66 THE MYSTERY OF LIFE. 



The Physical Nature of Vital Energy. 



The following observations were published 

 in the " British Medical Journal," October 29th, 

 1870, in answer to some remarks made by Dr. 

 Ferrier in favour of the physical doctrine of life 

 and against my views on vitality: — 



The conviction that it is " only by recognising 

 the physical nature of vital energy that we can 

 ever hope to establish therapeutics on a firm 

 and sound basis," has perhaps led Dr. Ferrier""" 

 to express himself rather decidedly against some 

 views which I ventured to put forward some 

 years ago, but which I am ready to give' up as 

 soon as convincing evidence shall be adduced 

 in favour of the physical doctrine of life. 



If Dr. Ferrier will explain what is meant by 

 " molecular organization" and "molecular 

 machinery," he will serve the cause he has at 

 heart far better than by attacking me ; for, as 

 he must have gathered from many of my 

 remarks, I am quite as anxious for light as any 

 one can be. What I desire is to learn in what 



* Introductory Lecture on Life, &c. ("British Medical 

 Journal," October 22nd.) 



