78 Dr. Wilson Philip 



but is wholly incapable of its functions after the extinction of the 

 vital principle, is a chemical agent ; and that it is the same which 

 operates in many similar phenomena, which we know to be the 

 effects of galvanism. Is any thing required to try the validity of 

 these suggestions, but to ascertain whether galvanism is capable 

 of the functions of the nervous influence ? 



Allow me to extract from the second edition of my Inquiry 

 into the Laws of the Vital Functions, the following passages : 



" When we say that we are acquainted with the cause of any 

 particular set of phenomena, we only mean that we know them 

 to arise from the same cause, which produces other more familiar 

 phenomena. Thus we are acquainted with the cause which re- 

 tains the planets in their orbits, because Sir Isaac Newton proved 

 it to be the same which produces the other phenomena of gravi- 

 tation. We are acquainted with the cause of lightning, because 

 Dr. Franklin proved it to be the same which produces the other 

 phenomena of electricity. Can we shew that the phenomena of 

 any or all of the foregoing vital powers depend on the same cause 

 which operates in the production of other phenomena ? 



" With regard to the sensorial power, it seems to require but 

 a moment's reflection to answer this question in the negative. 

 There is no real analogy between the effects of this power, and the 

 phenomena observed in any other part of nature. Certain fan- 

 ciful analogies of this description have, indeed, from time to time 

 been suggested ; but while they have pleased in the writings of 

 the poet, by the philosopher they have been justly rejected. To 

 a careful observation and judicious arrangement of the pheno- 

 mena of the sensorial power therefore, our study of it must be 

 confined. 



" With regard to the nervous power, the case is very different. 

 The principle which operates in many other instances may be the 

 means of exciting the muscles, of conveying impressions to and 

 from the sensorium, of effecting the formation of the secreted 

 fluids, and of causing an evolution of caloric from the blood." 

 Page 221, 222. 



" With regard to the vital principle itself, we may say of it 

 what is said above of the sensorial power. As its effects cannot 



