62-(32) TRANSACTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC SECTION. 



drogen and oxygen together in the right way, in order 

 to produce this living matter, by chemical means. 



It is enough to say in answer that this is bnt the 

 expression of a hope, and as such we can not admit it in 

 evidence here. The study of isomerism has revealed 

 marvelous things about the constitution of organic com- 

 pounds, but up to the present moment it is safe to say 

 that it has not revealed the slightest hint of any plan by 

 which the chemist can conduct the synthesis of the sim- 

 plest living thing. And until at least a hint, one which 

 is not pure speculation, that the view is based on the 

 actual, rather than on the ideal, is furnished, we should 

 not accept it in evidence in regard to the important 

 theory of life. 



So that if we reduce life to the very simplest terms 

 which the most advanced biologist claims for it, and 

 then consider the results of the most powerful methods 

 of the chemist, in analysis, in synthesis, and in molecu- 

 lar transformations, and finally compare the lowest 

 forms of the one with the very highest products of the 

 other, we still find between them the chasm which cor- 

 responds to the old conception of the chasm which lies 

 between life and death. 



The subject was discussed by Messrs. D wight, Loomis, 

 Elmendori, Bartlett and Stevenson. 



The following were elected members of the Section, viz.: 



R. F.Wilkinson, Esq.,W. C. Albro, Esq., A. L. Allen, 

 Esq., Mr. W. T. Reynolds, Mr. H. Bartlett, Prof. Maria 

 Mitchell, Rev. H. L. Ziegenfuss, Rev. J. Elmendorf, Dr. 

 E. C. Bolton, Dr. J. Bockee. Dr. L. Y. Cortelyou. 



FEBRUARY 8, 1882— SECOND STATED MEETING. 



L. C. Cooley, Ph. D.. Chairman, presiding ; twenty 

 members present. 



The following articles were donated to the Museum : 

 A spear head from Arabia by Mr. Nathan Clifford ; one 

 specimen each of opalized wood, auriferous quartz, and 

 galenite. by Mr. J. Sleight; one specimen of willemite, 

 by Dr. Stevenson. 



The following paper was read : 



