Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Botany, Natural History, Design, Embryology, Vitalism, Light, Spectroscopy

People mentioned:

John F W Herschel , Mary F G Somerville

    Notes the dependence of the beauties of the vegetable world on the 'secret agencies' in sunlight, and the 'Eternal goodness and order' to be 'read in every leaf' (154). Distinguishes between growth in plants and crystals and traces the development of a plant from seed to flower. Describes the latent vitalism in seeds and the chemical and combustion processes involved in germination and vegetation. Considers the power of light to awaken the 'dormant powers' of a plant to be illustrative of the 'mutual dependence of the vegetable and animal kingdoms' (155). Believes that it is the 'call of science' to explain some of the mysteries of vegetable growth. Goes on to explain the nature of the solar spectrum and the importance of actinic rays on vegetable growth (156).