The Secret of Life and Death

I saw how the fine form of man was degraded and wasted; I beheld the corruption of death succeed

to the blooming cheek of life; I saw how the worm inherited the wonders of the eye and brain.

I paused, examining and analysing all the minutiæ of causation, as exemplified in

the change from life to death, and death to life, until from the midst of this darkness

a sudden light broke in upon me—a light so brilliant and wondrous, yet so simple,

that while I became dizzy with the immensity of the prospect which it illustrated, I was surprised

that among so many men of genius, who had directed their inquiries towards the same

science, that I alone should be reserved to discover so astonishing a secret.