58-(28) CHEMISTRY AID THE QUESTION OF LIFE. 



should we then admit the existence of another which is 

 over and beyond these. For if the character and changes 

 of masses of matter declare the action of physical ener- 

 gies, and if the peculiar constitution and reactions of 

 chemical substances demonstrate the existence of an 

 additional chemical energy, surely the unique texture 

 and characters of organized bodies must be attributed to 

 still another. 



Moreover, the characteristic function of the life-energy 

 is also pointed out by this analysis. Doubtless chemical 

 affinity and the physical forces bear sway in the orga- 

 nized body as elsewhere over the building up of chem- 

 icil compounds and the interaction of masses, but as 

 elsewhere, we cannot suppose that they can do more. 

 That which remains undone by these is the build- 

 ing up of these materials into an organized structure, and 

 the combining of all the physical and chemical energies 

 of these materials into a nobler energy which stamps this 

 organized structure a living thing. 



CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS. 



I have already said that the older views of the origin 

 of organic substances must be supremely modified by the 

 brilliant achievements of organic synthesis. 



The question is now whether the success of the chem- 

 ist in making artificial organic compounds gives any 

 solid ground on which to build the hypothesis that the 

 known physical and chemical forces are the only ones 

 concerned in the phenomena of living things. 



We have seen that organic analysis, beginning with 

 organized bodies pursues ;i downward course through 

 the proximate constituents to the products of their chem- 

 ical decomposition, and finally to their ultimate elements. 

 Now organic synthesis must pursue the same path back- 

 ward. It must begin with the chemical elements and 

 rise by successive stejjs from elements to organic com- 

 pounds, to proximate constituents, and finally to orga- 

 nized bodies. We are to enquire how far it has gone in 

 this work, and how far its actual achievements entitle it 

 to project any hypothesis beyond. 



Beginning with the elements, a very large number of 

 the organic compounds containing only carbon and 

 hydrogen have been made in the laboratory. The sym 



