9 



Stages of assimilation Digestion, absorption, circulation, nutri- 

 tion, and secretion. 



These vital functions being common to all organised beings, 

 are called THE FUNCTIONS OP ORGANIC LIFE. 



In order that the nutritive fluids should circulate, they must be 

 moved by the action of the solids; and in order that the 

 solids should act properly, they must be excited to action 

 by the fluids IRRITABILITY and CONTRACTILITY these 

 are organic functions. 



Remarks on the nature of respiration Partakes of the nature 

 both of digestion and secretion. 



Why should the same organic functions, all common to plants 

 and animals, produce such an endless variety of beings? 

 Philosophical ignorance. 



Distinction between animals and vegetables Consciousness 

 and will. 



Explanation of the necessity for a constant supply of food, even 

 after the living being has reached the highest perfection of 

 development. Remarks on the process by which the vital 

 powers accomplish the cure of wounds. 

 Limited duration of living bodies. 



The continuance of life produces inevitable death. Explana- 

 tion of the reason. The perpetual increase of the solids 

 and the diminution of their irritability and contractility, 

 and the equally constant diminution of the fluids owing 

 to the growth of the solids. Tendency of all living mo- 

 tions to ultimate rest. 



Proofs of the perpetual changes of all the particles of living 

 bodies. The death and renewal of the particles necessary 

 to the continued life of the whole being. 



Causes of the almost undiminished supply of food after ma- 

 turity. 



Various routes by which particles enter and leave the sub- 

 stance of the body Insensible perspiration Experiment 

 with India rubber cloth, 



Changes produced by suclden starvation Cause of death 



