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Life cannot be regarded as a mere group of physical forces, because the phenomena involved in these laws --- than which none are more plain and persistent --- are left unexplained. The workmen without the architect do not account for the building, no more do mechanical, chemical, thermal forces account for the body of man without the plastic power that presides over its construction, repair and transmission. Neither can this plastic power be another force or other forces, introduced among the physical forces at work in the living body; and this, again, for the same reason, that a second gang of hands do not explain the edifice. Physical forces have definite centres and distinct forms of action, and no forces of this limited quality can cover the complicated and changeable phenomena of life, ranging progressively through long periods.

There have been two physical theories of life recently offered, one by Mr. Darwin and one by Mr. Spencer. They, at least, subserve this purpose, they are a tacit acceptance of the assertion, that life is a very undeniable fact with peremptory claims on our attention. It is not something which can be pushed into the background and forgotten. Both theories have originated under a necessity felt by their authors to ascribe these plain facts to some adequate physical causes, endowed at least with conjectural seats and characteristics. Darwin refers them to gemmules, indefinitely small and indefinitely numerous, which pervade all parts of a living body, represent all parts and are capable of