NER VE-MECHANISM. 



3*3 



action whatever. I have already given many of the reasons 

 which have led me to the conclusion that mind is vital 

 power the active working of which is rendered evident to 

 other minds through the changes effected in a highly com- 

 plex mechanism or apparatus gradually prepared and formed 

 for that very purpose. Parts of this mechanism are in very 

 close relation with the bioplasm, the living or vital power of 

 which, I conceive to be mind. The vital power of this the 

 highest form of bioplasm in nature, causes movement of the 

 bioplasm matter, just as the vital power of an amoeba causes 

 the movements which we see in that organism. The move- 

 ments of the mental bioplasm are communicated to the 

 nerve mechanism by which evidence of their existence is 

 afforded, and through which they can alone operate. 



In order that my views upon this subject may be clearly 

 placed before the reader, I shall venture to pass in review 

 very briefly, but in a connected form, the conclusions I have 

 arrived at upon the subject of the vital power of bioplasm 

 generally, as well as of that particular form which I believe 

 to be essential to mind. 



In all living beings there exists matter in a peculiar 

 state which we call living. This- living matter manifests 

 phenomena which are different from any phenomena proved 

 to be due to the operation of any known laws. Its move- 

 ments cannot be explained or accounted for. Changes are 

 effected in its composition which are not understood, and 

 various substances are formed by it which may exhibit 

 structure, properties, and a capacity for acting in a manner 

 which is peculiar to living beings, and cannot be imitated 

 artificially or satisfactorily explained. It takes up non-living 

 matter in solution, and communicates its wonderful proper- 



