i<4 Conclusion. 



things, and they are abundantly distinguishable. The chromo- 

 somes divide longitudinally and so do the coloured granules, that 

 both half-nuclei may be exactly the same. The chromosomes 

 which the Professor seems to mistake for the coloured granules 

 do not dance about like the particles of carbon when butted 

 against by the electrolytes, but proceed in an orderly and prede- 

 termined path towards the place where, as the components of the 

 new nuclei, they must take up their position. 



The Professor is rashly daring, for none but a rash man could 

 ever have thought of propounding a comparison so thoroughly 

 inept. 



Conclusion. 



I have now placed before you some account, inadequate enough, 

 of the origin, composition, structure, and activities of protoplasm, 

 and tried to show in what general manner it builds the bodies of 

 plants and animals. What then is protoplasm as we know it in 

 the world of the present day ? We may, I believe, confidently say 

 that it is a complex, materialistic and lifeless compound, formed and 

 maintained by that power we call Life, which constantly controls 

 and directs it ; and, making use of all the chemical affinities 

 and electric adaptabilities of its elements, brings about all 

 its activities, designs the structures it builds, and enables it by a 

 power of variation to provide against and ward off the physical 

 dangers which may threaten it. And what is Life? Its essential 

 nature no one knows ; we only recognize it by what it performs, 

 and by the purpose that underlies and guides all it actions, by 

 which it is abundantly distinguished from any natural force 

 chemical, electrical, mechanical, or other all of which .Life 

 dominates and compels to serve its ends. 



JOSEPH A. MARTINDALE. 



J. S. Joitleft, Printer, j Windertnere Road) Kendal. 



