1 88 2.] On Archcesthetism. 467 



interfere and destroy each other, as in the cases of the inter- 

 ference of the waves of light and sound. 



The colloid form of protoplasm is especially favorable to inter- 

 nal movements which shall not destroy the integrity of the mass, 



stitution. It is, moreover, more favorable to the preservation of 

 molarity than a gas could be, on account of the ease with which 

 it adheres to solid substances, and transports and locates them 

 as part of its external and internal supports. But it is not incon- 

 ceivable that under other conditions of temperature, etc., the 

 gaseous condition of matter might answer the same purpose. It 

 must be borne in mind, however, that this is a subordinate ques- 

 tion, and that the real characteristic of the "physical basis of life " 

 is to be found rather in its generalized dynamic condition. 



We must then believe that wherever this generalized condition 



or chemical force appears in the molecules of the sustaining sub- 

 stance, consciousness disappears. The organism has taken the 

 first step towards death, but is not dead, but is anesthetized. 

 Constant 1 



tant nutrition 



1 is essential to the performance of all life func- 



, including cc 



msciousness, and it is evident that this is neces- 



to the maint< 



mance of the unspecialized condition in which 



itter appears. 





the appearan 



ce of sensibility on the development of its sus- 



ig condition, 



evidence that the latter stands to the former in 



elation of cai 



ise and effect ? If the view of the preexistence 



effect than in the case of the opening of a door which admits a 

 wind. The force expended in opening the door is not converted 

 into the energy exerted by the wind as it enters the room. It 

 simply releases it, or admits it to a new field. It is, however, 

 true, that consciousness having once entered, a larger conversion 

 °f force is necessary to its persistence than is expended during 

 »ts absence. Like combustion, which is only communicable under 

 suitable conditions, consciousness having once been transmitted 

 to a new ccsthctopJwrc} lives on it, and requires constant supplies 

 of material for its sustenance. 



The hypothesis of the primitive and creative function of con- 

 sciousness may be called Archcesthetism. 



