202 Dr. Spurgin's Outlines of a Philosophical 



but is also, as it were, its all in all ; and in it are contained the 

 means which enable man to live in a corporeal form in this 

 outward world, in the manner we behold. 



But in order to our completing the circle of investigation 

 upon the blood, and thence obtaining a true knowledge and 

 correct doctrine respecting it : a knowledge of those things 

 which enter into its couiposition and constitution is indispen- 

 sable, as also an examination of all the viscera, members, or- 

 gans and tunics, which are vivified by its passage through 

 them; for whilst the nature of these is unknown, and their 

 modes of existence and action, the nature of the blood re- 

 mains unknown also. It is impossible for us to enjoy any clear 

 ideas upon any subject, if certain parts of that subject remain 

 unknown or obscure to us : a full and complete idea of any 

 subject, can only be attained from a knowledge of every par- 

 ticular which the subject involves ; and consequently, our 

 knowledge of the nature of the blood can only keep pace with 

 that of the things which enter into its composition, and of 

 those in which it is contained, as tlie blood-vessels and organs 

 composing the body. 



From these remarks it may sufficiently appear how many 

 sciences are included in that of the blood: — anatomy, medicine, 

 chemistry, and natural philosophy, with their respective 

 sub-divisions are evidently so ; and not only these, but even 

 psychology is requisite, for the mind or mental powers suffer 

 according to the state of the blood ; and the blood, again, is 

 under the influence of the passions of the mind: — in a word, 

 every science that treats of tlie substances of the world and 

 the powers of nature ought to be consulted. Such considera- 

 tions as these enable us, moreover, to discern the ground and 

 reason of man's not being called into existence till all the king- 

 doms of nature were finished. The world and nature seem 

 to have concentrated themselves in him ; that in him, as in a 

 microcosm, the whole universe from first to last might be con- 

 templated. 



It is expedient on all occasions to keep close to experience, 

 and also to follow the order of nature; according to which, a 

 distinct idea is always preceded by an obscure one, and a par- 

 ticular idea by a general one : for we never perceive any thing 

 distinctly, unless we deduce it from, or refer it to, some com- 

 mon source, and universal principle. For such is the condi- 

 tion of our mind and senses in their advancement to perfec- 

 tion and subsequent actions. We are born densely ignorant 

 and insensible ; it is only by degrees that the organs are open- 

 ed, as it were: the images and notions which we first conceive 

 are extremely obscure, insomuch that, so to speak, the whole 



universe 



