VITAL PRINCIPLE. 29 



2. Moisture. After the germ has been produced by the 

 vital force of the parent, a determinate quantity of mois- 

 ture appears to be necessary to enable it to exercise the 

 functions of an independent being. In the case of the seeds 

 of plants, and the eggs of all the aquatic animals, the vital 

 spark, though existing, is unable to display its energies 

 when placed beyond the influence of water. Even after 

 the germs have expanded into maturity, the abstraction of 

 moisture frequently produces a cessation of every func- 

 tion. This assertion may be verified, by placing a snail in 

 a dry situation during the summer. Animation becomes sus- 

 pended, and will continue so for several years, but will re- 

 turn upon moistening the shell with water. Similar effects 

 may be observed with many of the infusory animalcules. 



These facts have given rise to the opinion which very ge- 

 nerally prevails, that the vital principle resides in the solids, 

 as solids, and that, by means of moisture, it exerts its in- 

 fluence on inorganic matter. Others, on the contrary, 

 considering that the fluids furnish the materials for the 

 construction of the different organs, and are indispensably 

 necessary in the various processes of absorption, secretion, 

 and every other function, consider that the vital principle 

 resides in the fluids. HARVEY and HUNTER assert, that 

 both the blood and the chyle have life ; while ALBINUS is 

 disposed to grant it even to the excrement. It is, however, 

 probable, that the living principle resides both in the solids 

 and fluids, as we can form no conception of an organized 

 body that does not consist of vessels and contained fluids ; 

 neither have we an idea of life that does not include the 

 motion of these fluids. The vital principle may be retain- 

 ed, though inactive, even after a considerable part of the 

 fluid has been extracted ; and, in the case of the snails 

 and animalcules, revive upon the addition of water. But 

 there is not a single experiment which countenances the idea 



