THE ORIGIN OF LIFE 175 



probability, be able to make the comparatively- 

 simple beginning for itself. 



It is much more likely that the molecular 

 combinations of primitive plants and animals 

 began by the ordinary chemical conjunction of 

 atoms, under special conditions, to form special 

 ferment-like combinations. Why any combination 

 of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen should 

 have power of assimilative increase we cannot say ; 

 but such increase is only a more elaborate instance 

 of the accretion we see in inorganic substances, 

 and of such interchange of atoms as we see in a 

 flame. 



