16 INTRODUCTION. 



studying these effects that we are able to form any idea of 

 that state of being which we call life. The first distinction, 

 therefore, to be made between minerals and beings endow- 

 ed with life is, that the latter are formed with organs 

 adapted to fulfil the several functions for which they were 

 destined by Nature. These organs differ, not only in form 

 and structure, but more or less in the materials of which 

 they are composed : organized beings are generally of a 

 smooth surface, rounded, and irregular; whilst minerals 

 are rough, angular, and in their crystaline state of geomet- 

 rical regularity. 



One of the principal functions these organs have to 

 perform is nutrition. Unorganized matter may, in the 

 course of nature, be enlarged or diminished, either by 

 mechanical or chemical changes ; minerals may be aug- 

 mented by the addition of similar particles, or by chem- 

 ical combination with substances which are dissimilar, but 

 they have no power to convert them into their own nature. 



Organized bodies, on the contrary, are increased in 

 size, by receiving internally particles of matter of a na- 

 ture different from their own, which they assimilate to 

 their own substance. 



Emily. That is to say, that the food by which they 

 are nourished is converted into their own substance ? 



Mrs. B. Yes ; organized beings have also the power 

 of reproducing their species : minerals may be broken 

 into fragments, but they are alike incapable of receiving 

 nourishment, of growing, or of reproducing. 



Let us now proceed to inquire, what is the principal 

 distinction between the two classes of organized beings, 

 the animal and the vegetable creation. 



Caroline. Animals are endowed with the power of 

 locomotion, whilst vegetables are attached to the soil. 



Mrs. B. It would, perhaps, be more philosophical to 

 begin by ascertaining the cause whence this difference 

 arises. Animals are provided with a cavity called a 



18. What comparison does she make between minerals and organized 

 beingSj so far as their form and surface is considered! 19. How is 

 change of state in unorganized matter produced! 20. What is said 

 of organized beings, so far as change of state is considered! 21. -What 

 other power have organized beings which does not belong to minerals'* 

 22. To what inquiry does Mrs. B. next proceed! 23. What does 

 Caroline consider the principal distinction between animals and vegeta- 

 bles! 24. What does Mrs. B. think would be more philosophical! 



