256 THE VITAL FORCE, 



amber rubbed takes up light substances, earth mixes with 

 earth, salt collects together from the water of the sea, and 

 the acid moisture of the Stypteria (cri^rr/pta vypa), as well 

 as the flocculent salt Trichitis, love the clay of Melos. In 

 inanimate nature all things hasten to unite with each other 

 according to their particular laws. Hence no terrestrial 

 element (and who would dare to include light among the 

 numbei of such elements ?) is to be found anywhere in its 

 pure and primitive simple state. Each as soon as formed 

 tends to enter into new combinations, and the art of man is 

 needed to disjoin and present in a separated state substances 

 which you would seek in vain in the interior of the earth, 

 and in the fluid oceans of air or water. In dead inorganic 

 matter, entire inactivity and repose reign so long as the 

 bonds of affinity continue undissolved, so long as no third 

 substance comes to join itself to the others. But even then, 

 the action and disturbance produced are soon again suc- 

 ceeded by unfruitful repose. 



" It is otherwise, however, when the same substances are 

 brought together in the bodies of plants and animals. In 

 these the vital force or power reigns supreme, and regardless 

 of the mutual amity or enmity of the atoms recognised by 

 Democritus, commands the union of substances which in 

 inanimate nature* shun each other, and separates those which 

 are ever seeking to enter into combination. 



" Now come nearer to me, my friends ; look with me on the 

 first of the pictures before us, and recognise in the Ehodian 

 Genius, in the expression of youthful energy, in the 

 butterfly on hi shoulder, and in the commanding glance of 



