The modes of origin of lowest organisms / including a discussion of the experiments of M. Pasteur

The author critically examines competing explanations for the origin of the simplest organisms and the causes of fermentation, challenging Pasteur’s vitalist conclusions and defending a physical theory of life associated with Liebig. He reports repeated experiments with heated and hermetically sealed infusions, showing that microbial emergence depends on details of preparation, concentration, and handling, and argues that experimental method can reverse previous interpretations. The work introduces the term archebiosis to describe spontaneous appearance of living matter, emphasizes the need for careful controls, and answers contemporary critics about the relation between putrefaction, fermentation, and the origin of life.