6 _ INTRODUCTION. 
proximate very closely to vegetables in the absence of those 
features which characterize the generality of the animal 
creation.—We must supply the place of a definition of 
plants, by a general view of their station among the works 
of ag 
The objects which compose the material world have 
fas arranged in two grand divisions, according as they 
possess or are destitute of that mysterious principle called 
Lire, or, Viratrry,—These are, the Animate and the In- 
nimate creation, or, Organic and Inorganie bodies. Of the 
former we hive an example in any plant or 
_ Stone, water, the air, are illustrations of the latter. 
17. The first, Axtmare or Orcanic bodies, are ¢ 
terised,—Ist, by possessing an organic structure ; th 
being composed of a Tissur or Ces, or CELLs AND ” 
THROUGH WHICH FLUIDS CAN CIRCULATE} and, in most 
eee 
in form and structure, and adapted to different uses,— 
___ thus of a heterogeneous structure. 2d, By their power 
assimilation, that is, introducing into their internal parts. 
new matter lane from their own, forming it into tissue 
- ternal : agents, and of their own elements upon each other. 
4th, By performing certain actions or functions, and pr 
senting a continual series of changes during the course o 
: _ existence. 
ie Where these four features are presented, there. 
oa of tire: the ogee is an organized and 1] 
being. = 
19. There are other inlerestinis characteristics of 
bodies. — 5 ‘They have the power of re 
