WITH RELATION TO VITALITY. 23 



whole, and which is inseparable from it the 

 attribute of extension extension into length- 

 breadth, and thickness. 



If we proceed frora this attribute universal, 

 to detail the attributes particular, which dif- 

 ferent bodies obviously possess, we shall find 

 them to be totally different from each other ; 

 and that a great diversity of changes is con- 

 stantly taking place between them. To ascer- 

 tain the nature of these attributes, and the 

 relation which they bear to each other ; finally, 

 to trace the phenomena, 0r effects which are 

 produced, to their producing cause, constitute 

 the especial objects which physical science is 

 designed to explore, and the true pursuit of a 

 natural philosopher. 



Among the first advances that were made 

 for the purpose of putting confusion into order, 

 <Jassifications of their various orders were form- 

 ed ; the infinite multitude of individuals which 

 exist, were arranged under particular species ; 

 different species under particular genera ; to 

 which each individual could be easily referred, 

 according to its general character and mode of 

 subsistence. 



It was with a view to this end, that the whole 

 of the material world has been commonly 

 classed, under three different orders, or king- 

 doms ; into animal, vegetable, and mineral. A 

 generalisation, such as this, appears tomehighly 



