110 



of his materials, is a supposition little better than absurd; our ex- 

 perience of his growth from the stale of the ovum refutes such a 

 notion, for we observe that his internal functions mutt subserve 

 to his formation and development in every stage. Thus we have 

 dismissed the first alternative very briefly, our business now is 

 with the second. 



2. Recurring to our doctrines of the ovum, we have seen that 

 the formation of an organic spirit must precede that of the textures. 

 As this has been shewn to be 'a. necessary relation, equal to that of 

 cause and effect, it is obvious that our examination of the mode of 

 a qalural origin of man must begin at this point. 



23. We find, variously scattered in the immense extent of 

 being, a principle which has in many respects a resemblance to 

 the organic spirit of man. We find it throughout the animal and 

 vegetable creation, fulfilling (modified indeed in the several forms) 

 a similar function, that is, it governs their textures, and prevents 

 their decomposition. In tracing the sources of this principle we 

 shall find it to exist in substances which are not organic: we per- 

 ceive that the earth contains it; that from the state in which it 

 exists in the earth it is convertible into that in which it exists in 

 plants and animals; and that, finally, by a few transmutations it 

 assumes another place, and constitutes the living principle of man. 



24. This principle is not only or wholly derived from the 

 earth : it floats in the wind, the air breathes life, the waters yield 

 their vital principle, all abound with the spirit of animation, and 

 furnish it to myriads of tribes; some of these, again yielding, 

 others adopting it: by a few simple changes it is identified 

 with each, and something like a common principle may be dis- 

 covered in aU its modifications. We cannot call this principle 

 universal: but we cannot limit its extent; it is widely prevailing, 

 its alliances are without end, and it will be considered more 

 closely when we speak of its particular relations. 



25. We stand in need of no other facts than those just men- 

 tioned to shew the liability of this principle to a change of form, 

 or rather to a modification of properties. These facts, also, inde- 

 pendent of our general doctrines of causation, shew if tp be no 

 simple principle, but an example of being, which, like aH others, 

 js made by its constituents. We infer too from the same facts 

 how endless are the relations of the principle with earth, air, 

 water, and even fire, with organic forms, with its own constituents, 

 these decomposable, part related with some substances, and again 

 its remaining properties with others; finally, throughout nature 

 it has its alliances; and its connections and its possibilities are 

 infinite. It is governed by its constituents, it is modified by these 

 relations and these alliances; it furnishes integral parts of their 

 being, or it receives from them permanent or evanespent qualities, 

 which, by force of all prevailing affinity, are detached from, or 

 endure with, their original receptacles. This series is endless: 

 identities preserved, or changes wrought, all governed by causes, 



