162 PHYSIOLOGICAL VIEWS. 



different proportions in which the elements are combined* 2nd. 

 The various modes of their combination. 



In vinegar and sugar, the one substance a liquid, and of a 

 sour taste, the other solid and sweet, are found the same ele- 

 ments in different proportions and differently combined. In 

 gum, starch, and sugar, the elements are the same, the propor- 

 tions nearly the same, but they are combined differently, 



When we know by chemical analysis, the combinations 

 which exist in inorganized bodies, we can by putting the same 

 together, often form similar substances ; but we cannot thus 

 form organized bodies ; for to these belongs a living principle, 

 which it is not in the^ power of man to bestow. It is said, Rous- 

 seau declared, that he would not believe in the correctness of 

 the analysis of vegetable or animal substances, until he should 

 see a young animal or a thrifty plant spring into existence, from 

 the retort of a chemist. But the power to create, the Almighty 

 has not delegated to man ; neither is it to be supposed that any 

 future discoveries in science will ever confer it upon him. To 

 study into the compound nature of substances, to classify, ar- 

 range, and by various combinations to beautify the world of 

 matter, to cultivate the faculties of mind, until stronger and 

 brighter, the mental vision sees facts and principles before invi- 

 sible ; these are the high privileges bestowed on man ; but to 

 add one new particle to matter, or one new faculty to the mind, 

 is beyond the power of the whole human race. 



Examples Can organized bodies be produced by the skill of man ? 



