EVIDENCE PROVING THE STATEMENT OF THE CASE 25 



atoms of each species the molecule is composed, and 

 more than that, can take the atoms, put them to- 

 gether in their proper order, and absolutely create 

 sugar. But they cannot destroy the atom. Still 

 further such a process can be repeated in many 

 instances by the chemist. The synthesis, or putting 

 together the atoms, to form the u organic " molecule, 

 which in the ordinary course is a vital process, has 

 now been effected in the laboratory of the chemist in 

 about 180 instances. 1 Thus we can destroy the mole- 

 cule and create the molecule. And the evidence tends 

 to the conclusion, that man is only able to effect such 

 alterations by the same laws unknown as they are 

 as nature effects like reactions vital processes. We 

 can fall into the lap of Nature and by her laws repeat 

 her actions. We can do nothing more. 



Thus the atoms are in themselves indestructible. 

 Now in one form of molecule, anon in another. Now 

 building up complex objects, cells. To-day they are 

 forming a human being, to-morrow a plant. The 

 plant becomes disintegrated and again integrated into 

 groups of molecules cells to form the beasts of the 

 field or the birds of the air. Now, perhaps, the atoms 

 are combining to build up a mineral which may in 

 turn go to build up a creature in the ocean. All, all 

 is in an eternal state of flux and change always the 

 grouping and re-grouping of atoms, a perpetual and 

 eternal creation and destruction of molecules. AN 



ETERNAL " REGENERATION." 



And thus the earth endures, immortality reigns. 



i Professor Meldola, F.B.S., F.I.C., &c., President's Address, 

 Chemical section British Association Meeting Ipswich, 1895. 



