306 Researches in the Theory and Calculus of Operations. 



unequally acted upon in two opposite points; the upper, 

 by the Sun, the lower by the resisting substance of the 

 rock. Consequently here is at once spherical converted into 

 polar extension, with mutually unequal results : grasping 

 roots at the lower extremity or positive pole, and vibrating 

 leaves at the upper extremity or negative pole. Each drop 

 is metamorphosed, and our naked rock is clothed with a 

 bed of moss. Life is born ; the nasceut changes of the atomic 

 forces are coordinated in mutual pairs of equilibrium, and 

 can only transmit their powers in the order they have been 

 acquired; that is, heredity is predicated in the atoms as 

 well as in the entire individual (Murphy). 



A portion of ocean wave, dashed upon an adjoining 

 bare rock, in retiring, leaves some drops which are directly 

 acted upon by unequal forces on different sides. The' rock 

 offers its unyielding resistance beneath, while the rays of 

 the Sun stimulate the spherical drop from on high, and 

 thus develops a polar action, or rather reaction in both di- 

 rections perpendicular to the horizon. A little moss arises, 

 and in time a repetition of similar productions covers the 

 surface around. Each tiny growth lives out its little life,* 

 then shrivels and dies, and the winds carry its relicts and 

 spreads them over a broad distance, where it constantly re- 

 ceives fresh additions from continual reproductions at the 

 original source, decomposes and mingles with other elements 

 peculiar to the new locality, the compost of which, acted 

 upon by the Sun and rain, and other forces, becomes fit 

 for new forms of development and growth, and the earth 

 is gradually clothed with plants and trees. 



A larger shower of waves, falling upon less barren soil, 

 would initiate a more powerful growth. A richer reaction 

 beneath would accommodate a greater development above 

 and prolonged to a greater extent; a plant, a shrub, or even 

 a tree, stretches up its stalky, twiggy, or stemmy altitude. 

 The action of the surrounding atmospheric medium deter- 



