New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-10-01
BASTIANs BEGINNINGS OF LIFE.


! THE BEGINNINGS OF LIFE. BY II. CHARLTON BIAS
| TIAN, NJ. d. 2vols syo d. Appleton d Co.
1t is scarcely more than three years since the au-
thor of these volumes commenced the researches on
the origin of life which have awakened so mach at
tention among scientific thinkers His interest IN
the subject was first called forth in the course of
series of experiments upon the mcroscopical charac-
tiers of the blood Of persons suffering from acute dis
cases. The result of his inquiries the adoption OF
views concerning the origin If living matter, which
were at variance with the established doctrines of
physiological science. In the present work Dr. Bas-
tian gives luminous exposition Of the grounds on
which his opinions are based. His principal aim is
TO show that the theory of the conservation OF
energy. and of the correlation of the vital and
phvsical forces, that now generally ac-
cepted by scientific authorities are favorable
to the independent origin of living matter lie
fully discusses the question Of spontaneous genera
ton the difficulties attending which he regards as
in great measure imaginary, and capable OF being
easily set aside by minute investigation The CON
clusion from many experiments which are here
recorded for the first time, he argues, cannot be
avoided that living things have been developed from
newly evolved living matter. 1t is established by
the most convincing evidence that certain infusoral
animals are killed by temperature of 14Oo Fahren-
heit But similar organisms viii constantly appear
and rapidly multiply within closed TASKS contain
ing organic fluids although the TASKS and their con-
tents have been previously exposed for some time to
| a temperature of 212o F.
This fact has been admitted by almost all expert
mentors, not excepting the strongest advocates Of
the theory opposed to that maintained by the au-
thor. like Spaanzani and Pasteur The cOnse
ouence is Unavoidable, if we admit the temperature
above stated to be the thermal limit of organic ife
that the brood must have been newly evolved within
the previously superheated TASKS. variety of evil
dence in favor of this Interpretation of the expert
mental facts is adduced in the course of the work.
but if ia too exclusively of technical character to
be brought within the limits of popular discussion
few brief statements, however, may furnish hint
of the authors method Of argument and illustration
| He starts from the fact that the molecules of ee-
mentary substances combine to form specific acids
and bases by virtue of their own inherent tenden-
cies These acids and bases again unite TO pro-
duce salts which in their turn will often combine
and give rise to double salts. At each stage of this
series of molecular compounds the products are en-
dowed with wholly different properties from those
of their constituents. Thus among the COM
pounds of carbon, we find internal tendencies or
molecular properties which lead to the evolution of
more and more complex chemical compounds. 1t is
such synthetic processes, occurring among the mo-
lecules of certain substances, which seem to give
origin TO "a kind of matter possessing that subtle
combination of properties to which we are aceus-
toned to apply the epithet living"
DR. Bastian asserts that the experimental evidence
which he has brought forward not only goes to
prove that living matter may originate i'll this
natural manner but that like other kinds of matter
il comes into being under the operation of the
laws and molecular properties suffice to regulate
its growth 1t would be absurd TO assume the
existence of one set of agencies in order to bring
about the origination of crystalline matter, and
another set for inducing and regulating the
growth of crystals. Nor contends DIR. Bastian,
would it be less absurd TO make such demand in
reference TO the origin of living matter and the
growth of organisms. Both crystalline and living
aggregates appear to be constantly evolved from
different fluids Both kinds Of matter seem 10 be
naturally formed from their elements.
One of the fundamental properties Of living mat
ter. however,-manly its capacity of spontaneous
diyision--is constantly producing results which
have unduly monopoizcd the attention Of biologists.
But the existence in living matter Of this power of
spontaneous division, bv which processes Of repro
duction are brought about is in fact mystic
rious than that fragment of crystalline matter
articallv severed from the parent mass, will grow
into crystal similar to the original form. The
production of similar matter takes place in each
instance. aud it can be no argument that the
initial separation may occur spontaneously in the
case Of living matter, against the probability that
such matter may like crystalline matter. also come
into being by AN independent elemental mode OF OH
0in The experimental evidence goes 10 prove that
such an elemental origin Of living matter is actu
ally taking place continually OF the present day,