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52 THE HARVEIAN ORATION, 1903

served by the same methods as are used in the investigation of the phenomena of non-living nature, i.e. by measurements of their time and place relations under varying conditions, in other words by the method of experiment,”1 which are applicable to other processes of living organisms? "The biogen hypothesis gives a plausible account of growth and the production of fresh living material by supposing that the molecule is capable of polymerization (i.e. the union of a number of molecules to form a single molecule) and then of falling into simpler substances once more.”2

Surely I need not plead for the importance of these questions I have set out, an importance that is not merely the concern of the biologist, but is that of the practical physician. In the solution of these problems lies widespread benefit to mankind.

Yet one step further. The atomic theory of the constitution of matter and its developments—although they have hitherto sufficed for the needs of the chemist who concerns himself with the decompositions and reconstructions of substances—is not the last word for some at least of

1 Sir J. Burdon Sanderson, Bart., M.D., F.R.S., The Times, May 11th, 1903.

2 Nature, loc. cit.

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