“Is it philosophical, is it quite allowable, to assume without evidence from fossil plants that the family or any of the genera was once larger and wide spread? and occupied a continuous area?”
Other Asa Gray Quotes
It was implicitly supposed that every living thing was distinctively plant or animal; that there were real and profound differences between the two, if only they could be seized.
Asa Gray 
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But it was soon ascertained that this quaternary matter of the animal body was chemically the same in the plant, was elaborated there, and only appropriated by the animal.
Asa Gray
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I know some people who never have any difficulties to speak of. The moment I understood your premisses, I felt sure you had a real foundation to hold on.
Asa Gray
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I am sufficiently convinced already that the members of a profession know their own calling better than anyone else can know it.
Asa Gray
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In short, the animal and vegetable lines, diverging widely above, join below in a loop.
Asa Gray
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