CHAPTER XI 

 THE SPECIAL SENSES 



364. The Special Senses. The senses are the avenues by 

 which we obtain information concerning our bodily condi- 

 tion and the world around us. 



In a general way, our senses may be compared to a cer- 

 tain number of disciplined picket-guards, along the outposts 

 of the mind, whose business it is to take note of events 

 and to report to headquarters any information which may 

 be within the range of their duty. 



In other words, we are provided with special senses, or 

 "five gateways of knowledge," as they are often called, 

 by means of which information is given us regarding out- 

 ward forces and objects. 



These special senses are touch, taste, smell, sight, and 

 hearing, to which may be added the muscular sense and a 

 sense of temperature. 



365. General Sensations. The body, as we have learned, 

 is made up of a great number of complicated organs, each 

 doing its own part of the general work required for the 

 welfare of the bodily structure. Through the agency 

 of the nervous system each of these organs is desig- 

 nated to work in harmony with the others for the good 

 of the whole. Now we must have some means of know- 

 ing whether this harmony is maintained, and of receiving 

 timely warning if any organ fails to do its particular 

 duty. 



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