182 THE SPECIAL SENSES. 



causes of pain, and gratify themselves by their effects. Do 

 we not see in all large cities, that men who are debauched 

 and depraved find agreeable sensations, where others ex- 

 perience only intolerable pain ?" 



14. As to painful sensation among the inferior animals, 

 the plan of Nature seems to be, that the higher the intel- 

 ligence of the creature, and the more complete its power 

 of defence, the more acute is its sensibility. We infer, 

 therefore, that animals low in the scale of existence, and 

 helpless, are not very liable to suffer pain. 



15. Special Sensation. The sensations of simple 

 contact and pain are felt by nearly all parts of the system, 

 whether external or internal, and are the necessary con- 

 sequence of the general sensibility ; but, so far as the ob- 

 jects which surround us are concerned, these impressions 

 are vague and passive in character, and inform the mind 

 of none of the properties or powers of these objects. Be- 

 sides these feelings, therefore, man is endowed with certain 

 special sensations, which are positive and distinct in char- 

 acter, and which he can call into exercise at will, and em- 

 ploy in the pursuit of knowledge. For reasons relating to 

 the original constitution of the body, these sensations are 

 to be regarded as modifications of the general sensibility 

 already alluded to, constructed with special reference to 

 the different forces of Nature, of which we have any 

 knowledge, such as heat, motion, gravity, sunlight, and 

 the like. 



16. These distinct and active faculties are termed the 

 special senses, and are five in number, viz., Touch, Taste, 

 Smell, Sight, and Hearing. For the exercise of these 

 senses, special organs are furnished, such as the hand, the 

 tongue, the nose, the eye, and the ear. The manner in 

 which the nerves of special sense terminate, varies in the 



14. The law of Nature as regards painful sensations among animals ? 



15. The sensation of contact and pain? Special sensations of man? How 

 regarded ? 



1 6. What are the special senses ? Special organs for them ? 



