6 On the Influence of Air 



may comprehend all those physical and chemical ac- 

 tions on which their various phenomena depend, and 

 this even without the intervention of muscular irritabi- 

 lity or sensation. 



In proof of this doctrine I may here mention the sea- 

 anemonies, a marine production, which is destitute of 

 muscular fibres and nerves, and exceedingly gelatinous, 

 yet, at the same time, so irritable, that even light af- 

 fects them, though to all appearance destitute of eyes*. 



The inference which will necessarily result is, that 

 light acts on the iris, in certain animals, without the in- 

 tervention of muscular irritabilityf, and consequently 

 parts may contract and elongate, that is, shorten and ex- 

 pand, though destitute of muscular irritability. 



The infant, prior to birth, derives its support and nou- 

 rishment from its connection with the mother. Indeed, 

 all the living powers of the foetus depend on the healthy 

 actions of the mother. The irritability and sensibility 

 of the parent is reciprocated by its offspring, and such 

 is the sympathy and power of nature, that the imagina- 

 tion of the mother is often impressed in indelible marks 

 on the fruits of her body. 



If the organization of the foetus is complete, if the 

 body possesses the usual temperature of the nascent 

 state, viz., about 97° of Fahrenheit, and is now emerged 



• Haller, vol. 5. p. 428. 



1 W inslow, Traitc, cles Ncrfs, 26. 



