436 
Transactions of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria, Vol. IV., 
Part 2. Melbourne, I860.— -From the Institute. 
Journal of Statistical Society of London, March 1861.— .From the 
Society . 
Monday , ls£ April 1861. 
Dr CHRISTISON, V.P., in the Chair. 
The following Communications were read : — 
1. On the Molecular Theory of Organization. By Professor 
Bennett, M.D., F.R.S.E., &c. 
Parodying the celebrated expression of Harvey, viz., Omne animal 
ex ovo, it has been attempted to formularise the law of development 
by the expression omnis cellula e cellula , and to maintain “ that we 
must not transfer the seat of real action to any point beyond tli9 
cell.”* In the attempts which have been made to support this ex- 
clusive doctrine, and to give all the tissues and all vital properties 
a cell origin, the great importance of the molecular element, it 
seemed to the author, had been strangely overlooked. It becomes 
important, therefore, to show that real action, both physical and 
vital, may be seated in minute particles, or molecules much smaller 
than cells, and that we must obtain a knowledge of such action in 
these molecules if we desire to comprehend the laws of organization. 
To this end the author directed attention: 1st, To a description of the 
nature and mode of origin of organic molecules ; 2d, To a demon- 
stration of the fact that these molecules possess inherent powers or 
forces, and are present in all those tissues which manifest vital force; 
and 3 d, To a law which governs the combination, arrangement, and 
behaviour of these molecules during the development of organised 
tissue. 
I. By a molecule was understood a minute body, seen under high 
magnifying powers in all organic fluids and textures, varying in 
size from the four-thousandth of an inch down to a scarcely visible 
point, which may be calculated at much less than the twenty-thou- 
sandth of an inch in diameter. Optically it is distinguished accord- 
ing to its size — the smallest presenting dark or light points as the 
focus is changed, and the larger exhibiting a dark or light centre, 
* Virchow, Eng. Trans, p. 3. 
