THE DAWN OF LIFE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1922, Page 9

THE DAWN OF LIFE.

RESEARCH BY SCIENTISTS. Another attempt to get at the beginnings- of life was made at the meeting of the British Association by Dr. E. J. Allen, of Plymouth, president of the zoology section, who said the idea that it began in the sea was appealing to scientists with increasing force. Research had done much. 'but. as Dr. Allen explained, there was a limitation. Actual experiment still required the presence of a certain amount of organic matter before the healthy growth, of even the simplest vegetable organism could take place. Attempts to grow a mauve ditaom in artificial sea-water failed, but if as little as 1 per cent, of natural sea-water were added excellent cultures resulted. Clearly there was some substance essential to health growth in the natural sea-water. Considering the factors which influence Ihe efficiency of man. Professor E. P. Cathcart said tluit. despite thescientific evidence to the contrary, it was difficult- (,o believe that the common belief in the efficiency of a meat diet was without foundation. Meat was desired for its stimulating effect; in other words, for giving “pep.”