Abstract
IN your issue of September 22, Prof. Pearson, referring to the views expounded by Prof. Japp in his interesting address on “Stereochemistry and Vitalism,” shows that, if chance be the only factor at work in the replacement of asymmetrical groups in symmetrical molecules, the production in nature of an excess, however small, of compounds of one-sided asymmetry must undoubtedly have taken place. But, ignoring the mechanical interpretation of the phenomenon (thus avoiding the stumbling-block hinted at by Prof. Pearson), and taking, according to present experience, for granted that, in the artificial introduction of asymmetry into a symmetrical compound, equal amounts of two inversely-active bodies are formed, so as to give rise to an optically inactive mixture or compound (in a way recalling to mind the separation of equal and corresponding amounts of positive and negative electricity), other objections may, in my opinion, be brought against Prof. Japp's views.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ERRERA, G. Asymmetry and Vitalism. Nature 58, 616 (1898). https://doi.org/10.1038/058616a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/058616a0
This article is cited by
-
The problem of asymmetry of protoplasm
Acta Biotheoretica (1938)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.