KIRTLEY F. MATHER 7 



On the other hand, the geologist and the biologist 

 have gained insight concerning additional character- 

 istics of creative energy by their investigations of the 

 evolution of living creatures during past and present 

 time. When the motive power of the universe ex- 

 presses itself in the form of cells, organized into ani- 

 mals and plants, it displays attributes not suspected 

 from the study of crystals and stars. Living creatures 

 are characterized by certain qualities and attributes 

 which distinguish them unmistakably from all other 

 expressions of cosmic energy. 



The differences are not nearly so distinct and con- 

 spicuous as at first glance they appear to most of us 

 to be. Certain expressions of inanimate nature very 

 nearly duplicate certain qualities of animate nature. 

 Nevertheless, there are real distinctions; the living is 

 different from the non-living. The behavior of ani- 

 mals and plants involves processes and forces not ap- 

 parent in the behavior of minerals and stones. Prob- 

 ably the most significant difference is Indicated by 

 what we call consciousness. Prod a live ameba with 

 a needle, and it will indicate by its behavior that it is 

 aware of this untoward circumstance in its physical 

 environment. Treat a crystal of quartz in a similar 

 manner, and there is absolutely no response indicative 

 of awareness of the external stimulus. 



Consciousness is an expression of cosmic energy, 

 revealed in a certain organization of matter. I pre- 

 sume this characteristic explains the fact that cells 

 have changed during geologic time, whereas crystals 

 have remained the same throughout the entire history 

 of the earth. 



