1054 Dynamic Theory. 



dioxide (C0 2 ), which is produced by the oxygen of the acid powder, 

 burning the carbon out of the bicarbonate-of-soda powder. Each of 

 the bodies used here being a compound, the reaction is a little more 

 complicated than the former examples, two bodies being produced in- 

 stead of one. But hardly anybody will be likely to contend because 

 there was an "instant before and an instant after the contact " of these 

 elements, between which instants bodies of new forms were constructed 

 from the old ones, that there was therefore a discontinuity of causation, 

 and the interference of some agency outside of natural forces. The ob- 

 vious conclusion is that the body formed by the combination of others is 

 usualty of a form or quantity differing from that of either of its consti- 

 tuents ; consequently the currents about it which constitute the machin- 

 ery of its attractions and lie at the bases of its functions of gravit} T , 

 chemism, magnetism, &c. , are made to differ in quantity, or take new 

 directions ; while all these new conditions entail certain changes in the 

 manner in which the body will react against the impact of force from 

 without. 



It is true that it is often difficult to trace the manner or determine the 

 cause of a change, in terms of matter and motion that we are familiar 

 with. But the difficulty is not mended by assuming that the natural 

 manner and cause had come to an end and ceased to exist, and that 

 thereupon supernatural powers had stepped in and caused a new start 

 on the other side of the break. Such an assumption might be admissi- 

 ble as an alternative proposition to stand its chance with a counter as- 

 sumption that the break in natural causation is apparent only, and not 

 real ; provided it could be shown that there are occasional cases in 

 which supernatural agency can be proved instead of being merely as- 

 sumed. An assumption that cannot give references of this kind is an 

 assumption without character. It may ask and receive toleration, but 

 it has no logical claim to consideration or confidence. We have abun- 

 dance of instances in which natural causation can be traced and proved 

 through surprising and remarkable changes ; and assumptions that re- 

 fer to these as analogies have a claim to attention and comparison. But 

 an assumption of supernatural agency has no analogy with anything 

 unless it be another equally improvable assumption. 



A vital organism is a synthesis or composition of several bodies 

 which, considered separately, give reactions that are to be classed as 

 chemical or physical; and which in the bodies so associated occur in 

 such a way as to mutually support and perpetuate each other. Such 

 synthesis is the result of the actions and reactions of energy in its al- 

 ternate transfer from ponderable bodies to ether, and from ether to 

 ponderable bodies. The vital organism is a target for every form of 

 energy darted through its environment, and in its growth, development, 



