238 LIFE AND DEATH. 



about, and arranging themselves so as to form definite 

 figures, and assuming forms adapted to the conditions 

 of the environment. Sometimes it is years before 

 they arrive at the state of ultimate and final equili- 

 brium which is that of eternal rest. 



However, in order to understand these facts and 

 their interpretations, it is necessary to pass in review 

 the fundamental characteristics of living beings. It 

 will be shown that these very characteristics are found 

 in inanimate matter. 



