THE BEGINNINGS OF LIFE. 91 



often found to have passed, during the geological ages 

 of their existence, from the vitreous or colloidal into 

 the crystalline condition 1 . The colloidal is, in fact, 

 a dynamical state of matter ; the crystalloid being the 

 statical condition. The colloid possesses ENERGIA. 

 It may he looked upon as the probable primary source of the 

 force appearing in the phenomena of 'vitality. To the 

 gradual manner in which colloidal changes take place 

 (for they always demand time as an element), may the 

 characteristic protraction of chemico-organic changes 

 also be referred.' Thus, then, we seem to have found 

 materials which are modifiable and plastic enough to 

 enter into the composition of living things 2 . 



But, let us now glance at the theories and require- 

 ments of those who seek to account for the first appear- 

 ance of Organisms. 



To all those who are firm believers in the Evolution 



1 Even a ' colloid holding so high a place in its class as albumen ' 

 may be met with in the opposite or crystalline condition. Professor 

 Graham says : ' In the so-called blood-crystals of Funke, a soft and 

 gelatinous albumenoid body is seen to assume a crystalline contour. 

 Can any facts more strikingly illustrate the maxim that in nature there 

 are no abrupt transitions, and that distinctions of class are never 

 absolute ? ' 



2 ' While the composite atoms of which organic tissues are built up 

 possess that molecular mobility fitting them for plastic purposes, it 

 results from the extreme molecular mobilities of their ultimate consti- 

 tuents, that the waste products of vital activity escape as fast as they 

 are formed.' (Spencer, loc. cit. p. 24.) Vital actions entail decomposi- 

 tions, in which comparatively stable and simple combinations result 

 from the breaking up of the more complex and highly unstable protein 

 compounds. It is necessary that these effete products should be got 

 rid of* 



