CHARACTERS OF LIVING MATTER 7 



groups suggests their evolution from one primitive 

 substance, the prothyl. 



The evolution of matter also includes the evolution 

 of energy ; indeed, the unity of natural forces on 

 the basis of a common origin is accepted by most 

 competent authorities. The transformation of energy 

 into various exhibitions of heat, light, electricity, 

 and other forces has long been known. It is known 

 also that such exhibitions are accompanied by wave- 

 like motions, which vary in their length and rapidity 

 in accordance with the form of energy displayed. 

 Emanations from radio-active bodies, in which the 

 atoms are undergoing disintegration, are called 

 electrons or metabolons, and the total energy asso- 

 ciated with such emanations is almost incalculable. 

 When molecules of matter disintegrate there is a 

 similar display of energy from the disintegrated 

 matter ; the materials resulting from such disin- 

 tegration are called ions, the associated energy is 

 chiefly exhibited as heat or electricity, and in many 

 instances the amount is ascertainable. In both 

 instances we have matter disorganised and ready for 

 reorganisation. In both instances we have an exhibi- 

 tion of the very close relationship of matter and force ; 

 evidence that matter does not exist without force. 

 In ions and metabolons we see matter in a state 

 intermediate between the inert substance of the 

 earth and the living matter of an organism. As 

 matter may undergo evolution, and the transmuta- 

 tion of common elements into the highly valued and 

 rarer metals may ultimately fulfil the dreams of the 

 alchemists ; so, on the other hand, we may find that 

 ions, which are particles of matter far more gross 



