THE RELATION OF LIFE TO OTHER FORCES. 729' 



after another only to escape our grasp and show our impotence to 

 seize it. 



In examining, therefore, the distinctions between the products of 

 transformations by a living and by an inorganic machine, we have 

 first to recognize the fact, that while in some cases the difference is so 

 faint as to be nearly or quite imperceptible, in others there seems not a 

 trace of resemblance to be discovered. 



In discussing the nature of life's manifestations birth, growth, de- 

 velopment, and decline the differences which exist between them and 

 other processes more or less resembling them, but not dependent on life, 

 have been already briefly considered and need not be here repeated. It 

 may be well, however, to sum up very shortly the particulars in which 

 life as a manifestation of force differs from all others. 



The mere acquirement of a certain shape by growth is not a pecu- 

 liarity of life. But the power of developing into so composite a mass, 

 even as a vegetable cell is a property possessed by an organized being 

 only. In the increase of inorganic matter there is no development. 

 The minutest crystal of any given salt has exactly the same shape and 

 intimate structure as the largest. With the growth there is no develop- 

 ment. There is increase of size with retention of the original shape, 

 but nothing more. And if we consider the matter a little we shall see a. 

 reason for this. In all force-transformers, whether living or inorganic, 

 with but few exceptions and these are, probably, apparent only some- 

 thing more is required than homogeneity of structure. There seems to 

 be a need for some mutual dependence of one part on another, some dis- 

 tinction of qualities, which cannot happen when all portions are exactly 

 alike. And here lies the resemblance between a living being and an arti- 

 ficial machine. Both are developments, and depend for their power of 

 transforming force on that mutual relation of the several parts of their 

 structure which we call organization. But here, also, lies a great dif- 

 ference. The development of a living being is due to an inherent 

 tendency to assume a certain form; about which tendency we know 

 absolutely nothing. We recognize the fact, and that is all. The de- 

 velopment of an inorganic machine say an electrical apparatus is not 

 due to an inherent or individual property. It is the result of a power 

 entirely from without; and we know exactly how to construct it. 



Here, then, again, we recognize the compound nature of a living 

 being. In structure it is altogether different from a crystal in inhe- 

 rent capacity of growth into definite shape it resembles it. Again, in 

 the fact of its organization it resembles a machine mad'e by man: in ca- 

 pacity of growth it entirely differs from it. In regard, therefore, to 

 structure, growth, and development, it has combined in itself qualities- 

 which in all other things are more or less completely separated. 



That modification of ordinary growth and development called gen- 



