VITAL ruiNCiri.E. 39 



ed, and surrenders it to the influence of the laws of inorga- 

 nic matter. This last state is termed Death. 



We have already stated, that the vital principle, in the 

 formation of an organized body, acts in direct opposition to 

 the laws of chemistry or mechanics. With the cessation, 

 therefore, of the influence of the one, and the continued 

 combined operations of the others, we may anticipate very 

 remarkable changes. Perhaps the appearances of death 

 which first present themselves to our notice, proceed from the 

 influence exerted by the laws of mechanics. In obedience 

 to the power of gravitation, the pliant twig hangs down, 

 and the slender stem bends. In animals, the body falls to 

 the ground ; the pressure of the upper parts flattens those 

 on which the others rest ; the skin stretches out ; and the 

 graceful rotundity of life is exchanged for the oblateness of 

 death. The laws of chemistry then appear to operate, in 

 the production of the cadaverous smell, the prelude to pu- 

 trefaction, when dust returns to dust. 



CHAP. Ill, 



THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF ANIMALS AND 

 VEGETABLES. 



HAVING endeavoured to ascertain those characters which 

 are common to all organized bodies, it now remains that we 

 mark the limits which separate these into the two great 

 kingdoms of Animals and Vegetables, into which they have 

 been divided by the universal consent of mankind. The 

 undertaking may be regarded as peculiarly difficult, if we 

 judge from the variety of definitions which have been given, 

 and the still unsettled state of opinion among naturalists OH 



