Chapter II: Preface

The aim of this work is to set forth the general truths of Biology, as illustrative of, and as interpreted by, the laws of Evolution: the special truths being introduced only so far as is needful for elucidation of the general truths.

For aid in executing it, I owe many thanks to Prof. Huxley and Dr. Hooker. They have supplied me with information where my own was deficient;[1] and, in looking through the proof-sheets, have pointed out errors of detail into which I had fallen. By having kindly rendered me this valuable assistance, they must not, however, be held committed to any of the enunciated doctrines that are not among the recognized truths of Biology.

The successive instalments which compose this volume, were issued to the subscribers at the following dates:--No. 7 (pp. 1-80) in January, 1863; No. 8 (pp. 81-160) in April, 1863; No. 9 (pp. 161-240) in July, 1863; No. 10 (pp. 241-320) in January, 1864; No. 11 (pp. 321-400) in May, 1864; and No. 12 (pp. 401-476) in October, 1864.

_London, September 29th, 1864._

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

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CHAPTER PAGE

I. ORGANIC MATTER 3
II. THE ACTIONS OF FORCES ON ORGANIC MATTER 27
III. THE RE-ACTIONS OF ORGANIC MATTER ON FORCES 45
III^A. METABOLISM 62
IV. PROXIMATE CONCEPTION OF LIFE 78
V. THE CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND ITS CIRCUMSTANCES 91
VI. THE DEGREE OF LIFE VARIES AS THE DEGREE OF 101
CORRESPONDENCE
VI^A. THE DYNAMIC ELEMENT IN LIFE 111
VII. THE SCOPE OF BIOLOGY 124