44 THE MYSTERY OF LIFE. 



How is this wonderful interlacement and 

 intertwining of fine nerve fibres, of larger nerve 

 fibres, and of the largest compound trunks, in 

 every part of the periphery, and in every 

 central nerve organ, to be accounted for by any 

 physical hypothesis ? No such arrangement can 

 be brought about artificially, except by the 

 interweaving of threads which have been 

 formed or spun in the first instance, and we 

 know that this is not the manner in which the 

 nerve trunks and plexuses are produced, for 

 such a process is rendered impossible by the 

 conditions under which the formation of nerve 

 fibres proceeds in living beings. By admitting 

 vital power ^ it is, however, possible to account 

 for the phenomenon without ignoring any of 

 the facts which can be demonstrated during the 

 course of development ; but the question is too 

 extensive to consider in this place. 



We have, however, as yet only subjected our 



I am sure, excuse me for making these remarks upon his 

 recent work. By criticising each other's observations in 

 such particulars, we shall promote that exactness and care 

 in recording observations, and making drawings, which so 

 surely promotes the true advancement of that department 

 of science in which we labour. 



