Relations of the Physical and Chemical Forces. 71 



cells. Melene, C30H60, and melissic acid, C 3 oH 60 2 , the 

 highest member of the oxides of the extended and un- 

 broken series of negative formylic radicals, may be cited 

 as the best examples of chemical combination in indefinite 

 multiple proportions. 



Considering the wide application of the principle of the 

 indefinite quantitative relations of the mechanical and 

 molecular forces, it might be expected, from the law of 

 continuity, that the principle would not be limited to the 

 forces of the inorganic world. Hence it finds expression 

 in organic nature: (1) in the indefinite increase of the 

 physico-vital force through the multiplication of organisms 

 from individual germs ; (2) in the indefinite increase of the 

 same force by the multiplication of higher organic species 

 through individuals endowed with special organs and 

 functions ; and (3) in the transformation of vital into 

 mental force, through which we are confronted with the 

 principle of the incommensurable relations of mental 

 energy, in the definite thoughts of individual minds ruling 

 (for good or for evil) the lives, thoughts, and destinies of 

 mankind through past and future ages. 



