360 THE VITAL FUNCTIONS. 



logous to that which the brain and spinal marrow 

 perform with regard to the other nerves, or as 

 being secondary centres of nervous power. Thus 

 there are two important objects for which the 

 nerves belonging to the ganglionic system have 

 been provided ; first, to serve as the channels 

 through which the affections of one organ might 

 be enabled to influence a distant organ ; and 

 secondly, to be the medium through which the 

 powers of several parts might be combined and 

 concentrated for effecting particular purposes, 

 requiring such co-operation. Hence it is by 

 means of the ganglionic nerves that all the 

 organs and all the functions are rendered effi- 

 cient in the production of a common object, and 

 are brought into one comprehensive and har- 

 monious system of operation. 



The nervous power, the effects of which we 

 are here considering, should be carefully dis- 

 tinguished from that power which is an attribute 

 of another portion of the nervous system, and 

 which, being connected with sensation, volition, 

 and other intellectual operations, has been deno- 

 minated sensorial power * The functions of di- 

 gestion, circulation, absorption, secretion, and 

 all those included under the class of nutrient or 

 vital functions, are carried on in secret, are not 



* This distinction has been most clearly pointed out, and illus- 

 trated by Dr. A. P. W. Philip. See his " Experimental Inquiry 

 into the Laws of the Vital Functions." 



