174 From Matter to Man. 



(2) The seed by certain chemical processes in a 

 laboratory may be converted through its own and 

 other energial resources into substances altogether 

 different in appearance and properties to itself : such 

 as gluten, albumen, starch, sugar, fat, silicon, etc. 



(3) The seed may be planted in a manure heap, and 

 its energy shall simply develop itself in rotting and 

 adding to the compost. 



(4) The seed may be masticated by an animal, and its 

 energy shall manifest itself in becoming flesh and blood. 



(5) The seed may be planted in proper time and in 

 good soil, but if the weather be unpropitious and the 

 season short, it will only grow into a stunted and 

 barren plant. 



(6) Lastly, under favourable circumstances the seed 

 may grow, develop, and produce its kind, all in due 

 rotation, thereby evincing the orderly sequence of 

 natural phenomena automatically accomplished by 

 the inherent energy of the seed under suitable con- 

 ditions. 



Another important point seldom dwelt on is that a 

 plant's energy and life are dual. For example, by 

 means of a magnetic battery we may convert a soft 

 piece of iron, already a weak- magnet, into a very 

 powerful magnet capable of attracting iron filings 

 and shooting them out into long filaments from its 

 poles. So long as the current is maintained, filings 

 may be added and a miniature tree grown ; but cut 

 the connection or reverse the action, and the filings 

 instantly drop. Why? Because the life of the 



