36 
THE PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY. 
tliey are less stable than ordinary binary compounds. Those 
which form parts of organised tissues are hydrocarbons, and 
are the most unstable of their class. 
Ternary compounds, with their greater complexity, show a 
diminished mobility; they include alcohols, fixed oils, solid 
fats, starch, sugar and resins, &c.; in chemical stability they 
are inferior to the binary compounds. 
The quaternary compounds, containing all the four chief 
organic elements, and including those which are constituents 
of the living tissues, as albumen, fibrin, casein, as well as 
some which result from the decomposition of the tissues, such 
as urea and kreatin, exhibit instability and inertness carried 
to the extreme. Atomic complexity here reaches its maximum, 
as shown by Mulder’s formula for albumen 10 (C 40 H 31 
N 5 Q 12 ) + S 2 + P containing 883 ultimate atoms. Such 
chemical and physical properties are favourable to rearrange¬ 
ments and decompositions. 
The part played by the tissues in relation to the phenomena 
of dialysis is here somewhat fully entered upon ; the question 
is too lengthy for satisfactory abstraction and should be read 
at length ; it is as interesting as it is important. 
In conclusion it is shown how in organic materials and 
tissues those conditions of chemical indifference, variety of 
complexity and stability, molecular mobility, plasticity, 
different diffusibilities of colloids and crystalloids, and 
isomerism aided by the influence of heat, are fulfilled so as 
to effect that redistribution of matter and motion which 
constitutes evolution. 
Mr. Francis Galton lias published a thin quarto book under the 
head of “ Record of Family Faculties,” consisting of tabular forms in 
which anyone who likes to collect this kind of information can enter 
certain particulars concerning “his sisters, his cousins, and his aunts.” 
In an explanatory preface he gives directions how this is to be carried 
out, and also offers £500 in prizes for the books sent in when filled 
with the required details; no prize to be greater than £50 nor less 
than £5. This may be considered a kind of “Family Game,” with 
the recommendation that the result, if truthfully recorded, will have 
a scientific value ; for it need scarcely be said, to those who are 
acquainted with Mr. Galton’s previous writings, that his object is to 
collect data for further studies of heredity. In the contest the greatest 
value will be attached to the completeness with which all the members 
of a given family are entered, together with their distinguishing traits 
of character and faculties. All information thus contributed will be 
considered confidential. The book is published by Macmillan dc Co ., 
and the price is half-a-crown. 
