56 On the Vitality of Matter. 
became of a mealy consistence. It was closely covered ina 
glass vessel, and a drop of the water was examine twenty- 
our hours after, when it exhibited innumerable animalcules 
in great activity.” 
rom these examples, they conclude that sensation and 
voluntary motion reside in matter; that however minutely 
the parts are dissociated, they still possess a principle of vi- 
tality ; “that death does not destroy their susceptibility ; and 
that life and matter are coexistent, and from everlasting to 
everlasting.” 
These data, and the inferences deduced from them, being 
at variance with those visible facts, and those unerring, in- 
variably recurring rules called the laws of nature, an inquiry 
respecting them is justiied— == ss 
I. Whether there is not a fallacy in those appearances 
which a imed as first principles ? 
II. Whether life exists in brute matter? And 
‘III. Whether inert matter, or particles specifically animal 
or vegetable, can spring to life, in natures remote from, 
and opposite to, their own origin? 
I. Is there not a fallacy in those appearances which are 
assumed as first principles ? 
with the microscope, render it of doubtful validity. As it 
would be unfortunate to build a principle in physiology upon 
an optical illusion, those appearances which have been ad 
duced should be received with great caution, because, if the 
first point is wrong, every succeeding step must be errone- 
nD, WM ; senses with the ap- 
pearance of animation. While the motions accompanying 
