It is generally acknowledged that living organisms, although vastly complex,
can eventually be understood in terms of basic principles derived from studies of
the simple inanimate world. The primary function of a biologist is thus not so
much to deduce basic principles-that belongs to physics-but to understand
how these principles apply in a unique complex system. The most logical time
to begin fundamental biological research, therefore, would be when men have
achieved complete understanding of the physical world. Then one could be certain
that the foundations of his reasoning would be sound. Since this has not
been the case-investigations of living matter are as old as the study of the
inanimate world-the student of biology must be doubly cautious in accepting
assumptions presented as facts.