XXX11 INTRODUCTION. 



sions, an equivalence of action : the diminution of assi- 

 milation does not involve a corresponding diminution 

 in excretion ; hence, follow emaciation and marasmus, 

 conditions in which, assimilation ceasing in part, dis- 

 assimilation is exercised to the usual extent, or near it. 

 From this sketch, it is seen that the circulation of the 

 blood is the connecting link of the two orders of func- 

 tions in organic life, as the brain is the connecting link 

 of the two orders of functions in animal life. The blood 

 is, therefore, in fact, composed of two parts or descrip- 

 tions of matter : one is recrementitial, derived from the 

 aliment, and subservient to the renovation and growth 

 of parts ; the other is excrementitial, derived from the 

 wrecks of all our organs, and under the necessity of 

 being cast away as useless. 



M. Bichat thinks the division of life into animal and 

 organic, fully warranted by their . differing much from 

 each other in the exterior shape of their respective or- 

 gans, in their mode of action, in the duration of their 

 action, in the effects of custom or habit on them, in 

 their relation to the moral part of man, and in their vi- 

 tal force. 



One of the most prominent differences in the two 

 lives, is the symmetry and duplicity of the Organs of 

 Animal Life, and the irregularity in shape of those be- 

 longing to Organic Life. The impression of Light is 

 received by two organs exactly alike. Hearing 

 Smelling Touching are likewise performed by or- 

 gans having their congeners on the opposite sides of the 

 body; and even Tasting, though apparently performed 

 by one organ, has that organ divided into two equal 

 and symmetrical parts, thus making it like the other 

 organs. The whole exterior surface of the body is, in- 

 deed, manifestly divided into two equal parts, marked 

 off from each other by the fissure in the nose, the upper 

 lip, the chin, the raphe of the scrotum and perineum,. 



