216 AMPHITRITE, 
and their action, are tenfold in proportion. Without taking into account 
obscure and indefinite parts, which nevertheless do certainly exist, the 
organs of progressive annulations, and pencils or stumps alone regulating 
its position in the tube, surpasses thousands. If the plume of an adult 
displays eighty branchie, with 500 cilia on each, here are no less than 
40,000 organs endowed with voluntary, distinct, and independent action. 
So many other parts are alike privileged in their own peculiar motion, 
without the participation of the rest, that it is no exaggeration to affirm, 
that the will of this timid, lowly, defenceless creature, is fulfilled through 
the controul of 50,000 living parts. 
But how do they receive their impulse ; how is the principle com- 
municating volition conveyed to proximate, remote, distinct, computed, 
or unconnected parts of the organic structure? Can we refuse the 
creature something which is comparable to a rational faculty, that it 
knows what is required, and puts these portions of its organs in action 
which are necessary to effect its object ? That this definite purpose is 
committed to one, to ten, or an hundred of its infinite parts, while all 
the rest shall remain inactive ? What is the precise spirit which actuates 
them ? How are they preserved from interference, kept to their office, 
and made to operate by one consent ? Simple reflection on the source 
and the fulfilment of the design is enough to perplex the most sagacious, 
and render human learning shallow. 
We can speak of what is external and patent to view, omitting all 
conjecture and computation of the numberless hidden parts, their com- 
bination and action, as too inaccessible, minute, or complicated for such 
observation as could be applied to them. 
Yet the physiological features characterizing this creature, and the 
mechanical art whereby it renders its wonderful organic frame subservient 
to important definite purposes, are alike interesting as the beauty and 
symmetry by which it is distinguished. 
Lodged in a strong tubular casement, wherein rivetted from its origin 
to the same spot, it must live and die, the tenant enjoys the faculty of 
enlarging that dwelling which has to be adapted to its necessities, pro- 
portioned to its increment, and to shelter its imbecility. 
