145 



is that of dissimilars, so this work is conducted by laws of consti- 

 tution. We have hitherto considered the spiritual changes to 

 precede and govern those of the organic materials ; the former 

 therefore are to be considered first. 



59. The identity of the spirit is determined by its properties : 

 some of these properties are latent and others active. The pro- 

 perties composing the spirit in any sphere are liable to spontaneous 

 change, or that which has been before designated in this depart- 

 ment progressive causation. It is by the occurrence of these 

 acts that properties before latent are often made manifest, while 

 those before existing are no longer recognized by their effects. 

 This law is illustrated in the instances of conversion, which are 

 endless. Now these latent properties produce that which is called 

 pre-disposition : the conversion of latent into active properties 

 happens in the same way as all other changes, that is, there exist 

 in this case many related agents, making collectively the entire 

 spirit. These agents, not agreeing in a permanent combination, 

 are liable to become variously combined and modified at various 

 times, producing at these times varieties in the phenomena which 

 result from them: thus the testes at the period of puberty begin 

 to secrete; thus cartilage is converted into bone, or an attack of 

 gout occurs, or an artery is ossified, or a membrane, as the dura 

 mater, is converted into bone, &c.; thus also, and more allied 

 with our topic, a fractured patella produces ligament. These things 

 arise from latent causes, furnishing pre-disposilion, and becoming 

 active from change of relation between constituents, determined 

 by the force of causes. So much by way of recapitulation. 



60. The difficulty then in regard to our present question is 

 not to conceive why dissimilars are produced from established 

 textures, but by what law these dissimilars should assume the form 

 of parts which are removed? We have no hesitation in referring 

 the former to an act of constitution among the spiritual properties, 

 which will be sufficiently intelligible from what has been already 

 said about it: but the latter we must trace more minutely. 



61. The difference in these three cases of growth is this: 

 the first is simple increase by assimilation, the second is increase 

 accompanied with change, the third is increase accompanied with 

 change, tending to produce the resemblances of parts totally re- 

 moved. Now these three follow one law of causation, that is, the 

 processes are according to the relations between the spiritual pro- 

 perties among themselves and the allied materials. As these 

 agents determine the process, so the consequence is that which it 

 is determined by properties possessed already, and by no new 

 accessions. 



62. Hence it appears to follow, as the spiritual properties of 

 an existing texture are capable of forming a different texture 

 which is removed, that the spirit possesses properties in its diffe- 

 rent seats which are common to all or to many, or, relying on our 

 present data, to some others. From whence it will follow, further, 

 x 



