6 



sphere resulting from the action of these two classes 

 of forces. 



The primary structural Forms which are built up 

 under their action are the crystal in the mineral, and 

 the cell in the vegetable and animal kingdoms. Min- 

 eral masses are Iniilt of crystals ; and cells form every 

 higher structure in the vegetaljle and animal king- 

 doms. 



Crystals are united in masses under laws which gov- 

 ern the primary forms : animate beings cannot escape 

 from the action of the polarizing forces, although 

 these may be modified by the action of the Vital 

 Forces. 



In the water-crystal the main axis is perpendicular 

 to the plane of crystallization, or, in other words, it is 

 at right angles to the hrdnches. In their plane of 

 crystallization snow-crystals may present a series of 

 triang:les. A snow-crystal of six ravs may be a dou- 

 ble triangle. There may be twelve or more points, 

 the beauty usually depending on the complexity of 

 design. Each point has its own axis, which governs 

 the symmetrical disposition of the parts, but the de- 

 sign is similar in circles of six rays each. In the 

 crystal the centripetal and centrifugal forces are mod- 

 ified by molecular action. 



In the flower, the essential parts, the stamen, pistil, 

 and ovary, are in the axis of growth. The less im- 

 portant corolla diverges from the centre, as do the 

 rays of the snow-crystal. In the fruit, the line con- 

 necting the stem and blossom ends, corresponds to the 

 perpendicular axis of the snow-flake, the seeds being 

 disposed by various methods around that axis. 



