THE VITAL FORCE. 69 



tension ; it is peculiar in respect to the characters of 

 the tension in which it is exhibited. One of these 

 characters is so striking and universal as to deserve 

 especial mention. An almost constant process in the 

 rendering inorganic matter organic is the giving off 

 of oxygen ; as constant, in the return to the inor- 

 ganic state, is its absorption. The whole process 

 may be said to constitute a great de-oxidation and 

 re-oxidation : the de-oxidation produced by force and 

 constituting a tension, the re-oxidation a return, a 

 rebound as it were, to the former state, reproducing 

 the force. And on the constant supply of oxygen all 

 functional power, and therewith the continuance of 

 the life, depends. The living body and the atmo- 

 sphere around it constitute an inseparable whole. 

 The once united elements still retain, in reality, their 

 coherence put asunder by force, and for temporary 

 purposes, but pledged as it were to a deeper and inviola- 

 ble union. In the re-uniting of the parted elements 

 is effected the end and object of the whole process, 

 the functions of animal life. Complex, wonderful, 

 and beautiful as it is, surely the wonder and beauty 

 of the organic world rise in this view to a yet greater 



