vi TO THE READER, 



which my observations were made have been added 

 with explanations of the points which these are in- 

 tended to illustrate. 



My views upon the nature of vital actions are at 

 variance with the doctrines now generally entertained 

 and taught. I am therefore very desirous that those 

 interested in the subject should have in small com- 

 pass the general statement of the facts as they 

 appear to me. It is to be regretted that upon the 

 most elementary propositions connected with this 

 enquiry opinions are sadly conflicting, and many of 

 the facts and statements upon which they are based 

 and which are urged in their behalf are quite irrecon- 

 cileable with one another. It is therefore very dim- 

 cult for readers to form an impartial judgment. But I 

 trust it is not too much to ask that the observations 

 which have led me to the views I entertain, should be 

 brought under the notice of those who have not yet 

 subscribed to the doctrine that living things are mere 

 machines built up by physical forces only, and made 

 to act by force alone. 



Intense energy and activity are displayed by 

 certain members of the new school in giving publicity 

 to their views ; they press them in many different 

 forms, and endeavour to enforce the acceptance of 

 the physical doctrine of life, and much besides which 

 it is supposed to include, with all the proverbial ardour 

 and authority of prophets. All this renders it very 

 desirable that every one who is engaged in actually 

 investigating a matter of such deep general interest, 



