180 LOUIS PASTED K, 



calling to mind that molecular dissymmetry is th< 

 idea, or inference, the observed rotation of the plane 

 of polarisation by masses of sensible magnitude being 

 the fact, on which the inference is based. 



That the molecule, or unit brick, of an organism 

 should be different from the molecule of a mineral is 

 only to be expected, for otherwise the profound dis- 

 tinction between them would disappear. And that 

 one of the differences between the two classes of mole- 

 cules should be the possession, by the one, of this 

 power of rotation, and its non-possession by the other, 

 would be a fact, interesting no doubt, but not surpris- 

 ing. The critical point here has reference to the power 

 and range of chemical processes, apart from the play of 

 vitality. Beginning with the elements themselves, 

 can they not be so combined as to produce organic com- 

 pounds? Not to speak of the antecedent labours of 

 Wohler and others in Germany, it is well known that 

 various French investigators, among whom are some of 

 M. Pasteur's illustrious colleagues of the Academy, 

 have succeeded in forming substances which were once 

 universally regarded as capable of being elaborated by 

 plants and animals alone. Even with regard to the 

 rotation of the plane of polarisation, M. Jungfleisch, 

 an extremely able pupil of the celebrated Berthelot, 

 affirms that the barrier erected by M. Pasteur has been 

 broken down ; and though M. Pasteur questions this 

 affirmation, it is at least hazardous, where so many 

 supposed distinctions between organic and inorganic 

 have been swept away, to erect a new one. For my 

 part, I frankly confess my disbelief in its permanence. 



Without waiting for new facts, those already in our 

 possession tend, I think, to render the association 

 which M. Pasteur seeks to establish between dissym- 

 metry and life insecure. Quartz, as a crystal, exerts 



