134 



17. But it has been already shewn that the spirit changes its 

 form nearly in a ratio to its elimination from the elementary com- 

 binations. The manner in which this tendency affects the process 

 of assimilation is as follows: the spirit endures a sufficient time to 

 produce, in the way described, a repetition of itself, or, if the ele- 

 ments furnish a larger quantity, to increase itself; in other words, 

 the union of the spiritual elements is more rapid than the extinction, 

 or the change of form, which happens to the living principle. The 

 proofs of this tendency are, 1st, that the sum of the living spirit is 

 increased during growth in the several spheres; 2nd, that if its en- 

 durance were not sufficient for such an operation on the elements, 

 the sum would not only be not augmented, but it would not even 

 be preserved, for extinction then would be synchronous with pro- 

 duction. Having settled thus much with respect to the growth of 

 the spirit, we must now return to the increase of the structures. 



18. One proof of the dependence of the aggregation of the 

 solid particles upon the living principle may be here recapitulated, 

 viz. that this living state having ceased, the textures (and the par- 

 ticles composing them) left to the force of their own constitution, 

 which is both mechanical and chymical, tend, not to aggregation, 

 nor even to the preservation of their present state, but to separate 

 from each other and return to another alliance with elementary 

 combinations. 



19. Thus, then, the living principle has in this respect a double 

 operation upon a material containing many constituents: one is to 

 renew, and increase perhaps, itself; and the other, to renew or in- 

 crease the solid particles which are conjoined with it in the agency 

 of function. The, following conclusions are in consonance with 

 these views. 



1. The quantum of the spirit depends upon the quantum of the 

 elements exposed to it, which are contained in, the blood. 



2. The quantum of the elements depends upon the preparatory 

 functions. 



3. The disposition of the spirit, in regard to the structures, is 

 regulated by latent causes which belong to it. 



4. The quantum of the textures depends, 1st, upon the quantum 

 of the disposed spirit, and, 2nd, upon the quantum of the organic 

 particles in the material. 



5. The quan! um of the organic particles in the material, depends 

 also upon the function of the preparatory organs. 



20. It is almost superfluous to make the application of this 

 reasoning: to save, however, the reader the trouble of doing it for 

 himself, it is as follows: both in embryonic and post-foetal growth 

 the identity of the spirit (or its properties in the several spheres) 

 determines its affinity with the organic particles; the particles laid 

 down in the several seats are according to this affinity; and the 

 mutations of the properties constituting the affinity, are followed by 

 corresponding changes of the structures. These mutations are 

 illustrated in every stage of foetal growth ; and afterwards in all 



