92 W. I. Burneti on the Relations of Cells to the 
tended to be conveyed. He says: “If we assume each organ- 
ism to be formed by a power which acts according to a certain 
predominant idea, a portion of this power may certainly reside in 
the ovum during generation; but then we must ascribe to this 
subdivision of the original power, at the separation of the ovum 
rom the body of the mother, the capability of producing an ot- 
ganism similar to that which the power, of which it is but a por- 
tion, produced: that is, we must assume that this power is infinitely 
divisible, and yet that each part may perform the same actions as 
the whole power. If on the other hand the power of organized 
bodies resides, like the physical powers, in matter as such, and 
be set free only by a certain combination of molecules, as for 
instance electricity is set free by the combination of a zine and 
copper plate, then also by the conjunction of molecules to form 
an ovum the power may be set free, by which the ovum is capa- 
ble of appropriating to itself fresh wecoheionta and these newly- 
conjoined molecules again by this mode of combination acquire 
the same power to assimilate fresh molecules. of Schwann is here 
evidently urging the doctrine of catalysis in organic forms. This 
same doctrine nee lately been pushed to its limit for similar rea- 
sons, by Mulder 
And thus it wuld appear that some, in the study of organic 
phenomena, are willing, rather than appear what they call ‘“un- 
physical,” to summon to their aid the blindest physical forces, 
instead of admitting the existence of those which are —~ 
distinct, and constantly urged upon them. The prominent ob- 
jection Schwann urges, is the physical absurdity that ae division 
of a power or force does not decrease it. 
But this is falling back upon the properties of physical forms 
only, in which the mathematical axiom that a part is less than 
the whole is true. But it is the peculiarity of immaterial agents 
that they aa be subject to the same definitions as those of @ 
material nature. We have yet to escape from a strange confi 
sion of ilate on these points, and when considering these — 
forces, we must not tacitly deuy their higher and imma 
=— by subjecting them to material definitions. For, of 
the very existence of that of which we feel most 
corti namely, thought, might well be denied. In fact, I think 
many of us have yet to learn that the a ee axiom 
Lae holds true of the immaterial 
a ~ this remark is true even of ec bbaty: for in the pe 
of catalysis, we witness the transference of foree 
quality without an. ae t loss from the body, from which te 
of Ve P Trans. Edinb, 
vito me 28, meee egetable and Animal hysiology. English 
penne acer 
15:29: SN Se Sener 
