ALBERT SZENT-GYORGYI 
extensive membranes and lamellae. And what about the cell 
which must have its very specific meaning with its millions of 
macromolecules put together in a very specific way? How can 
we proceed from the molecular dimensions to the higher sub- 
cellular and cellular dimensions? We have to go even higher 
than the cell and ask: how can we explain the interaction of the 
various parts of the brain, this interaction which generates the 
highest of all functions which express themselves in psychic 
phenomena, as conscience, memory, recall and learning? There 
is still a wide gulf somewhere which separates us from a deeper 
understanding of the real meaning of the word “‘life’’, and a 
gulf which also separates molecules from higher structures. 
It may sound presumptuous, but I think I can answer this 
question. In our analysis we have to descend one dimension 
deeper, below the atomic or molecular dimension, into the 
dimension of elementary particles, the dimension of electrons 
and quanta, that is, approach our problems with the mysterious 
ideas of modern physics. Physics has shown us that by descend- 
ing into the world of the smallest particles, into the world of 
electrons, we can understand properties of extensive systems, 
like copper wires which may transmit a message from one shore 
of the Atlantic tothe other. Onthissubmolecular level, molecules 
may enter into entirely new relations which cannot be expressed 
in terms of chemistry and are covered only by what is called 
“solid state physics’, which considers atoms or molecules 
as structures formed by atomic nuclei and surrounded by 
electronic clouds of fantastic and changing shapes which 
may fuse over long distances, in obedience to the laws of wave 
mechanics. 
I expect the next forward thrust, in the near future, from the 
penetration of wave mechanics and solid state physics into 
biology and medicine. Such a move may enable us to give a 
deeper sense to the structure of macromolecules and to connect 
-them into meaningful microscopic or macroscopic formations. 
It may enable us to see, in a new light, what energy means for 
the living organism and what the mysterious “living state”? is. 
Mathematics has already supplied approximative methods for 
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