180 LOUIS PASTEUR, 



callin* to mind that molecular dissymmetry is the idea 

 or inference, the observed rotation of the plane 

 polarisation by masses of sensible magnitude being t 

 fact, on which the inference is based. 



That the molecule, or unit brick, of an organism 

 should be different from the molecule of a mineral 

 only to be expected, for otherwise the profound dis 

 tinction between them would disappear. And 

 one of the differences between the two classes of mole- 

 cules should be the possession, by the 

 power of rotation, and its non-possession by the otl 

 would be a fact, interesting no doubt, but not surpns 

 ing The critical point here has reference to the power 

 and range of chemical processes, apart from the play o 

 vitality Beginning with the elements themselves, 

 can they not be so combined as to produce organic com- 

 pounds? Not to speak of the antecedent labours o: 

 Wohler and others in Germany, it is well known that 

 various French investigators, among whom are some 

 M Pasteur's illustrious colleagues of the Academy, have 

 succeeded in forming substances which were > once urn 

 versally regarded as capable of being elaborated 

 plants and animals alone. Even with regard to tl 

 rotation of the plane of polarisation, M. /g^ lscl ' 

 an extremely able pupil of the celebrated Berthel. 

 affirms that the barrier erected by M. Pasteur has t 

 broken down; and though M. Pasteur questions 1 

 affirmation, it is at least hazardous, where so mar 

 supposed distinctions between organic and morg* 

 have been swept away, to erect a new one. 

 part, I frankly confess my disbelief in its permanence 

 Without waiting for new facts, those already mo 

 possession tend, I think, to render the assocu 

 which M. Pasteur seeks to establish between du 

 metry and life insecure. Quartz, as a crystal, e 



