352 The Morality of Nature 



becomes complete and the unlikeness ceases to induce attrac- 

 tion by polarity or by chemical affinity, either of which may 

 be neutralized by complete union; the capacity for size and 

 form are overstrained, the habit or law of the structure is 

 asserted, and the mass is again subdivided. This is also a 

 fact in biology which may be observed in nature. Division 

 normally follows after a conjugation. It may be a simple 

 division into two equal parts or it may be, as is sometimes 

 seen, a breaking up into many minute parts or spores. The 

 first might be inferred as most likely to follow the conjuga- 

 tion of two youthful cells, and the latter as likely to result 

 from a union of mature cells, although this inference refers 

 rather to a riper knowledge of types, than to any special 

 examples. 



The difference of polarity, or of chemical quality, which 

 provokes conjugation, can arise in several ways. We have 

 noticed differences derived from a variation of experience 

 and heredity. But there are other impulses. As division 

 arises from excessive growth so conjugation is to be ex- 

 pected to be promoted by innutrition or loss of bulk. And 

 so it appears. Circumstances may so weaken the solidarity 

 of the cell that its bonds relax while its substance remains 

 vital. When by reason of maturation or exhaustion, or in- 

 sufficiency of nutrition, or other conditions adverse and yet 

 not destructive, the individual cells cease growth and 

 dwindle, there are obviously several possibilities according to 

 which their faculties may be affected. They may suspend 

 all activity and conserve a dormant energy. Some do this. 

 They may continue the habitual division with exhausting 

 effect, as some do, in divisions which are unequal. This 



