He defines a living being as a natural object which possesses the following nine characteristic autonomous activities: Autonomous change, Autonomous excretion, Autonomous ingestion, Autonomous assimilation, Autonomous growth, Autonomous movement, Autonomous multiplication, Autonomous transmission of hereditary characteristics and Autonomous development.
"Manhood of Humanity."
Alfred Korzybski
It is a living organism, ceaselessly busied, like any other organism, in the processes of assimilation and excretion.
"America To-day, Observations and Reflections"
William Archer
He proved that bile, which used to be considered an excretion, was really an important digestive secretion.
"Makers of Modern Medicine"
James J. Walsh