INTRODUCTION' 



tion, is shown by describing in detail the processes 

 in the lowest life, in PLANT life and in flowers. The 

 conditions that give rise to the variation of species 

 and the benefits and evils from atavism are briefly 

 noticed. The nature of the Fungi family and the 

 curious composite state of Lichens are considered. 

 The all-important part held in Nature by the Chlo- 

 rophyll cells in the leaves of plants, without whose 

 functions all plant and animal life on this earth 

 would soon cease, have received attention, and par- 

 tial explanation of their action is given. The flor- 

 escence of plants, the fertilization, the germination 

 and growth of the seed into the plant, are shown to 

 be the expenditure of Energy from the Ether, stored 

 up in the plant and seed until needed by the plant's 

 new growth. 



The higher development of life in ANIMALS has 

 been but lightly touched upon ; changes produced by 

 incubation in an egg, and a few remarks on Embry- 

 ology, being all that was thought desirable to give. 

 Throughout all the phenomena described, the Energy 

 carried by the Ether is believed to be the direct acting 

 power. 



A slight sketch is given of the men who preceded 

 Darwin * that held ideas concerning the Evolution 

 of Life. The manifestation of intellect is next con- 

 sidered, and the change in the line of evolution that 



(xxv) 



