It would thus appear that specks of living matter may be born in suitable fluids, just as specks of crystalline matter may arise in other fluids. Both processes are really alike inexplicable--both products are similarly the results of the operation of inscrutable natural laws, and what seem to be inherent molecular affinities. The properties of living matter, just as much as the properties of crystalline matter, are dependent upon the number, kind, and mode of collocation of the atoms and molecules entering into its composition. There is no more reason for a belief in the existence of a special “vital force,” than there is for a similar belief in the existence of a special “crystalline force.” The ultimate elements of living matter are in all probability highly complex, whilst those of crystalline matter are comparatively simple. Living matter develops into Organisms of different kinds, whilst crystalline matter grows into Crystals of diverse shapes. The greater modifiability of living matter, and the reproductive property by which it is essentially distinguished from crystalline matter, seem both alike referable to the great molecular complexity and mobility of the former. Crystals are statical, whilst organisms are dynamical aggregates, though the evolution of both, marked by their peculiar characteristics, may be regarded as visible expressions testifying to the existence of one all-pervading Power “Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns, And the round ocean, and the living air, And the blue sky, and in the mind of man: A motion and a spirit that impels All thinking things, all objects of all thought, And rolls through all things.” LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, AND CHARING CROSS. Second Edition, revised and corrected, crown 8vo., price 8_s._ 6_d._ MR. A. R. WALLACE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE THEORY OF NATURAL SELECTION. A Series of Essays. “He has combined an abundance of fresh and original facts, with a liveliness and sagacity of reasoning which are not often displayed so effectively on so small a scale.”--_Saturday Review._ “Whatever may be the opinions of readers with regard to this strangely fascinating volume, there can be no doubt of its value in explaining and connecting a variety of facts in natural history, which are too generally regarded as inexplicable anomalies.”--_Examiner._ Recently published, in crown 8vo. price 9_s._ ON THE GENESIS OF SPECIES. By ST. GEORGE MIVART, F.R.S. With numerous Illustrations. “In no Work in the English language has this great controversy been treated at once with the same broad and vigorous grasp of facts, and the same liberal and candid temper.”--_Saturday Review._ “Mr. Mivart’s great knowledge, and temperate though forcible language, combine to render his views as to the bearings of science on theology and morality, deserving of the most attentive perusal.”--_Spectator._