190 
56. In fact, we must needs complete that which our appli- 
ances' leave so defective, by mental analysis ; and, without proof, 
but with probability, decide that even in the simple processes 
described, we have altered the composition of every molecule of 
matter in (for example) the oleaginous matter and the albumen 
° f 57. When we take albumen, subject it to heat and distil off 
the water, we have no longer in reality albumen plus water. 
That which is left is a horny substance, incapable by all our 
art of so taking up again the water into its composition as 
to become what it was before. . • i. 
58. I deny, then, that ultimate analysis can give us m all 
cases satisfactory information as to the character even of non- 
llV 59 S The^denial becomes much stronger when applied to 
living bodies. To prove this in detail would demand a treatise; 
but 1 think it may be made sufficiently apparent by a few con- 
S1C 60. All living beings are composed essentially* of four 
chemical elements, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, 
which are combined in various proportions. 
61 But chemical affinity and vital affinity are opposed the 
one to the other, and on this point of such fundamental im- 
portance chemistry fails to afford us the requisite information 
for it does not dispel the darkness that is around us. To to - 
mularize the matter thus : Let C be Carbon, H Hydrog , 
O Oxygen, N Nitrogen, $ Life ; ir then 
C. H. O. N. + ? = organized beings 
C H. O. N. — ? = products of decomposition. 
62. What then is this “Life” on which so much depends, 
and concerning which ultimate analysis gives us no mlor- 
if we look at the difference between the impregnated 
and the non-impregnated egg, we find that uitimate analysis 
fails to discern the slightest difference ; yet m the latter case 
we have animal substances, destitute of the principle o , 
hastening to resolve themselves into the products of decompo- 
sition. In the former we have in posse all the wonderful or- 
ganization of the fowl attached to the as yet apparently 
unchanged matter of the egg. , 
64. Then when we allow our minds to grasp the vast and 
almost illimitable variety of creatures which spring from an 
* Neglecting accessory ingredients. t The Egyptian symbol of life. 
