METHODS 25 



external phenomena of an order of magnitudes such as have 

 no direct influence on chemical activities. But there is a 

 repercussion of the colloidal variations on the chemical 

 activities, and, vice versa, external phenomena which act 

 directly on chemical phenomena may, secondarily, have a 

 rebound in colloidal activity. 



Now, the external phenomena belonging to an order of 

 magnitudes able to act directly on colloidal activity com- 

 prise, as we shall see, what we properly call the acts of 

 animals, that is, their movements locomotion for example, 

 which we can see directly with our eyes, with or without a 

 magnifying glass according to the case. A first consequence I 

 is that the acts of animals, through the intermediary of the 

 colloid mechanism of protoplasm, can influence the chemical 

 equilibrium even of their constituent substances. In other 

 words, the repercussion of these acts may be stored up in the 

 intimate chemistry of living substances, just as the energy 

 of a waterfall is stored up by the intermediary of a dynamo 

 in the accumulator with its lead plates. The accumulator 

 having been charged under the chemical form of lead per- 

 oxide is able under varying conditions to give back, at the 

 expense of its provision of peroxide, a part of the energy 

 of the waterfall. 



Taking a great step forward and passing over the numerous 

 intermediaries, we can draw from these general considera- 

 tions an extremely interesting conclusion, though rather 

 premature at present. If the hen fabricates the egg, the 

 egg in its turn will fabricate the hen. We shall not therefore 

 be astonished when we come to verify the marvellous pheno- 

 menon which governs the entire evolution of living beings : 

 the heredity of acquired characters. 



