VI PREFACE. 



has seemed to be absolute, for on proceeding onwards 

 it is seen to be impossible to separate form from force, 

 and to regard the one as a mere lifeless image, or the 

 other as a mere " naked essence." 



But it may be objected that all these ideas are 

 mere philosophical abstractions, and that this unity 

 of nature is not a practical truth to be realized in the 

 problems of every-day physiology. If there be this 

 oneness of which you speak, it may be asked, how is 

 it that the body is obedient to a law which is totally 

 different to anything we find in inorganic nature? 

 Will it explain the hitherto inexplicable capillary 

 movements of the blood? will it solve the oft- 

 perplexed, and still unread riddle of muscular action? 

 will it tell us why the heart continues its mysterious 

 beatings? will it give the clue to a hundred acts and 

 movements which are distinctive of life, and which we 

 are obliged to refer to an incomprehensible and potent 

 essence which is shut up in every living body ? for, 

 except it will help to do these things, the doctrine is 

 of no practical value. An objection like this is just 

 and right, for no one can be expected to receive an 

 opinion which is based merely on transcendental facts 

 and arguments, especially when it is belied (or seems 

 to be) by his own daily experience. 



