"Whatever life may really be, it is to us an abstraction: for the word is a generalised term to signify that which is common to all animals and plants, and which is not directly operative in the inorganic world"

This quote by Oliver Joseph Lodge is describing the principle of life and how it is an abstraction to us. He is saying that life is a generalised term that is used to describe the typical characteristics of all living things, such as animals and plants, but it does not use to inorganic matter. Lodge is suggesting that life is something that is tough to define and understand, as it is an abstract concept. He is also indicating that life is something that is distinct to living things, and that it is not present in inorganic matter. This quote highlights the intricacy of life and how it is something that is challenging to specify and comprehend.