OF FORCE AND SUBSTANCE. 



2 9 



which he does not attempt to explain, and which is 

 altogether different from any forces which he knows any- 

 thing about. This transforming capacity was derived from 

 a pre-existing particle of matter possessing similar capacity, 

 and this from one before it, and so on. What is this trans- 

 forming peculiarity, and whence was it derived? Is it 

 likely that it could be generated by the external force 

 which it transforms ? 



If we discuss what is meant by " transformation of 

 external force," and endeavour to ascertain how and pre- 

 cisely where in any simple living thing the external force is 

 transformed, the points to which I have often drawn atten- 

 tion will come out strongly enough. I will not be the one 

 to dispute whether the something in the living cell shall be 

 called " the matter-rearranging and external force trans- 

 forming or conditioning property" or "vital force or power." 

 To me the mere words used are a matter of no importance 

 whatever, provided only that it is agreed that the same word 

 shall not be used in more than one sense, and that its 

 meaning shall be denned. The real question at issue can 

 be discussed just as well if we call the matter a, and the 

 external force , and the force transforming peculiarity <r, 

 &c., as if we employ the most complex words and phrases. 



Now one great difficulty results from the circumstance 

 that the subject has been rendered more confused, and 

 the discussion of the various questions at issue made 

 more difficult by the arbitrary adoption of ill-selected and 

 often inappropriate comparisons. For example, chemists 

 have been compared with plants, but those who have insti- 

 tuted the comparison have not pointed out exactly in what 

 particulars the chemist, in their opinion, is like the plant. 



