Hence a certain portion of force diaappeara firom the sun-
light, while combustible substances are generated and aceuimi-
latcd in plants ; and we can assume it as very probable, that
the former is the cause of the latter. I must indeed remark,
that we are in possession of no experiments from which we
m^ht deteraunc whether the vis viva of tbe sun's raya which
have disappeared, corresponds to the chemical forces aecumu-
lated during the same time ; and as long as these experiments
are wanting, we cannot regard the stated relation as a cer-
tainty. H thh view should prove correct, we derive from it
the flattering result, that all force, by means of which our bodies
live and move, finds its source in the purest sunlight ; and
hence we are all, inpoint of nobUity, not behind the race of tbe
great monarch of China, who heretofore alone called hiniBelf
Son of the Sun. But it must also be conceded that our lower
fellow-beings, the frog and leech, share the same ethereal
origin, as also 'the whole vegetable world, and even the fuel
which comes to us from the ages past, as well as the youngest
offepring of the forest with which we heat our stoves and set
our machines ia motion.
