86 THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION 



Such an origin of organic life must be denied in 

 the name of Science, because 



(1) Between organisms and inorganic material there 

 is an essential difference, so that the inorganic 

 material cannot develop itself into an organism. 



For the comprehension of our argument the mean- 

 ing of the words ( organism ' and e life ' must be 

 examined more closely. The simplest and most general 

 definition which is afforded by modern biologists is as 

 follows : 



An organism is essentially a whole composed 

 of material and functionally varied parts. 



Both elements of the signification manif oldness and 

 unity are clearly expressed in the word ' organism/ 

 The ending ' ism ' points to a collection of organs. 

 ' Organ ' is a tool for a denned service : all tools together 

 form the one whole. 



The peculiar way in which this whole is in itself 

 active is termed ' life/ It can be briefly denned as 

 1 the definite co-operation of all the limbs (parts) deter- 

 mined by constant consideration for the whole/ So 

 comprehended this definition suits all natural bodies 

 which are usually considered as living, 1 even the simplest 



1 There are other and very good definitions of * Life.' Scholastic 

 philosophy particularly has very thoroughly treated the doctrine of life. 

 Since, however, we have desired to touch upon the problem of life only in 

 so far as is necessary for a critical examination of its origin as it is pre- 

 sented by many modern naturalists we may content ourselves with 

 brief indications. For the use of many very indefinite expressions we must 

 hold the naturalists concerned responsible. 



