Life has, with equal absurdity, been termed a forced state, though it merely evinces a series of phenomena in justest unison with those of the universe. I dissent, therefore, from those who assert, that we employ the terms _life_ and _vital force_ to express what are apparent exceptions to general laws. This is only a repetition of the error of Brown. It was, however, an erroneous conclusion from accurate observations. For example, says Cuvier, let us contemplate a female in the prime of youth and health,—that elegant voluptuous form—that graceful flexibility of motion—that gentle warmth—those cheeks crimsoned with the roses of delight—those brilliant eyes, darting rays of love, or sparkling with the fire of genius—that countenance enlivened by sallies of wit, or animated by the glow of passion, seem all united to form a most fascinating being. A moment is sufficient to destroy this illusion. Motion and sense often cease without any apparent cause; the body loses its heat; the muscles become flat; and the angular prominences of the bones appear; the lustre of the eye is gone; the cheeks and lips are livid.... These, however, are but preludes of change still more horrible. The flesh becomes successively blue, green and black. It attracts humidity; and while one portion evaporates in infectious emanations, another dissolves into a putrid sanies, which is also speedily dissipated. In a word, after a few short days, there remains only a small number of earthy and saline principles. The other elements are dispersed in air and in water to enter again into new combinations. This, Cuvier adduces as a proof that the possession of life prevents the operation of external physical causes. The picture is perfectly correct, but the conclusion unauthorised.