PREFACE. 



THE substance of this essay formed a paper 

 on " The origin and nature of Matter and 

 Force, and Life and Mind," read before the 

 Literary and Scientific Society of Birken- 

 head, November, 1901. 



It is now published, with emendations 

 and additions, under the impression that it 

 will be of interest to scientific physicians 

 generally, as it contains some original views 

 on the origin, varieties, and functions of 

 protoplasm. 



The author gratefully acknowledges his 

 indebtedness to the works lately published 



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