226 THE PHENOMENA OF MOTION 



bining with, and neutralizing it, than those tissues 

 which are under the influence of the vital force, 

 although only through the nerves. In this point of 

 view, we cannot fail to perceive the importance of 

 the bile in regard to the substance of the intestines, 

 and that of the pulmonary cells, as well as that of 

 fat, of mucus, and of the secretions generally. 



When the membranes are compelled from their 

 own substance to furnish resistance to the action 

 of the oxygen, that is, when there is a deficiency of 

 the substances destined by nature for their protec- 

 tion, they must, since their renewal is confined 

 within narrow limits, yield to the chemical action. 

 The lungs and intestines will always simultaneously 

 suffer abnormal changes. 



From the change of matter itself, from the meta- 

 morphosis of the living muscular tissue, these organs 

 receive the means of resistance to the action of oxy- 

 gen which are indispensable to their preservation. 

 According to the rapidity of this process, the quan- 

 tity of bile secreted increases ; while that of the fat 

 present in the body diminishes in the same propor- 

 tion. 



For carrying on the involuntary motions in the 

 animal body, a certain amount of vital force is ex- 

 pended at every moment of its existence ; and, con- 

 sequently, an incessant change of matter goes on ; 

 but the amount of living tissue, which, in conse- 

 quence of this form of consumption of vital force, 

 loses its condition of life and its capacity of growth, 



