* 
390 J. D. Dana on the Origin of Life. 
the firmness of the foundation is shown by his taking one long — 
step onward from this basis, as follows:* 
could not possibly have existed previously, is @ sufficient basis for the 
further assumption that still higher forms could arise from these. That 
is to say, if, under the conditions in the sealed flasks, living beings, either 
animals or plants,’ of the lowest degree, arise, there is nothing illogical 
in assuming that, from these lowly organized, animate bodies, somewhat 
higher and more complicated beings may originate 
Now in the experiments referred to, and all of similar char- 
acter, the experimenter starts with organic matter, either vege 
table or animal. Allowing, then, that there are no germs 
present to breed such low organisms, the results are only exam- 
fe, they reply—l. For without some pre-existing plant or ani- 
mal to 
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the vegetable or animal kingdom—of high order no doubt 
table kingdom, a cellular plant consisting of one or a few eell- 
ules, or perhaps an equally low animal organism. 
* On page 26. We have already expressed our hi ini microsco ical 
investigations by Prof. Clark, wiheh cotbtitute a tae ait of Ufeades and make 
it a exceedingly valuable contribution to zoological science. ; 
The experiments mainly of Dr. Wyman, of which an account is given in the 
work at some length, are here referred to, 
oe os Clarke speaks : en = as probably related to vegetable mouls 
, after a micr c study of certaj i : in 
sles ‘oscopl ite y in Vibrios obtained by Dr. Wyman 
