BIONOMICS 201 



In discussing the two forms of aggregation already alluded 

 to under which all solid substances exist, the colloid and the 

 crystalloid, Spencer endorses the following conclusion of 

 Prof. Graham: 



The colloid is, in fact, a dynamical state of matter, the crystalloidal 

 being the statical condition. The colloid possesses energia. It may be 

 looked upon as the primary source of the force appearing in the 

 phenomena of vitality. To the gradual manner in which colloidal 

 changes take place (for they always demand time as an element) may 

 the characteristic protraction of chemico-organic changes also be referred. 



We have already forestalled these conclusions as regards 

 the colloids and endeavoured to amplify them in the light of 

 modern research. 



Evidently with the colloids we reach a distinctly higher 

 stage than usually associated with the crystalloid. We are 

 here dealing (in Prof. Graham's words) with incipient 

 "vitality," with a "characteristic" mutability (suggesting 

 an incipient personality). The difference of " livingness " is 

 but one of degree, but it is of vital account so far as the bio- 

 dynamic and therapeutic use of either colloids or crystalloids 

 is concerned. 



In his First Principles, Spencer prefers the term " force " 

 to "energy," and thinks the term "persistence" (of force) 

 preferable to " conservation " (of force), on the ground that 

 the word "conservation" implies a conserver and an act of 

 conserving, while, in the "Biology" we are allowed the term 

 "energia" without an attempt even to remove the implica- 

 tion of personality. What is it that energises the matter? 



If, however, a sort of personality is in any way involved 

 on the analogy of human personality, then we can understand 

 that time is required for this personality to realise its powers 

 and to do its work and to build up its psychological and physio- 

 logical capital. 



We have in these colloids, says Spencer, " just the 

 required compromise" (i.e., a symbiogenetic balance of 

 opposites) " between fluidity and solidity. They cannot be 

 reduced to the unduly mobile conditions of liquid and gas; 



