370 THE INDUCTIONS OF BIOLOGY. 



formed of a protoplasmic matrix containing granules ; and if 

 now we conclude that the unit of protoplasm is itself an 

 inconceivably elaborate structure, we do but recognize the 

 complexity as going still deeper. Further, if we must assume 

 that these component units are in every part of the body 

 acting on one another by extremely complicated sets of forces 

 (ethereal undulations emanating from each of the constituent 

 molecules) determining their relative positions and actions, 

 we are warranted by the discoveries which every day disclose 

 more of the marvellous properties of matter. When to such 

 examples as were given in 36c we add the example yielded 

 by recent experiments, showing that even a piece of bread, 

 after subjection to pressure, exhibits diarnagnetic properties 

 unlike those it previously exhibited, we cannot doubt that 

 these complex units composing living bodies are all of them 

 seats of energies diffused around, enabling them to act and 

 re-act so as to modify one another s states and positions. 

 We are shown, too, that whatever be the natures of the com 

 plex forces emanating from each, it will, as a matter of course, 

 happen that the power of each will be relatively great in its 

 own neighbourhood and become gradually smaller in parts 

 increasingly remote : making more comprehensible the auto 

 genous character of each local structure. 



Whatever be their supposed natures we are compelled to 

 ascribe extreme complexity to these unknown somethings 

 which have the power of organizing themselves into a struc 

 ture of this or that species. If gemmules be alleged, then 

 the ability of every organ and part of an organ to vary, 

 implies that the gemmules it gives off are severally capable 

 of receiving minute modifications of their ordinary struc 

 tures: they must have many parts admitting of innumerable 

 relations. Supposing determinants be assumed, then in ad 

 dition to the complexity which each must have to express 

 in itself the structure of the part evolved from it, it must 

 have the further complexity implied by every superposed 

 modification which causes a variation of that part. And, as 



