1 86 PROPERTIES OP FORMED MATTER. 



alive. The formed matter may possess very remarkable 

 properties, and may undergo various physical and chemical 

 changes under the influence of heat, moisture, oxygen, &c. 

 It may permit some fluids to permeate it, and may interfere 

 with the passage of others. It may contribute to the sta- 

 bility of the organism, and perform a variety of important 

 functions, but it cannot take the place of the bioplasm or 

 living matter, nor in many cases does it continue to exhibit 

 its characteristic properties after the death of the living 

 matter which belonged to it has taken place. 



