236 INDUCTION OF 



dowed with approximating tendencies, yet carried 

 perpetually into divergent relations? 



Again : Particles of matter carried by an approxi- 

 mating force thus into a state of divergence tend 

 perpetually, to renew the approximating motion. 

 The divergent state is in itself entirely unstable. 

 The upward motion of a pendulum is the type of 

 it a state of ever-changing action, which no sooner 

 attains its maximum than it begins straightway to 

 decline. Is it not so with life ? 



Upon the view thus presented, it is easy to con- 

 ceive of life as a state of action contrary to chemical 

 affinity, but constantly maintained by the operation 

 of chemical attractions. It is not less easy to under- 

 stand how the vital action thus arising should be 

 increased or intensified beyond such an amount, or 

 such an energy, as would be proportionate to the 

 original chemical affinities from which it springs. 

 The downward motion of a pendulum becomes an 

 equal upward movement, the loss of motion from 

 friction and the resistance of the air being allowed 

 for ; but if this downward motion be accelerated or 

 increased by any other force acting, or capable of 



