THE MANIFESTATION OF THE LIFE PRINCIPLE We must bear in mind that what we have now reached is a principle, or universal potential, only we have located it in the individual.

But a principle, as such, is not manifestation.

Manifestation is the growth proceeding _from_ the principle, that is to say, some Form in which the principle becomes active.

At the same time we must recollect that, though a form is necessary for manifestation, _the_ form is not essential, for the same principle may manifest through various forms, just as electricity may work either through a lamp or a tram-car without in any way changing its inherent nature.

In this way we are brought to the conclusion that the Life-principle must always provide itself with a body in which to function, though it does not follow that this body must always be of the same chemical constitution as the one we now possess.