272 PROFESSOR LIONEL S. BEALE, F.R.C.P., F.R.S., ON THE 



growths during the periods of rapid increase, contain nearly 

 fis much. I wonder that thoughtful persons have not been 

 impressed with this broad and probably universal fact^ 

 especially as Mr. Darwin's evolution hypothesis suggests that 

 all living organisms probably sprang from one or a very few 

 simple life forms, each of course containing much water. If his- 

 followers had admitted that, from the besjinnino' to the end of 

 life, the changes in the germ during its development, and every 

 succeeding living particle till its death, were governed by some 

 direct superintending and sustaining life power, the view 

 would I think have been near the truth. 



By the study and contemplation of the changes occurring in 

 life and living growth, we may perchance approach nearer to a 

 true conception of the nature of the vital changes governed by 

 infinite Almighty Power, than by directing attention to the 

 overwhelming lifeless cosmic matter and the extreme cold and 

 heat of the Cosmos, infinitely far away from any particle of 

 matter that can possibly live, or move and grow. 



In my last paper to the Institute, I alluded to the elaborate 

 structure of the valves of diatoms, as positive evidence of the 

 direct influence of constructive power and agency, which can 

 only be attributed to the infinite living power of Providence, 

 and I feel confident that anyone who will attentively examine 

 a few slides of these beautiful objects in the microscope, will 

 a^ree with me. 



Again, by patiently watching the highly complex movements 

 of the legs of the tiniest insect, or spider, on a summer's day, 

 the thoughtful mind will be convinced by what is observed, of 

 the action of a very elaborate and highly complex nervous 

 system, the general arrangement of which will be as clear to the 

 understanding, as if every part had been microscopically dis- 

 sected out, and prepared in the most perfect manner for 

 demonstration. 



The observer who from long and careful microscopical 

 investigation is aware of the general structure and arrangement 

 of the thin layer of the active grey matter near the surface of 

 the convolutions of the human brain, and has thought over the 

 great number and distribution of the vessels taking part in its 

 blood supply, and who is able to compare this with the corres- 

 ponding arrangements in other parts of the human body, will 

 mark the provision for the free supply of a large proportion of 

 arterial blood, and will feel satisfied with the evidence afforded 

 of purpose and design. He would infer wonderful activity and 

 very high office of the extensive and elaborate structure, and 



