THE LAWS OF LIFE. 231 



As, in treating of the motions of a pendulum, the 

 existence of the pendulum and its first upward move- 

 ment are assumed, so I assume for my present pur- 

 pose the existence of organized bodies, and therein of 

 that organic arrangement of particles which I affirm 

 to be thereafter renewed and increased through the 

 mediuriTbf chemical action. 



Nor do I now speak of the forms assumed by liv- 

 ing substances, or that which is properly termed 

 Organisation. The following remarks relate to the 

 primary fact of life, the production of organic matter. 



And further, I do not design to attempt a complete 

 explanation of the facts to be adduced. I consider 

 them in that relation only, in which they may serve 

 to indicate the chain that connects vital action with 

 the material changes which directly and causally 

 precede it. 



In the vegetable world, the dependence of vital 

 action upon an incomplete or resisted process of 

 chemical change is indicated by such facts as these. 



The fertilized seed grows as it decays. 



The chemical process of fermentation maintains 

 the growth of vegetable organisms. 



