OX THE NATURE OF LIFE. 179 



mere complexity of atomic grouping in developing new 

 and unexpected properties in compounds. This evi- 

 dence is too voluminous to be given here, I will there- 

 fore only give a summary of the conclusions. The 

 elements themselves are in all probability not simple 

 bodies, their specific properties being given by the 

 -combination of atoms of still simpler bodies; these 

 elements may exist in several different or allotropic 

 states, displaying different properties owing to the 

 mere grouping of their particles. When we come to 

 bodies composed of several elements we have an almost 

 infinite variety, increasing as might be expected with 

 the number of separate constituents ; but not only 

 that, we have an additional element of variety in the 

 mere complexity of grouping of the atoms of the same 

 elements going to make up the molecule of the com- 

 pound as evidenced by the series of isomeric, poly- 

 meric, metameric, and homologous bodies. As an 

 example, it is noticed that in twenty-seven volatile 

 oils, including those of chamomile, hops, turpentine, 

 clove, lemon, and valerian, the carbon and hydrogen 

 are united in the same proportion, viz., ten to sixteen 

 atoms. Another evidence is the remarkable physical 

 properties of matter in the colloid state, which is 

 attributed to the number and complexity of grouping 

 of the atoms in the molecules. From these and similar 

 considerations we are entitled to conclude that mere 

 chemical combinations and reactions are sufficient to 

 explain (when once formed) the properties of the 

 infinite variety of tissues and fluids which make up 

 the dead framework and secretions of organized bodies 

 and even to account for some of the processes which go 



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