244 INDUCTION OF 



this. It shows why in the actual life of the animal 

 these two forms of action constitute an inseparable 

 chain, and, when regarded as unconnected processes, 

 an inextricable maze. That which should be on this 

 supposition, is precisely that which is ; vital action 

 perpetually followed by chemical, and chemical again 

 by vital. From first to last, that is the history of 

 life. 



The varieties of vital action also, the differences 

 between specific kinds of life, find a satisfactory 

 origin in the scarcely less numerous varieties of che- 

 mical action. The supposition of specific vital pro- 

 perties or tendencies falls by the abstraction of its 

 foundation. The varieties of life are the varieties of 

 chemical action presented under another aspect. 



The elements, therefore, which are involved in this 

 lowest idea of life are two a chemical attraction or 

 force, and a definite resistance to that force. From 

 these two elements result chemical and vital action. 

 But there is rightly speaking no vital force. The 

 action of a pendulum involves the same ideas a 

 gravitating attraction or force, and a definite resist- 

 ance; resulting in a gravitating and an ascending 



