PROCURING OBJECTS. 107 



the sensorium, but it is the stimulus of the blood the vital 

 fluid variously modified by the capillaries, which determines 

 the character of those impressions. Hence we find that those 

 parts which are but slightly supplied with capillary vessels are 

 comparatively dull of sensation, and vice versa. How other- 

 wise can we account for the different sensations produced by 

 inflammation in different tissues ? as for instance, the burning, 

 pungent pain of inflamed skin, contrasted with the dull, aching 

 sensation of inflammation in the fibrous tissue. 



May not the peculiar and delicate arrangements of the capil- 

 laries in the different coats of the eye; the ear; the papillae 

 of the skin ; and other organs of special sense, be referred to 

 the same design ? 



Other physiological facts also tend to establish this view. 

 " If the abdominal aorta be tied, the muscles of the lower 

 extremities will be paralysed, and on removing the ligature, 

 and allowing the blood to flow, the muscles will recover them- 

 selves." (Todd and Bowman.} We know, too, that the 

 stimulus of too much, or too rapid, blood on the brain, will pro- 

 duce delirium, and illusions of special sense : impressions being 

 made on the sensorium independent of the action of usual ex- 

 ternal stimuli. 



The theory above referred to, in order to explain or account 

 for these phenomena, may be expressed as follows : The prin- 

 ciple of life, or the capacity for vital action, is a property im- 

 pressed by the Great Creator upon the material organization 

 of both animals and vegetables. In addition to this, the pro- 

 perties of sensation and volition have been imparted to all ani- 

 mals. These properties point out the existence of a spiritual 

 being or entity (distinct from vital organization), which holds 

 its connexion with each part of the animal frame by means of 

 the nervous system. It is, however, essential to the integrity 

 of this connexion, and to the proper performance of the func- 



