models it into conformity with a predominant idea, arranging 

 the molecules in the relation necessary for accomplishing certain 

 purposes held forth by this idea. Here, therefore, that which 

 arranges and combines the molecules is a power acting with a 

 definite purpose. A power of this kind w T ould be essentially 

 different from all the powers of inorganic nature, because action 



