ed by a great many instances about us, and because of
their commonplaceness, we do not observe them.

There are many apples falling to the ground, but we are not inspired
with the knowledge that the actuating force is gravity.

One of the best illustrations, to show the difference between a "live"
and a "dead" person, can be had from that excellent invention called the
"film" or "plate," and which is so remarkably used in the camera.

When that sensitive composition of chemicals that forms the "film" and
which produces such a vivid and lasting likeness of ourselves is freshly
made, it possesses that vital something we call "life."

But allow this film to remain unused for a period of time, and it will
no longer be able to perform its remarkable work. It will not possess
the "life" to take a picture or to record an impression.

If a premature "exposure" of the film is made, it loses its vital
quality because of the mixture with other elements, or because of the
evaporation of its constituent parts.

It is not necessary to analyze all the properties of that film to show
the principle whereby it performs its wonderful work. The general
principle, showing its marvelous use while intact and its utter
uselessness when its composition is no longer the same, should be
sufficient to illustrate the comparison.

This illustration can with force and conviction be applied to the
peculiar quality and nature of our "soul" and brain. As long as the
brain is incased within our skull, and fully protected from contact with
any other substance to alter or to change its integrity, it will perform
all that is warranted of it. In the case of our brain, though, besides
the importance of keeping it protected from outside chemical action, the
vital element concerned in its continuity of life lies in the importance
of keeping it constantly nourished and supplied with the remarkable
qualities of the vital substance of blood.

The moment the blood supply to the brain is stopped, our brain loses its
most important constituent, with the ultimate and inevitable result of
inertia, decomposition and decay. When this condition happens we are
then "dead" and, like the proverbial egg, "all the King's horses and all
the King's men cannot put Humpty Dumpty together again."

If we possessed a soul, and it were of a permanent and special quality,
it would maintain its impressions and remember its existence.

It could pass through innumerable periods