LIFE AND ITS PHENOMENA 67 



It is as much like one as the other. To which of the 

 two organic kingdoms would Prof. Dolbear compare it ? 



All modern biologists attack the question as to /ww 

 the processes of growth, etc., go on in the body. That 

 they grow by means of chemical processes is obvious ; 

 that the purely chemical process of oxidation of carbon 

 underlies respiration is perfectly clear. That electrical 

 phenomena are seen in the actions of muscles is well- 

 known ; that the phenomena of heat are patent to 

 every one in his own body, etc. No one now will dispute 

 all this. But it is all beside the question, What is Life? 

 There 2S a something which sharply separates a mouse 

 from a lump of granite, or an organic molecule from a 

 crystal. 



Why does biology form a study by itself independ- 

 ently of physical geology ? 



The term " Vital Force " may be objectional or not ; 

 but some name is wanted to account for the Directivity 

 observable in every organ of every living being. 



Prof. Dolbear quotes several definitions of life ; but 

 they only state what is obviously seen. Thus Bichot 

 says, " Life is the sum of the functions by which death is 

 resisted". But the " functions " can only be carried on 

 as long as life is present, and " organs " wherewith they 

 can be done. What makes the organs ? 



Dreges calls life " the special activity of organised 

 beings " : but it is only organised beings which are alive 

 and exhibit activities. 



H, Spencer's is " the continuous adjustment of in- 

 ternal relations to external relations ". That is true, and 

 the practical basis of Evolution ; but it is no definition of 

 Life ; only a description of what takes place as long as a 

 being is alive. 



All definitions, however, show that Life is recognisable 



