208 The American Naturalist. [Mareh, 
or a solid with the evolution of heat. The endothermic reac- 
tion, where matter undergoes a change of molecular aggrega- 
tion the reverse of that just mentioned, with the absorption of 
heat, as in the case of several hydrogen compounds, is rare in 
nature, where free from organic complications, and is generally 
soon reversed by further reactions. Finally cosmic creation 
involves the perpetual radiation of heat into space, and the 
gradual reduction of all forms of matter to the solid state. 
In the anagenetic energies, on the other hand, we have a 
process of building machines, which not only resist the action 
of catagenesis, but which press the catagenetic energies into 
their service. In the assimilation of inorganic substances they 
elevate them into higher, that is more complex compounds, 
and raise the types of energy to their own level. In the devel- 
opment of niolar movements they enable their organisms tọ 
escape many of the destructive effects of catagenetic energy, by 
enabling them to change their environment; and this is espe- 
cially true in so far as sensation or consciousness is present to 
them. The anagenetic energy transforms the face of nature 
by its power of assimilating and recompounding inorganic 
matter, and by its capacity for multiplying its individuals. 
In spite of the mechanical destructibility of its physical basis 
(protoplasm), and the ease with which its mechanisms are 
destroyed, it successfully resists, controls, and remodels the 
catagenetic energies for its purposes. 
The anagenetic power of assimilation of the inorganic sub- 
stances is chiefly seen in the vegetable kingdom. Atmospherlé 
air, water and inorganic salts furnish it with the materials 4 
its physical basis. Then from its own protoplasm it elaborates 
by a catagenetic retrograde metamorphosis, the mostly non 
nitrogenous substances, as wood (cellulose), waxes, oils ani 
alkaloids, and it may take up inorganic substances and deposit 
them without alteration in its cells. Many of the compounds 
elaborated by plants and animals have been manufactured © 
latter time by chemists. The discovery that the living organit 
is not necessary for the production of these substances has Jed 
to the hasty conclusion that the supposed distinction b 
“organic” and “inorganic” energy does not exist. But the 
