Scientific Sophisms. 137 



up in two propositions: First, "That all animal 

 and vegetable organisms are essentially alike 

 in power, in form, and in substance ; " Second, 

 "That all vital and even intellectual functions 

 are the properties of the molecular disposition 

 and changes of the material basis (protoplasm) 

 of which the various animals and vegetables 

 consist." In both propositions the agent of 

 proof is this same alleged material basis of life, 

 or protoplasm. To establish the first, Mr. Hux- 

 ley endeavours to identify all organisms (animal 

 and vegetable) in protoplasm. To establish 

 the second, by means of inference from a simple 

 chemical analogy he assigns vitality, and even 

 intellect, to the molecular constituents of the 

 protoplasm, in connection with which they are 

 exhibited. 



The second of these propositions has already 

 been examined and refuted. It has been shown 1 

 that life is not a property of protoplasm ; that 

 it is not a product of protoplasm } and that 

 vitality and protoplasm are not inseparable. 

 Be protoplasm what it may, vital and intel- 

 lectual functions are not the products of its 

 molecular constitution. 



It is the first of these two propositions which 

 now remains to be examined. Is protoplasm, 

 1 In paragraphs 5, 6, 8, and 9, pp. 120-129. 



