Synthesis by Sunlight in Relationship to the Origin of Life. 163 



it might have been supposed that the flexor after-discharge remained 

 unimpaired after withdrawal of the crus stimulus. But this is not the case. 

 Immediate relaxation of flexor contraction occurs just as in a " pure " crus 

 reaction. To this extent the crus flexion reaction seems to be antagonistic to 

 the flexion reaction of the after-discharge in the dorsal focal point reaction. 

 The non-postural cerebral activity seems to abolish the postural mid-brain 

 activity and thus to leave, perhaps, a virgin field for any subsequent reaction. 



Synthesis by Sunlight in Relationship to the Origin of Life. 

 Synthesis of Formaldehyde from Carbon Dioxide and Water 

 by Inorganic Colloids acting as Transformers of Light 

 Energy* 



By Benjamin Mooee, D.Sc, F.R.S., and T. A. Webster. 

 (Received June 24, 1913.) 

 (From the Johnston Biochemical Laboratory, University of Liverpool.) 



At a discussion on the origin of life held by the joint sections of Zoology 

 and Physiology of the British Association, at the Dundee Meeting, September, 

 1912, it was suggested by Moore that the first step towards the origin of life 

 must have been the synthesis of organic matter from inorganic by the agency 

 of inorganic colloids acting as transformers or catalysts for radiant solar 

 energy. This suggestion was amplified and explained in a book written in 

 November, 1912, by the same author.t 



It is important to emphasise the point that in considering the origin of 

 life in a world containing inorganic matter only, the nutrition of the first 

 living structure on such a world must be carefully borne in mind. This 

 observation is still true whether life is to be regarded as arising de novo on 

 the planet, or as being borne there from some other planet as a germ from 

 pre-existent life. No living organism such as a bacterium or mould which 

 did not possess the power of transforming energy and of synthesising organic 



* The cost of materials and apparatus for this research have in part been defrayed by 

 a grant from the Government Grant Committee of the Eoyal Society, and in part by a 

 donation from Mr. William Johnston, of Liverpool. 



t Moore, 'The Origin and Nature of Life,' pp. 181-193, Home University Library. 

 Williams and Norgate, London. 



