CHEMISTRY OF ANIMAL BODIES. 



THE object of this important branch of Chemistry is to give an 

 account of the numerous principles or definite compounds which 

 exist in the Animal Kingdom. 



When we compare animals and vegetables together, each in 

 their most perfect state, nothing can be easier than to distinguish 

 them from each other. The plant is confined to a particular 

 spot, and exhibits no mark of consciousness or intelligence ; the 

 animal, on the contrary, can remove at pleasure from one place 

 to another, is possessed of consciousness, and a high degree of 

 intelligence. But on approaching the contiguous extremities of 

 the animal and vegetable kingdom, these striking differences gra- 

 dually disappear, the objects acquire a greater degree of resem- 

 blance, and at last approach each other so nearly, that it is 

 scarcely possible to decide whether some of those species which 

 are situated on the very boundary belong to the animal or vege- 

 table kingdom. 



To draw a line of distinction, then, between animals and ve- 

 getables, would be a very difficult task ; but it is not necessary 

 at present to attempt it ; for almost the only animals whose bo- 

 dies have been hitherto examined with any degree of chemical 

 accuracy, belong to the most perfect classes, and consequently 

 are in no danger of being confounded with plants. Indeed, the 

 greater number of facts which I have to relate apply only to the 

 human body, and to those of a few domestic animals. The task 

 of analysing all animal bodies is immense, and must be the work 

 of ages of indefatigable industry. 



