16 INTRODUCTION. 



of matter, while a different temperature 

 would separate or decompose them. 

 Thus, hydrogen and oxygen will com- 

 bine, and form water, when the tem- 

 perature of the former is elevated to a 

 certain point; but not otherwise. Let 

 us suppose, that, under a certain con- 

 dition, two or more particles of matter 

 were attracted towards each other, and 

 united, and, by some means, invested 

 with life. We know that they would 

 become capable of attracting other par- 

 ticles of inanimate matter, to a certain 

 extent ; and, that the vital principle 

 would be communicated to the whole 

 mass. Hence, we perceive, that the 

 vital principle is diffusive. The most 

 minute seed, or seminal germ, requires 

 only a certain uniform temperature, 

 accompanied by humidity, to stimulate 



