1885. j 
259 
The Lesson of the U nnncleated Cell. 
see in Nature is that kind of unity which the mind recog- 
nises as the results of operations similar to its own ; not a 
unity which consists in mere sameness of material, or in 
mere identity ol composition, or in mere uniformity of 
structure, but a unity which consists in the subordination 
01 all these to similar aims and to similar principles of 
action, that is to say, in like methods of yoking a few ele- 
mentary forces to the discharge of special fundtions, and to 
the production by adjustment of one harmonious whole ” 
(p- 44)* “ We cannot suppose life to be a substance sup- 
ported by another, neither can we suppose it to be a chemical 
element in combination with another. It seems rather like 
a force or energy which first works up the inorganic mate- 
rials into the form of protoplasm, and then continues to 
exert itself through the combination when achieved” (lb., 
P-35)* . 
Ihus it would seem that in the investigations of the pro- 
blems of Nature we should exercise our reason which finds 
its correlate in Nature, or it could not exist ; for all Nature 
is homologous and harmonious, and so should be judged the 
question of the immortality of the Protozoon. As to the 
suggestion of an immortality from the Laurentian era, it has 
been remarked “ that a Laurentian Protozoon would cer- 
tainly fill an interesting niche in a biological museum.” If 
the protozoon is undying, such an event should be more than 
expedted. It is more than probable that analogous forms 
were in existence before the Laurentian formation. 
What are the conclusions to be arrived at, and to what do 
they point, looking at the question as a mere fadt of Natural 
History, or as to its Cosmic relations ? It is not to be sup- 
posed that vital energy can be moved in a diredtion not 
contained within itself ; and this diredtion seems to be 
* “An intelligent appreciation of the various phases of Nature shows how 
causes and effedts are commingled, and by tracing the cause backwards each 
effedt discloses its cause, which is but an effedt of a preceding cause, which 
cause in its endless branches is but the primaeval unity out of which the 
Universe has emerged in the grandeur of its own effedt, interlaced with that 
energy, its maintaining power and support, which could only have arisen 
through the adtion of a supreme intelligence.” 
“ The whole existing phenomena are governed by laws, not mere colledtions 
of laws, but one undivided whole, wherein one part cannot be considered with- 
out the other. They are not the work of a blind necessity (their consonance 
and order disprove such an assumption), for that in itself is a chimera; they 
constitute one whole all-embracing and penetrating dominion of reason.” 
“ All laws of existence are laws of reason ; not merely an assemblage, but 
a system of laws : in other words, an arrangement of reason, in which every- 
thing viewed in relation to its origin proves itself necessary, and viewed from 
its results proves itself to be wise. All that takes place is prepared by what 
precedes, prepares what follows, and is connedted with the whole.” — 
CErsted. 
