Inquiry itito the Nature and Propniics of the Blood. 1 85 



and bv their reasoning ; and above all, by their experimental 

 iaboui's, in maintaining that life is distinct Ironi matter, but 

 nevertheless dependent upon it for the manifestation of vital 

 phaenomena in this material world : consequently, when we 

 assert that certain conditions are indispensable on the part of 

 matter for the manifestation of vital phaenomena, and that other 

 laws are in operation for the bringing about, and preserving 

 it in, such a condition ; such laws, for instance, as by their 

 operation evince a perfect knowledge of, and full power over, 

 every law that pertains to material things, we are supported 

 by botli classes in employing the term. Vitality, — to express 

 that condition of matter which fits it for accomplishing andfd- 

 . Jiiling some specif living purpose, some particular living t/e- 

 sign. 



But still the proof may be demanded of us of the blood 

 being a vital fluid, even under the view which we have taken 

 of vitality ; such a proof for instance, as whilst it exhibits some 

 peculiarity that is connected with the blood, and identifies it- 

 self at the same time with some striking peculiarity in the so- 

 lids, will stand in the place of that which has been adduced 

 by Mr. Hunter, viz. its spontaneous coagulation. We confess 

 we can advance no other, than their undergoing the same 

 process after death, i. e. Putrefaction. For we might as well 

 look for signs of vitality in a dead body, as for the same signs 

 in a fluid that is in an altered condition almost the instant it 

 is withdrawn from its vessel ; not to mention the mortal in- 

 fluence of venous blood itself, if injected, as such, into the 

 arteries, without first undergoing aeration in the lungs. 



Putrefaction, or the return of animal matter to its original 

 state and natural combinations or affinities, is the inevitable 

 doom of flesh and blood ; and in this common peculiarity, the 

 most inveterate reasoner against the blood's vitality is furnished 

 with a no less sensible than suitable mark to turn him from his 

 headstrong scepticism. For the proofs of vitality, we would 

 go to the seat of life, the living body; but for the changes 

 which have been wrought upon matter in order to its being 

 rendered vital and living, we must avail ourselves of the re- 

 searches of the chemical philoso})her. For the manifestations 

 of life, we nmst behold and admire the actions of the bodily 

 parts severally, and the movements of the universally circu- 

 lating fluid, the blood, generally. 



Mr. Hunter's experiments on the effects of cold upon the 

 blood and upon the fluids of the egg, most satisfactorily con- 

 firmed the presence in, and influence of some principle upon 

 them, which enabled them to resist congelation for a considera- 



New Series. Vol. 2. No, 9. Sept. 1 82-7. 2 B ble 



