All necessary illustrations, whether graphic or 'in the form of 

 preparations are provided, but while the importance of appeals 

 to the eye, and the avoidance of wearisome efforts of memory is 

 duly considered, no superlative ornament is introduced, to dis- 

 tract the mind from the thread of the argument, or draw off the 

 attention from the subject to the speaker. 



The discourse opens with a notice of the structure and actions 

 of the simplest living beings, and proceeding by regular and 

 logical gradation, terminates with the subject of human responsi- 

 bilities. 



The constant attendance of three large and intelligent classes, 

 comprising at least as many ladies as gentlemen, has given suffi- 

 cient proof that this course of lectures contains nothing to alarm 

 the most fastidious taste either in morals or delicacy. 



The number of lectures constituting the course will be from 

 seventeen to twenty; but in traversing so wide a range of sub- 

 jects, orally, and guided only by short notes, it is impossible to 

 premise the exact number. 



The publication of this Syllabus, as an assistance to the me- 

 mory in following the course of so long an argument, has been 

 deemed desirable by the members of former classes. 



LECTURE I. 



What are the differences between a Living Body and one that 



is not Alive? 



Apparent inactivity of bodies not endowed with life. 

 Real universality of motion. 

 Motions of external things always result from external 



causes mistakes of savages and children. 

 Masses of inanimate matter have no parts capable of moving 



independently of the bodies to which they belong. 

 Their particles all resemble the entire mass. 

 Absence of the inherent power of growth in inanimate bodies. 

 Seeming exceptions The alumn basket Natural crystalline 

 ornaments of caves Efflorescence of saltpetre resembling 

 the growth of mosses Impression that rocks and stones 

 grow Enlargement of porous bodies Rising of bread 

 Chemical union Formation of brass. 



