ORIGIN OF LIFE, SEX, SPECIES, ETC. 215 



of new forms which is inherent in life. For in an 

 infinite number of varying forms the probability is 

 infinitely great that some will be found better 

 adapted than others. Therefore as quickly as 

 a form of life meets with destruction on account of 

 its non-adaptation to environing conditions, so 

 quickly other types of life are born into its place 

 which are likely to be better adapted. The links 

 in the continuous chain of life are thus replaced 

 by new ones as quickly as they are broken or worn 

 out. 



Bearing these facts and arguments in mind, the 

 inference becomes inexorable that from the very 

 instant when the first mass of protoplasm was 

 formed the struggle for existence and natural selec- 

 tion began. At first protoplasmic compounds were 

 naturally selected. Next, the simplest kinds of 

 protoplasmic segregates and concentrates. Then the 

 simplest kinds of organized protoplasmic concentra- 

 tions, such as histoblasts and cells. Thereafter 

 began that phase of the process of variation and 

 natural selection through which every form of or- 

 ganized life, from amoeba to man, has come into ex- 

 istence. By this, ultimately the organs subserving 

 intelligence and morality have been born, and the 

 future possibilities of this unended process no hu- 

 man mind can foresee or portray. 



That the differences in composition, structure, and 

 potential energy between various protoplasmic 

 compositions though infinite in number must be 



