LETTERS TO BROTHER JOHN. 31 



stowed away in the cells of the cellular sub- 

 stance. 



In order to obtain a clear notion of the cellular 

 substance, its universality and appearance, just 

 fancy it possible for an anatomist, with a finely- 

 pointed instrument, to pick away every part of 

 your body which is not cellular substance: what 

 remained would be, of course, cellular substance 

 only, and you would present exactly the appear- 

 ance of a man made of honeycomb or sponge. 

 But if this spongy relique of you were perfectly 

 dried, it would be so light, that the sigh of a 

 butterfly in love would be sufficient to scatter it to 

 the four winds of heaven. Notwithstanding it 

 pervades, therefore, the whole body, its actual 

 quantity or weight is exceedingly small. If you 

 doubt the existence of this universal cellular sub- 

 stance, and would like to see it proved by actual 

 experiment on your own person, only let me know ; 

 and I will come prepared with a proper instrument, 

 and begin to pick away, whenever you please. 

 Only, my dear John, when I have done picking, I 

 will by no means undertake to put you together 

 again. 



I trust you have now a tolerably accurate idea 

 of the ultimate tissue. If you have not, I pray you 



