614 
REMARKS ON “A LECTURE 
The Lecture next goes on to speak of the “ internal arrange- 
ment” of bodies; and upon this subject, page 204, it says — 
“ The most remarkable differences, however, between organized structures 
and inorganic masses, are observed in their internal arrangement. Every 
particle of a mineral body exhibits the same properties as those manifested 
by the entire mass. The minutest particle of chalk, for example, possesses 
the same properties as a mass of this substance as large as a mountain ; and 
it matters not, in experimenting upon it, or any other salt except for the 
sake of convenience, whether the chemist operates upon a grain or a ton ; 
every atom, therefore, may be considered as possessing a distinct indivi- 
duality, which is an epitome of the whole ; and hence a mineral mass is to 
be regarded as made up of an indefinite number of constituent particles, 
similar to it and to each other, but holding no farther relation among them- 
selves than that which they derive from their juxta-position. Organized 
structure, on the other hand, receives its cognomen from being constituted of 
a number of distinct parts or organs, each having a texture, consistence, and 
form peculiar to itself, whence it derives its special character. Moreover, 
every organ is the instrument of a special function, which it performs in ac- 
cordance with certain specific conditions ; and the concurrence of all these 
actions is necessary for the maintenance of the structure in the healthy state, 
and for the prevention or reparation of those changes which result from the 
operation of chemical and physical forces. It will, therefore, be at once 
seen that, among all the different parts of an organized body, there is a mu- 
tual dependence which is quite distinct from that of mere proximity : for 
example, in a perfect plant, furnished with roots, stems, and leaves, the re- 
lation of the different parts to the well-being or integrity of the whole is 
strikingly obvious ; since, if it be deprived of either set of them, the plant 
must perish ; the organic structures becoming acted upon by chemical forces, 
and resolved into their ultimate elements, unless, indeed, it has within itself 
the power of replacing the lost parts.” 
Dr. Carpenter, in reference to the same subject, paragraph 16, 
page 12, says — 
“ Having considered the external form and size, we have now to compare 
the internal arrangement or aggregation of the particles respectively com- 
posing organized structures and inorganic matter. And here we at once 
meet with a striking and remarkable difference : every particle of a mineral 
body in which there has been no admixture of constituents may exhibit the 
same properties as those possessed by the whole ; and if there is a variation, 
it results only from an impurity or admixture of some other body. 
“ The chemist, in experimenting with any substance, cares not, therefore, 
except as a matter of convenience merely, whether a grain or a ton be the 
subject of his researches. The minutest atom of carbonate of lime has all 
the properties of a crystal of this substance, were it as large as a mountain. 
Hence we are to regard a mineral body as made up of an indefinite number 
of constituent particles, similar to it and to each other in properties, and 
having no further relation among themselves than that which they derive 
from their juxta-position. Each particle may be considered, therefore, as 
having a separate individuality. The living body, on the other hand, whether 
of a plant or animal, is made up of a number of organs, each of which has a 
peculiar texture and consistence ; and it derives its character from the whole 
of these collectively. By their action with each other, and with external 
