ig4 Life and Matter [chap, x 



not travelled as yet, but a stage at which 

 almost all things seem possible. 



The first two properties, assimilation and 

 reproduction, overshadowed by the possi- 

 bility of death, are properties of life of every 

 kind, plant life as of all other. The power 

 of locomotion and special senses, over- 

 shadowed by the sense of pain, are the sign 

 of a still further development into what we 

 call "animal life." The further develop- 

 ment, of mind, consciousness, and sense of 

 freedom, overshadowed by the possibility of 

 wilful error or sin, is the conspicuous 

 attribute of life which is distinctively human. 



Thus, our complex molecular aggregate 

 has shown itself capable of extraordinary and 

 most interesting processes, has proved cap- 

 able of constituting the material vehicle of 

 life, the natural basis of living organisms, 

 and even of mind ; very much as a planet 

 of certain size proved capable of possessing 

 an atmosphere. 



But is it to be supposed that the complex 

 aggregate generated the life and mind, as the 



