60 THE MYSTERY OF LIFE. 



creation, and by what method of investigation is 

 the gulf to be rendered evident to the senses ? 



On the other hand, mind itself is, by many 

 who understand the force of logical reasoning, 

 considered to be but the result of molecular 

 changes in nervous matter, and the arrange- 

 ment of this nervous matter is supposed to 

 result from the operation of certain complex 

 conditions. Chemical action, it is held, may be 

 convertible into mind, just as heat is con- 

 vertible into electricity or motion. Only the 

 conditions required to bring about the first 

 conversion are much more complex than those 

 by which the other may be effected. Memory, 

 it may be said, — nay, it has been said, — is but 

 the capacity to register the effects of impres- 

 sions, which nervous matter enjoys in common 

 with every organic element, and certain inor- 

 ganic matters, including stones and crystals! 

 Nor is there a faculty of the mind which cannot 

 be disposed of in the same way. Force forms 

 the brain, which converts force into mind. 



But in all these notions the act of formation, 

 the cause of formation, and action after forma- 

 tion is complete, are confused together. It is 

 held that the organ which changes force has itself 



