On the Relations between Mind and Muscle. 181 



cussion of which has led us into observations far more lengthened tlian we 

 originally contemplated. 



A retrospect of the several classes of motions which have passed under 

 our survey, will convince us, that to say the least, a very large share of 

 the movements commonly considered to be the immediate and exclusive 

 products of volition, may and do most frequently originate in other states 

 of mind. Perhaps the following attempt at a classification, if useful in 

 no other respect, may serve the purpose of recapitulation. 



1. Involuntary Motions. Synonymes — Organic, yiutomatic. Instinctive. 

 Character — In ordinary circumstances, unoriginated, and uncontrouled by 

 desire, and often opposed to it. 



2. f'olunturif Motions. Synonymes — Animal, Relative. Character — 

 Controulable by and coincident with desire, but not indebted to it for their 

 origin. 



3. f^olitional Motions. Character — Originated by desires, of which they 

 are the sole objects. 



We are fully aware that this arrangement is liable to the objection, that 

 the same specimens of muscular actions might at different times be placed 

 in different classes. Thus coughing, when induced by a physical necessity, 

 and contrary to the inclination, would belong to the first; when occurring 

 physically, and capable of being checked, but allowed to continue, because 

 known to relieve the chest, would be ranked in the second ; when produced 

 for the sake of mimicry or affectation, its place would be in the third. 

 Difficulties of this kind attend classifications in every science; but if they 

 afford us any assistance in distinguishing phaenomena, their end is answered. 



To some of our readers it may at first sight appear, that we have been 

 busied in a mere controversy of words ; but a further consideration will, it 

 is hoped, convince them that actual differences of ideas have been involved 

 in the discussion. But if any should urge that it is useless, or laborious 

 trifling, to spend so much time in distinguishing such faint shades of 

 thought, in untangling such gossamer webs, they might be asked (without 

 dwelling upon the advantage of keeping in readiness and keenness, by 

 constant exercise, that faculty of analysis, which is the chief and essential 

 instrument of all true logic,) whether such topics as have engaged us, may 

 not be at least as fit objects of consideration, as whether there be a re- 

 sisting medium in the universe or not, whether light be a radiation or an 

 undulation, whether the central vessels of a plant carry sap or air, &c. &c. 

 questions which are justly esteemed very worthy of tlie attention of phi- 

 losophers, not because they are applicable to any practical purpose, but 

 because they are questions of truth. All branches of knowledge are liable 

 to such objections as we have alluded to. And if it be asked, why say so 

 much about things so well known and familiar as desire, and will, and 

 motion ? we content ourselves wit!) replying, that a similar question 

 might be put to the geologist, what possible good is there in looking 



No. 3.— Vol. I. 2 b 



