Dr. Beale^ on the Red Blood-corpuscle. 
33 
mals wMcli are closely allied to each other the blood-crystals 
of which are quite distinct ; for example,, the red colouring of 
the Guinea-pig assumes the form of tetrahedra^while that of the 
squirrel crystallizes in six-sided plates, and that of the hamster 
in rhomboidal crystals. The general view that these animals 
exhibit inherent specific differences is strongly confirmed, for 
thehsemato-crystallin of their blood exhibits specific difi'erences 
not less distinct than those which may be observed in their 
general form and habits, in the structure of their skeleton, in 
the anatomy of many of their tissues, or in the chemical com- 
position of their textures, milk, bile, urine, and other fluids. 
Nay, the cells of corresponding tissues in different animals 
diflfer from one another. So that inherent specific difi^erences 
are to be demonstrated in the component cells of species as 
distinctly as in the entire organism ; and the more minutely 
investigation is carried, the more remarkable do these dif« 
ferences appear, and the more numerous do they become. 
Moreover, it would seem that the cause of these specific dif- 
ferences is in action at a period which precedes the formation of 
the various substances with which we have to deal. It is 
while matter possesses vital properties^ and before it pos- 
sesses form, structure, or defined chemical composition, that 
the causes of which these things are but the consequence 
must be sought for. 
It seems to me that there is strong evidence in favour of the 
conclusion that the red colouring matter of the blood-corpuscle 
was once in the condition of living germinal matter, and that its 
particular specific characters are the result of the occurrence of 
a series of changes, which changes are very complex and most 
difiicult to investigate. They must be attributed partly to the 
conditions under which the living matter existed, and partly 
to powers inherent in the living matter itself. Of the exact 
nature of these inherent powers we know nothing; but until 
the changes referred to have been proved to be physical, we 
are justified in terming them vital changes, and referring them 
to an agency which may still be correctly spoken of as vital 
power, since such power is only known to manifest itself in 
living beings. 
In the blood we have — 1. Matter that is living and active ; 
2, matter that has ceased to live, and which now possesses 
peculiar properties and chemical composition; 3, matter 
which results from the disintegration of the formed material ; 
and 4, matter (pabulum) which is about to live or about to 
be converted into living matter. 
In the blood of the frog and oviparous vertebrata, as is 
well known, there are coloured, flattened, oval corpuscles, 
VOL. XII. c 
