132 



organs and their functions, on which the sexual character depends, 

 but also observe, that these peculiarities necessarily demand others, 

 in almost all the component parts of the organization. 



4thly. Tlie different temperaments and idiosyncracies depend on 

 peculiar modifications of structure ; which, although scarcely sen- 

 sible, must nevertheless exist. And, 



5thly. The organs of every living body are subject to lusorial va- 

 rieties; whether fi-om defect or disease in the procreative functions 

 of tiie parents, or from other and more concealed causes.* 



Hence, the varieties afforded by the same kind of organs in dif- 

 ferent individuals of the same species, or in the same individual 

 under different circumstances, are scarcely less remarkable than 

 those, which are to be found between the same kind of organs in dif- 

 ferent classes ; and a knowledge of these varieties would, perhaps, be 

 equally pregnant with interest and utility. An inquiry, which would 

 have for its object the varieties afforded by the organization of the 

 human species, arising from the causes just mentioned, might, with 

 great propriety, be denominated Human Comparative Anatomy. 



Although Human Comparative Anatomy has not been entirely ne- 

 glected, (for, since the middle of the last century, we find the most 

 illustrious Anatoniistst convinced of its importance, and much devoted 

 to its advancement,) it is far from havhig created that general interest, 

 and procured tliat share of attention, which its great importance de- 

 mands. When it is considered, that the science of anatomy will ever 

 be imperfect, until it has ascertained all the natural varieties of 

 structure; — that the Anatomist can never hope to arrive at the 



• Varieties of organiaation, the effect of diseased action of the individual, are not, of course, 

 here taken into consideration. 



;- Haller, Albinus, Hunter, Bichat, Bloracnbach, Soemering, Scarpa, Prochaska, Reil, 

 Portal, and the Wenzels. 



