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394 : Scientific Contents in Prākrta Canons
invisible to the eye ( 10-4-10-6cm. ) but visible under fine microscope. These cells have a very complex structure made up of few common elements. This complexity may be guessed when one finds that one of the lowest living tobacco mosaic virus has 2000 column-shaped molecules each containing 158 amino acids of 16 varieties, its core consisting of 6502 nucleotide molecules making for its genetic speciality85. It has been estimated that a normal human body consists of about 1013 cells performing various functions. These cells have an average energy of 0.06 V. They form tissues, tissues form nerves and various organs and these form the complex organism86. The scientists have not only identified the compounds in the living units, but they have also been able to prepare some of them in their laboratory. That is why they are now in a position not only to create life in laboratories, but they can also produce Gandhis, Einsteins and Natwarlals at their will from the specific genes characteristic of these types of species. They have genes banks for this purpose. These new experiments have created a stir in the minds of the east and west and they have started crying that these experiments should be prohibited. There will be chaos in the world as they directly effect their religious beliefs.
This scientific concept about the living leads to material nature of the living element suggestive of equating cells with the Jaina life element. It reminds us of the materialistic philosophers but it seems to be more accurate and fine one. It would, thus, mean that human body has not one but 1013 living units in performing and co-ordinating their functions remarkably and independantly. This concept also leads to microscopic perceptibility of the life element. But these inferences do not find support from canons as far as the pure life element is concerned. The worldly living, however, satisfies these inferences as it is material and ultra-sense-perceptible. Despite this, it must be added that the equation of the terms arbuda ( lump of mass ) and romakūpas (skin-pores ) with
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