For materials which compose the globe of the earth or exist upon its surface, they are divided into two grand classes: I. Inorganic, or Mineral bodies. II. Organic, or Living bodies. These two great divisions are distinguished from each other by certain properties which are determined and invariable.
The composition of inorganic substances is characterized by the following circumstances: 1. Its homogeneity, 2. The independence of its molecules, each of which is capable of existing independently of the whole. 3. The simplicity of its chemical properties. Its peculiarity of constitution, consisting of gaseous, liquid, or solid substances, and never exhibiting a union of fluid and solid parts. 4. In its capability of being decomposed and recomposed.
The composition of living beings exhibits in all the preceding circumstances a striking contrast: 1. The living body is heterogeneous, consisting of dissimilar parts. 2. Its constituent molecules have a mutual and necessary relation to each other, and consequently cannot preserve an independent existence. 3. Its elementary substances are numerous, and combined in varying proportions. 4. The fluid and solid parts of which it is composed are intimately combined together and mutually influence each other. 5. It is capable of decomposition, but totally incapable of artificial recomposition.
The form of minerals is not fixed in an invariant manner, nor is there any decided limit to their magnitude. Their external surface is usually angular, and bounded by straight lines. In organized bodies, on the contrary, the form is constant and determined, so that each living being has a proper shape, from which it seldom deviates. This form is rounded, not only on the exterior of the body but also in its internal and constituent parts.
All material beings are active, that is to say, they execute certain actions which are essential to their preservation and to those processes by which the great operations of nature are effected; therefore, it is incorrect to consider mineral bodies as inert. The properties from which these actions spring differ in mineral and in organic bodies. In the former, they consist of gravitation, repulsion, and chemical affinity; these powers have been called general because they are exercised in all natural bodies. In the latter, they comprise sensibility and contractility, which are denominated special or vital forces, because they are confined to living beings; the general laws of matter also exert their influence but in a modified manner.
The differences exhibited by these great classes of bodies may be illustrated by contrasting the phenomena they indicate in their origin, their growth, and their termination. The origin or first formation of minerals results from the operation of external circumstances; thus, they are produced by the supuration of the particles which compose other minerals, or by the combination of elementary substances, which are united in virtue of their chemical affinities. Organized bodies, on the contrary, owe their origin to an internal operation, which is termed generation; in this process, a substance called a germ is attached for a certain period to another similar being from which it is subsequently detached and then enjoys a separate and independent existence.
It has been truly observed by a celebrated writer that amongst all the characters which distinguish the two great divisions of natural bodies, the most absolute and the most palpable is that which is drawn from the manner of growth and nourishment. The mineral grows or rather increases in bulk by the accretion and combination of new particles on its external surface. The organized body, on the contrary, is developed and supported by the introduction of an accession quantity of matter into its interior, whereby, by a subtle internal action, the foreign substance is converted into a part of the living body. This important process is termed assimilation or incorporation.
The destruction of all material bodies is bounded by a certain limit, so that at a definite period they hang to coast; the causes of these dissolutions are strikingly different in mineral and organic bodies. The former cease to exist at any time when they are acted upon by more powerful affinities than those by which their molecules were previously combined; hence it is evident that as the causes of destruction are external, there can be nothing fixed or determined in the duration of a mineral. The latter are deprived of their existence by various causes which are distinguished from the preceding by being internal; these induce such changes in the mechanism of organized bodies as to unfit them for the performance of those actions upon which the continuance of life depends. The extinction of the living principle constitutes a phenomenon totally wanting in the mineral kingdom, which is called death.
<Callout type="important" title="Key Difference">The most significant difference between inorganic and organic bodies lies in their growth patterns and nourishment methods.</Callout>
TABLE OF THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INORGANIC AND ORGANIC BODIES
- COMPOSITION Homogeneous / Heterogeneous Molecules independent of each other / Molecules dependent on one another Simplicity and constancy of chemical properties / Complexity and variability of chemical properties No union of fluid and solid parts / Union of fluid and solid parts Capable of being decomposed and recomposed / Capable of decomposition but incapable of artificial recomposition
Key Takeaways
- Inorganic substances are homogeneous, independent in their molecular structure, and can be decomposed and recomposed.
- Organic bodies are heterogeneous, interdependent at the molecular level, complex chemically, and cannot be artificially recomposed.
- The growth patterns of minerals involve external accretion while organic bodies grow through internal assimilation.
Practical Tips
- Understanding the fundamental differences between inorganic and organic substances can aid in identifying materials and their properties in survival situations.
- Recognizing the unique characteristics of living organisms, such as their ability to assimilate nutrients internally, is crucial for understanding biological processes.
Warnings & Risks
- Do not mistake the inert nature of minerals for that of organic bodies; this misunderstanding can lead to incorrect assumptions about material properties and behaviors in survival scenarios.
- The inability to artificially recompose living organisms underscores the importance of preserving life and avoiding actions that could cause irreversible damage or death.
Modern Application
While the chapter focuses on historical anatomical distinctions, its principles remain relevant today. Understanding the differences between organic and inorganic materials is crucial for survivalists who need to distinguish food sources from non-food items, identify safe building materials, and understand biological processes such as nutrition and healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What distinguishes the composition of inorganic bodies from that of organic bodies?
Inorganic bodies are characterized by homogeneity, independent molecules, simplicity of chemical properties, no union of fluid and solid parts, and capability for decomposition and recomposition. Organic bodies contrast with heterogeneity, interdependent molecules, complex variability of chemical properties, union of fluid and solid parts, and incapability of artificial recomposition.
Q: How do minerals grow compared to organic beings?
Minerals increase in bulk by the accretion and combination of new particles on their external surface. Organic bodies develop and support themselves through internal assimilation of matter into their structure.
Q: What is the significance of the term 'generation' in the context of organic bodies?
Generation refers to the process by which organized bodies originate from an internal operation, where a germ substance is attached for a period and then detaches to enjoy independent existence.